How to Respond to a Denied or Underpaid Roof Claim in Indiana

Getting a denial letter, or a check that's far less than your contractor's estimate, is frustrating. It isn't always the end of the road. Here's how to respond in an organized way.

1. Read the letter closely

A denial or partial denial should explain the reason and usually cites specific policy language. Common reasons on roof claims include:

• Wear and tear or age: the insurer says the damage isn't from a storm.
• No storm-related damage found during the inspection.
• Damage below the deductible.
• Late reporting, or damage from a date before the policy started.
• Exclusions, such as for cosmetic damage, if your policy has one.

Write down exactly what the insurer is relying on. Your response needs to address that reason specifically.

2. Get your complete policy

Ask your insurer or agent for a complete copy of your policy, including the declarations page and every endorsement. Endorsements can change coverage significantly, such as roof payment schedules, cosmetic damage exclusions, or separate wind and hail deductibles.

3. Gather evidence

• Your photos and video from right after the storm
• The storm date and any weather or hail reports for your area
• Contractor inspection reports and estimates
• Any prior roof inspections, repair records, or the roof's install date
• All letters, emails, and notes from conversations with the insurer

4. Ask for a re-inspection or reconsideration

You can ask the insurer to reconsider, re-inspect, or send a different adjuster. Put your request in writing, explain why you disagree, and include your evidence. Keep copies of everything you send.

5. For underpayments, compare line by line

If the claim was paid but the amount is too low, compare the insurer's estimate to your contractor's. Look for missing items, low quantities, the wrong materials, and how depreciation was applied. A supplement request should list each item and the reason it belongs. Learn more about underpaid claims.

6. Understand appraisal

Many homeowners policies include an appraisal clause for disagreements over the amount of a loss. Each side picks an appraiser, and an umpire resolves differences. Appraisal usually doesn't decide whether something is covered at all. Read your policy's appraisal provision to see how it works and what it costs.

7. Know where else to turn

• The Indiana Department of Insurance accepts consumer complaints about insurers.
• A licensed public adjuster can review the claim, re-document the damage, and handle the negotiation for you. See our denied claims page.
• An attorney may be the right call for coverage disputes or when litigation is on the table. Public adjusters can't give legal advice.

8. Watch the deadlines

Policies often include time limits for reporting, for submitting proof of loss, for completing repairs to recover depreciation, and for filing a lawsuit. Check your policy and act promptly.

If your roof claim was denied or underpaid in Indianapolis, Carmel, Anderson, or elsewhere in central Indiana, request a free claim review. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help.