Roof Claim Answers

Why did insurance deny my hail damage claim?

Short answer. The most common reasons are that the adjuster did not find functional hail damage, blamed the damage on age or wear, decided it came from an earlier storm, applied a cosmetic damage exclusion, or found the covered damage was below the deductible. Each reason has a specific kind of evidence that answers it, so the denial letter's exact wording tells you what to gather.

No hail damage observed

Often this means the adjuster counted too few hits, tested only some slopes, or relied on a drone or ladder view. Answer with test squares on every directional slope, close-up photos with a scale, and dented soft metals. See test squares.

Wear and tear or blistering

Blisters and age-related granule loss can resemble hail at a glance. Hail bruises feel soft, sit in a random pattern, and line up with dents on metals facing the same direction. See wear vs hail damage.

Prior damage or date of loss

If the insurer believes the damage came from an older storm, it may say the loss happened before the policy began or was already paid. Storm reports, dated photos and a clear date of loss help.

Hail too small

Some denials rest on weather data showing small hail. Radar-based estimates are not perfect, and hail size can vary from one street to the next, so physical evidence on the roof and metals carries real weight.

Cosmetic only

If your policy has a cosmetic damage exclusion, dents that do not affect function may be excluded. The question becomes whether the damage lets water in or shortens the roof's life.

Below the deductible

The damage is covered, but the estimate does not exceed your deductible. Check whether slopes or components were missed before accepting that result.

Your next step

Ask in writing for the specific reason and the evidence used. Georgia's unfair claims settlement law requires a reasonable explanation of a denial when you request it in writing. Then answer that reason with matching evidence and ask for a reinspection.

In depth

How does the appraisal clause work on a roof insurance claim?How roof claim appraisal works: each side's appraiser, the umpire, what you pay, how long it takes, and what aMy roof claim was denied. What should I do now?Roof claim denied in Georgia? Read the letter, get the adjuster's file, request a reinspection, use appraisal,How do adjusters tell wear and tear from hail damage on a shingle roof?Blisters, thermal cracks, aging granule loss and defects versus true hail bruises: how to tell them apart on a

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