Roof Damage Attorneys

Property Damage Attorneys Specializing in Roof Damage

Homeowners are no strangers to severe roof damage. Our homes are frequently subjected to strong storms, hail, and even tornadoes and hurricanes in some parts of the country.

These events can tear off or damage shingles and strip asphalt shingles of their granules, significantly reducing the life expectancy of your roof. It’s estimated that a normal asphalt shingle roof subjected to normal weather conditions will lose approximately three percent of its granules every year. Severe wind and hail have the potential to boost that rate 15 to 40 percent a year, drastically reducing the useful life of your roof.

Should the Insurance Company Pay to Have Your Roof Repaired or Replaced?

You pay your premiums so your insurance company will protect you from unpreventable losses such as these, but there are many scenarios where insurance companies push back on policyholders and try to argue that their damage shouldn’t be covered.

Claims adjusters and insurance companies often rely on a number of sometimes dubious “tests” when deciding whether a roof repair or roof replacement is justified. For this reason, it’s essential to consult an expert roof damage attorney to determine your best course of action.

The roof damage lawyers at Kanner & Pintaluga are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Having a structurally sound roof is an imperative part of your home. You need to keep your family safe and your financial investment protected. Perhaps more importantly, you must ensure your home is in the best condition possible before the next storm hits. This can help prevent devastating loss from occurring due to storms and other inclement weather that occurs around the country.

If your home has suffered roof damage and you’re looking to file a claim with your insurance carrier, contact a roof claim lawyer

A Word of Warning – Beware Fly-by-Night Roofing Contractors

If a contractor approaches you about repairing your roof damage with a too-good-to-be-true story, chances are good they are trying to take advantage of you and your insurance provider.

These roofing contractors enter areas recently effected by storms, fleece homeowners and insurance companies, then get out of town and are never heard from again or held accountable for their shoddy workmanship.

These “roofers” may tell you that they can act as an independent claims adjuster and will take your insurance claim payout as their full payment. Some will even offer to pay your deductible, which isn’t legal. The roofer will then perform substandard work and submit a bloated bill to your insurance company that includes repairs that weren’t needed or damages that didn’t truly exist. They may even go so far as to add non-roof damages to your claim to boost the insurance payment they receive.

When working with a roofing contractor on repairs after wind or hail damages your roof, make sure to check their reputation through the BBB, their license through Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and research the contractor online. If they approach you, aren’t licensed and you can’t find any record of the contractor or their previous jobs, chances are they are not a legitimate roofer.

Get Help If Your Roof Damage Claim Isn’t Being Treated Fairly

Having your roof replaced or repaired can be expensive, but it’s often necessary after severe winds or a hailstorm has caused extensive damage. If such a storm has recently hit your area, chances are your neighbors are filing similar claims, and the insurance company is going to have to be paying out a lot of money in claims.

Home insurance companies often do what they can to minimize these payments so the storm costs them less. One of the ways they save money on these disasters is by writing complicated policies with many peril exclusions and training claims adjusters to downplay the extent of the damage or find a plausible excluded peril to blame the damage on.

Mistakes or misattributed damages aren’t always nefarious. The volume of claims insurance companies receive after a big storm can be overwhelming for their staff. They may also be in a hurry to get policyholders the money they need to rebuild and make unintentional mistakes in the rush.

If you feel like your claim is being undervalued or treated unfairly, speak with a property damage attorney in Florida. The roof damage attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga have extensive experience helping clients get the money they need for roof repairs or replacements after wind damage or hail damage. Our property damage attorneys would be happy to speak with you about your situation.

Call 800-586-5555 for a FREE consultation with a Kanner & Pintaluga property and roof damage attorney.

Navigating the Roof Damage Insurance Claims Process

Dealing with roof damage and filing an insurance claim can be overwhelming. A lot of paperwork is involved, and the phone calls and correspondence regarding your claim can take up all your time. Worst of all, homeowners find themselves stressed as they try to ensure their homes’ safety and their families’ well-being. The fine print in insurance policies can be confusing, and many wonder what they’re entitled to and how much their insurance company is responsible for paying.

This is where contacting an experienced roof damage insurance claim lawyer becomes essential. Our team is standing by, ready to fight for the coverage and compensation you deserve. After all, you pay into your insurance policy year after year. It’s time to make sure that policy works for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the roof damage insurance claim process.

Step One: Assess the Roof Damage

Inspect your roof to assess the damage as soon as the storm passes, and it’s safe to do so. Look for visible signs like missing shingles, leaks, dents from hail, or structural damage. Document everything. Take photos of the immediate damage, record video on your phone, and write down essential information like dates and times.

Try to document both the interior and exterior. Remember that some signs of damage may not be readily apparent — you may notice worsening problems as the days pass. Take note of any new damage as soon as you realize it.

Step Two: Review Your Insurance Policy

It’s critical to understand your insurance coverage before filing a claim. Review your policy to understand what types of damage are covered. For example, some policies cover storm damage but not wear and tear. Look for exclusions that may apply to roof damage, such as damage caused by neglect or maintenance issues.

Lastly, review information regarding your deductibles. This will tell you how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Please note that some insurance policies have separate deductible clauses specifically relating to hurricane damage.

If you have questions regarding coverage and compensation, contact a damaged roof attorney immediately at this time. We’ll help you understand your policy and what you may be entitled to as far as payout.

Step Three: Contact Your Insurance Company

Next, you need to report the roof damage to your insurance company as quickly as possible. You can do this by phone, online, or mobile app. You’ll need to provide the carrier with damage documentation and information regarding the cause.

Step Four: Schedule an Inspection with an Adjuster

Your insurance company will require an official inspection from an adjuster outlining the specific damage to your roof. This adjuster will assess the damage and determine the estimated repair costs. You’ll need to be present for the inspection to answer some basic questions regarding the damage, the event that caused the damage, and your property’s history.

Once the inspection is complete, request a copy of the adjuster’s report for your records and keep this on file with other essential documents.

Step Five: Get Repair Estimates

It’s a good idea to get estimates from at least two or three reputable roofing contractors. These quotes will give you a better idea of the actual repair costs. Compare the estimates and make sure they align with the damage identified by the adjuster.

Step Six: Review Your Claim Settlement Offer

Your insurance company will provide a claim settlement offer based on the adjuster’s report and the contractor’s estimate. This may be a lump sum payment or a schedule of payments for the repairs.

Review the offer carefully, ensuring it covers the full cost of repairs, including labor, materials, and any necessary permits. If the offer is insufficient, you can negotiate or appeal the claim. This is where having a roof attorney on your side becomes particularly beneficial.

It’s common for insurance companies to attempt to underpay claims. Often, major storms bring a surge of damage to a region, and many homeowners file claims at once. This leaves insurance companies stressed as they try to protect their profits. Don’t let a carrier try to make you an offer that’s less than you deserve.

Having a roof damage lawyer review an offer is always a good idea before you accept. We’ll fight to get you the highest payout possible.

Step Seven: Negotiate the Settlement

If you feel the insurance offer is too low, you have the right to dispute it. You can provide additional evidence, such as expert opinions or repair estimates, to support your case. If you haven’t done so, now is the time to contact a roof attorney for support and guidance.

Roof damage attorneys can help you advocate for a fair settlement and represent you in court if necessary.

Step Eight: Accept the Settlement and Start Repairs or Replacement

Once you’ve negotiated a fair settlement or the insurance company offers an acceptable payout, you can approve the settlement and proceed with the repairs. Choose a reliable contractor to repair your roof. Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced with the type of damage you’re dealing with.

If you can’t negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company, this may be the time that a roof damage lawyer advises you to proceed with a lawsuit. If this is the case, the team at Kanner & Pintaluga will advise you on the next steps.

Step Nine: Finalize Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim

After your contractor completes the roof repairs or replacement, submit any final invoices or receipts to the insurance company, if required, for final claim processing. Once the insurance company processes all paperwork and releases your final payout, confirm that the claim is closed and that you’ve received the full amount.

Damaged Roof Attorneys: Frequently Asked Questions

Dealing with roof damage can feel overwhelming, but knowing that your insurance claim can help restore your home and restore a sense of safety and security brings hope amid the chaos. Many homeowners have questions regarding their insurance policies, coverage, and potential payout following storms and accidents.

The roof damage attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga are here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these insurance claims.