If you have filed a roof damage insurance claim following Hurricane Ida but are still battling with your insurance company, you are probably not alone. Although roofs are designed to withstand normal wind conditions, when winds reach hurricane speeds (74 mph or higher), a roof can only take so much, mainly if there are any weak spots or minor damage in the roof. Atmospheric pressure is the primary component responsible for entire roofs blowing off during a hurricane.
When air currents enter your home from a broken window or open doorway, pressure is created within the home, pushing upward on the roof. That upward push, combined with the wind on the outside pulling on the roof can take the roof off completely. In other cases, portions of the roof can be torn away, but not the entire roof. Boarding up doors and windows if you know a hurricane is headed your way can help maintain normal atmospheric pressure—and may also prevent flying debris from smashing through your windows.
Download: 10 Steps To Take After Hurricane Property Damage
If your roof was damaged (or the entire roof was taken off) during a hurricane, you will want to start the insurance claims process as quickly as possible by notifying your insurer. If you need immediate repairs to prevent further damage, be sure you keep every single receipt for any repairs you pay for. It can also be beneficial to speak to the legal team at New Orleans Legal, LLC. We understand how you are feeling right now, and we want to take some of that burden off your shoulders. We can handle the legal aspects of your roof damage insurance claim, giving you time to take care of everything else.
What to Do if Your Roof Comes Off During a Hurricane
If your entire roof has blown off during the hurricane, you must evacuate your home and attempt to find a roofer for emergency roof repair. A missing roof can weaken your entire home’s structure and expose your furnishings and personal possessions to the elements. If you cannot bear the cost of having a roofer put a new roof on your home (before you are sure your insurance will pay), you might consider having a roofer or contractor temporarily tarp the entire roof.
Before leaving your home, take the time to cover your indoor belongings with heavy plastic or tarps to ensure they are safe from rain. Whether you have emergency repairs done, pay for a whole new roof, or you have a contractor or roofer tarp your home, save every single receipt for items like this that you pay for so your insurance company can reimburse you. If you are uncertain of what you should do about a roof that has blown off, contact New Orleans Legal, LLC. We will take a look at your coverage and help you decide the right course of action for now and for the future.
How to Challenge an Insurance Roof Hail or Hurricane Claim Denial
Whether your roof is damaged by hail or hurricane winds, it can be a devastating blow to have your insurance company deny your claim. If you disagree with the denial by your insurance company, you have the right to dispute the denial. First, check your insurance policy and make sure the damage should be covered. So long as you have paid your premiums, the cost of the roof is more than your deductible, and you did not make any material misrepresentation on your original application, then you should be on solid ground when appealing a denial.
Call a local, reputable roof contractor to inspect the damage and give you an estimate on what it will cost to repair or replace your roof. Look over your letter of denial, so you understand why the insurance company is denying your claim; in some cases, your insurer may try to say your roof was damaged before the hurricane and that if you had taken care of the damage, the roof would not have been destroyed during the hurricane. The insurance company may also deny your claim based on the age of your roof.
Whatever the reason, if you believe the claim is covered, contact your insurer and ask for a reinspection. Make sure to have your roof contractor on-site to meet with the adjusters. If your roof repair claim is still denied, you can file an appeal with your insurance company. When you file the appeal, ask for a resolution date. If that date passes and you have heard nothing from your insurer, follow up. You can also request to speak to the company’s superiors or file a complaint with the regulatory agency in your state. Even better, you can talk to a highly experienced attorney from New Orleans Legal, LLC, and let them handle the claim denial process.
How the Roof Damage Attorneys at New Orleans Legal, LLC, Can Help
A denial of your roof damage insurance claim can be devastating news at a time when you are counting on your insurer to take care of you and your family. New Orleans Legal, LLC, and Attorney Peter Diiorio can help you with your insurance claim denial. We know that you may be feeling at the end of your rope uncertain of what to do or where to turn. We can help you through this challenging time by dealing with your insurance company’s denial of your claim while you spend your time putting your life back together. Contact New Orleans Legal, LLC today!
