Roof Insurance Damage Claim Attorneys
Contact Our Dedicated Insurance Lawyer If Your Claim Has Been Denied
As a homeowner, you faithfully pay your home insurance company. When tragedy strikes and your roof becomes damaged, you rightfully expect proper reimbursement from your insurance provider. When your claim is denied, an insurance dispute law firm such as the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. can assist you with your claim.
Common Roof Issues
There are many problems that can negatively affect the quality of your roof. Because it is such an integral part of your home, it is important to know what to look for. Roof leaks are one of the most common issues.
- When the flashing on your roof deteriorates due to weather or becomes loosened, water can leak through.
- The soffit, wood beneath the overhanging roof, may have holes, rotting or cracks.
- Shingles often become discolored or go missing which threatens the integrity of your roof.
- Damaged flashing along the edge of a roof can allow water to seep in through cracks.
Large storms have powerful winds and hail that can damage or tear off shingles from your roof. Hurricanes may even cause trees or large branches to fall on your home. After severe weather, it is important to inspect your home and file a claim with your insurance company if there are any issues.
Common Causes of Roof Damage
Roof damage can happen because of any number of reasons, but the home insurance lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have seen these for causes time after time. They can happen by themselves or in combination with one another.
Routine Wear & Tear
Your roof is the first line of defense for the home. Though it’s expected to provide protection for many years, it will undergo routine wear and tear during that time. Wear and tear mean regular rainfall, wind on a breezy day, and sun exposure. Then when humidity and high temperatures are factored in, any roof will eventually begin to wear down. Because it occurs gradually, many homeowners are unaware of the damage being done until they file an insurance claim and need the help of an Orlando roofing lawyer.
Storms & Hurricanes
Storms, whether rainstorms or severe thunderstorms, along with hurricanes are obvious sources of roof damage in Florida. It’s not only the high winds and an excessive amount of rain that can damage a roof. Many of these storms also bring lightning and hail, both of which easily and quickly damage roofs.
Trees
Trees don't need a storm to bring limbs and branches crashing down onto your roof. A dying tree has weakened limbs which may break on their own, especially if they're large and weighty. But any weakened tree near a home combined with a windy day or full-blown storm often results in a damaged roof.
Sun
The sun packs a double punch to any roof with extreme heat and radiation exposure. Shingles and other roofing material crack, warp and decay when exposed to the full sun which is common in Florida. As the shingles deteriorate, they lose the ability to stop water from entering through the roof.
Frequent Reasons For Roof Damage Claim Denials
An insurance company has a slew of reasons for denying a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage. As a result, policyholders usually need the help of an experienced roof damage claims attorney in Orlando. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. has helped many homeowners through the years by taking on the insurance company after a denied claim and getting the full monetary amount for the roof damage.
Missed Filing Deadline
Home insurance companies in Florida require policyholders to promptly notify them of any claim under the aptly named prompt notice provision. Though there isn’t a specific definition of prompt notice, it’s generally recommended to notify your company within 30 days of roof damage.
Wind Damage Vs. Flood Damage
A wind-damaged roof that allows water into the home is often covered by most homeowners insurance policies, but flood damage isn't. That's because flooding usually has to be covered by a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. A property damage lawyer with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. knows how to review a policy and build the best defense for you against a denied roof damage claim.
Pre-Existing Damage
Pre-existing damage is a go-to reason for an insurance company to deny a roof damage claim. Unless the homeowner has documentation, such as photos, of the roof before and after damage, an insurance company will more often than not state the roof was already damaged. Because this reason is used so much, an Orlando roof claim attorney from the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. will know exactly how to dispute the insurance company’s reasoning and get them to reverse the denial.
Protect Yourself Against Insurance Companies
When an insurance company is refusing to pay for damages, it is most likely because they claim you had pre-existing damage, your roof was originally constructed poorly or they will provide you with an estimate that is lower than the actual cost of repairs. If you suspect bad faith insurance, you should call one our Florida insurance lawyers. At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. we work hard to make sure you get the money you are promised by your contract. Our property insurance lawyer will help you collect evidence, decipher their legal vocabulary, consult objective experts and negotiate with them.
Right to Repair & Your Roof Damage Claim
Though the concept of the right to repair, or option to repair, has been around for years in the insurance industry, only recently has it become a popular solution for insurance companies in Florida. In theory, it sounds like a win-win for policyholders and the insurance company. The insurance company finds a contractor to repair the damaged roof, saving you the time and hassle of finding a contractor.
But a skilled roof damage attorney knows this is rarely the case. It’s a win-win for the insurance company only. Too often the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have seen and heard of substandard repairs and repairs done without proper permits after an insurance company used its right to repair. Before signing any right to repair paperwork from your insurance company, take the time to speak with a home insurance claim attorney in Orlando about your legal rights.
What Clients Can expect From Our Insurance Law Firm
With the help of an Orlando insurance lawyer you will most likely receive payment that will cover the attorney costs. This amount will also include the repairs for interior water damage or possessions that were affected by water intrusion. We will ensure your company does not require an inaccurate deductible. The deductible for hurricanes are approximately 3 to 7 percent higher in returns.
Roof Damage Dispute Attorneys in Orlando, FL
If you find yourself the victim of a denied claim or suspect your insurance company of bad faith insurance, set up a consultation with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. We are experienced insurance dispute lawyers in Orlando you can trust and we will fight to make sure you receive the proper payment you deserve.