A denied claim isn't always the final word.
Getting a denial letter is frustrating, but it doesn't always mean the damage isn't real or that you're out of options. Many denials come down to documentation or scope, and that's something a thorough, professional re-inspection can speak to.
Find out where the claim stands.
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A denial usually has a reason, and a reason can be addressed.
Insurers deny claims for specific, common reasons. Understanding which one applies to you is the first step, because some are about the damage itself and others are about how it was documented or filed.
Insufficient documentation
One of the most common reasons. If the damage wasn't documented thoroughly in the format the adjuster needed, it can be missed or dismissed.
Damage called "wear and tear"
Insurers may classify storm damage as age or normal wear, which typically isn't covered. A trained eye can tell storm damage from aging.
Filed past the deadline
Policies have time limits for reporting damage. Waiting too long after a storm is a frequent reason a claim gets turned down.
Damage under the deductible
If the assessed damage came in below your deductible, there's nothing for the carrier to pay, even if real damage exists.
Scope disagreement
Sometimes it's partial, the adjuster scoped less than the actual damage. That's a scope dispute, not a flat denial.
Excluded cause or policy gap
Some causes or conditions are excluded by the policy itself. In that case the denial may simply reflect your coverage.
Your steps after a denial.
Don't panic, and don't assume it's over. Work through these in order. The goal is to understand the denial and, if the damage is real and documentable, give yourself the best path forward with your carrier.
Read the denial letter carefully
Your insurer must give a reason. Find it. "Wear and tear," "below deductible," "reported late," and "no covered damage" all point to very different next steps. Keep every document.
Get a free, independent re-inspection
Have a qualified roofer re-inspect and document the roof thoroughly. A lot of storm damage is missed from the ground or in a quick adjuster visit. This tells you whether there's real, documentable damage. Request a free re-inspection →
Gather your documentation
Pull together your denial letter, policy, original photos, and our inspection findings. A claim is reconsidered on evidence, so the stronger and clearer the documentation, the better.
Ask your carrier for a re-inspection or review
You can contact your insurer to request a re-inspection or submit a supplement with the new documentation. This is your claim and your policy, so the request goes through you to your carrier. We provide the professional findings to support it.
Know your escalation options
If you still disagree, you have options beyond us: you can request your policy's appraisal clause, file a complaint with your state insurance department, or consult a licensed public adjuster or attorney. We'll be honest about when that's the right call.
We bring the evidence. You stay in control of the claim.
Our role is straightforward and honest, we're roofing experts, not your insurer's adversary:
- Re-inspect thoroughly and find damage that a quick look can miss.
- Document it properly, photos, measurements, and a clear report in the format adjusters use.
- Give you an honest read, including telling you when a denial looks correct.
- Hand you the findings to submit to your carrier, and meet the adjuster on a re-inspection.
What we can do, and what we can't.
It's important to be clear, because some companies blur this line. We're a licensed contractor. We help with the part we're qualified for: finding and documenting roof damage and doing the repair.
- Re-inspect and document the damage thoroughly
- Provide our professional findings and report
- Meet your adjuster on a re-inspection
- Complete the repair if the claim is approved
- Negotiate or adjust your claim or settlement
- Act as your public adjuster or representative
- Give legal advice on your policy
- Promise or guarantee a denial will be reversed
We are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services (Iowa Code §522C). For adjusting or legal representation, you can consult a licensed public adjuster or attorney, or your state insurance department.
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Q.01Can a denied roof claim be reopened?+
Q.02Why was my claim denied if I clearly have damage?+
Q.03What can Buckshot actually do about a denial?+
Q.04Are you a public adjuster?+
Q.05What if the re-inspection shows the denial was correct?+
Q.06How much does the re-inspection cost?+
Storm & insurance resources.
Before you accept the denial, get a second look.
Request a free, thorough re-inspection and we'll tell you honestly what's there and document it properly, so you can make an informed decision about your next step with your carrier. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest if it's approved. Since 1979, any carrier.
This page is general information for homeowners and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Whether a denied or underpaid claim can be reconsidered depends on your policy, the cause and extent of documented damage, applicable deadlines, and your insurer's determination; coverage and claim decisions are made by your insurer, not by Buckshot, and we do not promise or guarantee any claim outcome. Buckshot is a licensed contractor and is not a public adjuster; we do not adjust, negotiate, or represent you on claims, and we are not Iowa public adjusters nor do we offer public adjusting services (Iowa Code §522C). For claim representation or disputes you may consult a licensed public adjuster or attorney or contact your state insurance department. We document damage and complete repairs as your contractor. WI Lic. DC-080900045 · IL Lic. 104017198 · Family-Owned Since 1979.