Roofing Insurance Claim Lawyer

When serious storms hit, significant property damage follows. Few types of property damage trigger as many claims- or as many disputes- as roof damage. Roofs usually bear the brunt of the damage and expense to repair, which means that insurers scrutinize that damage closely. As homeowners turn to their insurers to cash in on their policies, many will find their claims denied, giving rise to even more loss and further frustration. Sadly, a surprising number of homeowners either give up when challenged or accept what amounts to nuisance value.

At Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we represent policyholders whose roof damage claims have been denied, delayed, or undervalued. If you are facing an uphill battle with your own claim for roof damage, our attorneys can help you get the coverage to which you are entitled.

When Is Roof Damage Covered by Insurance?

Roof damage comes in many forms: shingles or tiles ripped off by high winds, holes punched through by hail, and water leakage after heavy rainfall. While most standard policies cover these types of repairs, insurance companies tend to look for any excuse to avoid paying out, and they cling to policy provisions and exclusions that you likely are not aware of.

In other words, if the insurance company finds that your roof damage was caused by something other than an act of nature, they may deny your claim. To that end, they will research the roof’s prior condition, determine its age, and examine maintenance records. They even order up archived aerial photography of your roof, and claim that supports pre-existing damage, even though there are many flaws with the “evidence”.  

If they conclude the damage is a result of your negligence or simple wear and tear, they can simply say your claim is exempted from coverage under the contract.

Common Reasons Roof Damage Claims Are Denied or Underpaid

Insurers have a financial incentive to reduce payouts wherever possible. In roof damage cases, that often translates into aggressive use of policy exclusions, vague assessments, or manipulative tactics. In sum, they do not always play fair.

Common reasons for denial or underpayment include:

• Alleging “pre-existing damage” or deferred maintenance
• Blaming the damage on uncovered causes, such as poor workmanship or age
• Blaming “foot traffic”, another form of highly flawed “evidence”
• Applying cosmetic exclusions, especially in metal roofing systems
• Invoking depreciation to reduce the value of the roof, particularly for older properties
• Claiming insufficient documentation or delay in reporting
• Using biased engineers or adjusters who downplay the scope or source of damage
• Using archival aerial photography, which often proves nothing
• Using skewed and deceptively interpreted meteorological reports

These justifications can be misleading, especially when applied broadly without a thorough or independent assessment. Our firm works with engineers, roofing contractors, and other experts to counter biased reports with evidence of our own.

Protect Yourself: What to Do After Your Roof Is Damaged

To preserve your insurance claim, here is what we recommend:

• Document everything. Take photos and videos of all your property damage inside and out. Keep notes of the weather event that caused your damage and how it impacted your area.
• Secure the property. Use tarps or temporary repairs to prevent further water damage—and save receipts.
• Request a full copy of your policy. You’ll need to know what coverages apply and where limits or exclusions may lie.
• Report the damage promptly. Notify your insurance company in writing and track all correspondence. Keep all e mails.
• Get a legal opinion. If you suspect the insurer is not treating your claim fairly, speak to a roofing attorney early.

How a Roof Damage Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim

Insurance companies take a different posture when they know a policyholder has competent legal representation. At Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we analyze your claim from every angle: coverage triggers, exclusions, policy language, factual support, expert interpretation, and insurer conduct.

We do not just demand payment; we demonstrate your entitlement under the policy and support it with credible, documented evidence. If the insurer has acted in bad faith, we can pursue legal action beyond the original claim, seeking additional damages where warranted under the applicable jurisdiction law.

Roofing Insurance Claims in Court

Whether your property is residential or part of a commercial property claim, we treat every insurance claim like it is headed to litigation. Insurers pay when they know we mean business and when they know that we have tried cases before. If we can’t get a fair settlement offer through tough negotiation, we have no problem filing a lawsuit.

Get Help With Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim Today

If your property insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC can step in. Whether the damage stems from hail damage, hurricanes, or tropical storms, we build each file with the depth and rigor required to position our clients for a strong recovery.

We represent property owners nationwide, from the hail-prone Midwest to the hurricane-impacted Gulf and Treasure Coasts. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.