When a severe hailstorm hit Palos Hills, Illinois, in May 2024, a local commercial property owner did what any responsible building manager would do — they filed a commercial storm damage insurance claim for visible storm-related damage to their rooftop HVAC systems.
Despite the obvious impact, the insurance carrier denied the claim, citing “normal wear and tear.” For many property owners, that might have been the end of the road.
But for this business, it was just the beginning of their commercial storm damage insurance claim process.
The Denial: Wear and Tear vs. Storm Damage
Rooftop HVAC systems are critical to maintaining functionality in commercial properties — and they are also among the most vulnerable components during a hailstorm.
After the storm, the insurance adjuster inspected the building and stated that the damage was not storm-related. The conclusion: no hail impact, no coverage. The client was left with a denial letter and a significant bill for equipment that was no longer operating efficiently — or safely.
Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than most business owners realize. Commercial insurance policies can be complex, and denials are often based on quick surface-level evaluations rather than in-depth inspections by specialists.
Bringing in the Right Experts
When the client contacted our team at Make It Happen Adjusters, we began with a comprehensive evaluation of the commercial storm damage insurance claim loss, including documentation, site photographs, and a professional HVAC assessment.
The results were clear:
- All 10 HVAC units showed evidence of hail impact.
- 9 units required full replacement.
- 1 unit was repairable but had moderate damage.
- The orientation of the rooftop equipment aligned directly with the storm’s path.
This wasn’t wear and tear. It was clear storm-related destruction — and it required immediate attention for the commercial storm damage to be resolved.
Turning the Claim Around
Armed with our evidence, the commercial storm damage insurance claim was reopened, and we worked directly with the insurance carrier to present the facts. We challenged the initial conclusion and provided the expert documentation they had missed the first time around.
Eventually, the decision was reversed, and the client received full approval to restore their rooftop HVAC systems — with all work completed and brought back to code.
Why Commercial Property Owners Must Act Quickly
One of the most important lessons from this case is timing. In Illinois, property owners have a limited window to dispute insurance decisions and file supplemental claims. If you delay, you risk losing out on coverage altogether. This is particularly critical when managing a commercial storm damage insurance claim.
In this case, the building owner acted quickly and partnered with professionals who understood the unique challenges of commercial restoration. The result: the property is now operating with a brand-new HVAC system, and the building is fully functional — without absorbing unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
What Sets Us Apart in Commercial Restoration Claims
At Make It Happen, we specialize in helping commercial property owners manage the full scope of storm damage claims, including:
- HVAC, flat roof, and mechanical damage
- Large-loss inspections and reporting
- Policy review and negotiation
- Coordination with contractors and vendors
Our team includes licensed public adjusters, roofing professionals, and storm restoration experts. When claims are denied, underpaid, or delayed, we step in and handle the fight — so you don’t have to.
If you’d like to see examples of how we help clients navigate the commercial storm damage insurance claim process, visit our blog or learn more about our storm damage restoration process.
Schedule a Commercial Property Inspection
If your commercial building has experienced hail or wind damage, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Our team is available for fast, no-cost inspections to determine whether your property qualifies for an insurance-covered restoration.
Visit our inspection request page to get started, or call us directly to discuss your situation with a licensed professional.