What to Do After a Hail Damage Claim Denied Palos Heights
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofs, siding, and other parts of your home. Filing an insurance claim is often the first step homeowners take to recover from the storm’s impact. However, not all claims are approved. If you had a denied claim Palos Heights, it’s important to remain proactive and take the right steps to protect your home and your financial interests. Here’s what to do next in the Chicagoland area, whether you’re in Palos Heights or beyond.
1. Review the Denial Letter
The first step after a denial is to carefully read the denial letter from your insurance company. The letter will outline the reasons for the denial. Common reasons for denial include:
- Insufficient Documentation: Lack of photos or reports proving the damage. Check out the NAIC’s (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) article about what you should do when filing a claim.
- Policy Exclusions: The damage may fall outside the coverage terms of your policy. See what the 10 most common reasons for having your claim denied here.
- Pre-existing Conditions: The insurer may claim the damage existed before the storm.
Understanding the exact reason for the denial will help you determine how to proceed.
2. Request a Reinspection
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, you can request a reinspection. Hail damage can sometimes be overlooked during an initial inspection, especially if it’s subtle or requires a trained eye to detect. Hiring an independent roofing contractor for a second opinion is a smart move. At Make It Happen Roofing, we specialize in identifying storm-related damage and can provide documentation to support your claim.
3. Gather Additional Evidence
Strengthen your case by collecting more evidence of the hail damage. This includes:
- Photos and Videos: Take clear, timestamped images of the damage. Here is proof of crazy hail in Palos Heights!
- Weather Reports: Obtain local weather data from the day of the storm to confirm the presence of hail in Palos Heights.
- Professional Inspections: A licensed contractor can document the extent of the damage with detailed reports and photos.
The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be for reopening your claim.
4. Appeal the Decision
Insurance companies allow policyholders to appeal claim denials. Write a formal letter explaining why you believe the decision should be reversed. Include:
- Your claim number and policy information.
- A summary of the damage and the supporting evidence you’ve gathered.
- Any professional assessments or contractor reports.
Be persistent but professional when communicating with your insurer.
5. Consider Professional Help
If the appeal process feels overwhelming, or if your insurer continues to deny the claim, consider working with a public adjuster or legal professional. Public adjusters specialize in negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of homeowners, and their expertise can make a significant difference.
6. Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Home
While you’re working through the claim denial, it’s crucial to address the damage to prevent further issues. Temporary fixes, such as tarping a damaged roof or sealing cracks, can help minimize additional damage until repairs are completed.
At Make It Happen Roofing, we understand the urgency of protecting your home after a hailstorm. Our team is ready to provide fast, reliable solutions in Palos Heights and the surrounding Chicagoland area.
7. Explore Financing Options
If your claim appeal is unsuccessful, you still have options to address the damage. Financing plans, like those offered by GreenSky, can help make necessary repairs affordable. Investing in a new roof or repairs now can save you from costlier problems later.
Why Choose Make It Happen Roofing?
As Chicagoland’s trusted roofing experts, we have extensive experience handling storm damage and insurance claims. With our 4.9-star rating on Google and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, you can count on us for:
- Comprehensive inspections and documentation.
- Expert guidance throughout the claims process.
- High-quality repairs and replacements using premium materials.
Don’t Let a Denied Claim Stop You
A denied hail damage claim doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With the right approach and professional support, you can protect your home and get the repairs you need.
Contact Make It Happen Roofing today for a free inspection and consultation in Palos Heights. We’re here to help you navigate the next steps with confidence.