Filing a Roof Claim After Policy Nonrenewal
I find myself in a bit of a tricky insurance situation and would appreciate any advice.
In October, my insurance company notified me that they would conduct an exterior inspection of my property. At the time, I lived in Georgia, shortly after Hurricane Helene had passed. The inspection took place in November, and by late January, I received a letter stating that they would not be renewing my policy due to overhanging branches from my neighbor’s oak trees and granular loss on my roof—even though my roof is only six years old, and I have the original receipt as proof.
As a result, I started looking for a new insurance provider, and I’ve since had the trees pruned, so that issue is resolved. I also called in a couple of independent roofing professionals to evaluate the condition of my roof. Both confirmed that there was hail damage, but they also noted that the roof has no leaks and is generally in good shape. Importantly, both roofers and my insurance agent pointed out that a 1” hailstorm hit my neighborhood last July, which should cover the hail damage under my previous policy. They believe this could lead to a successful claim and a complete roof and gutter replacement.
Now, I’m wondering if it’s worth it to file a claim with my old insurance company for the hail damage. My current policy ends at the end of this month, and my new policy will take effect soon after. The roofers seem confident that insurance would cover the repairs, but I’m concerned about how this may affect my new policy. I’d love to have a new roof for just the cost of my deductible, but I’m unsure what steps to take next. I have a couple of weeks to decide, so any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Navigating insurance claims can be complex, especially when transitioning to a new policy. Here are a few thoughts to consider:
File a Claim: Since you’ve received advice from independent roofers confirming hail damage, it could be advisable to file a claim with your old insurance company. Given that they conducted an inspection and noted issues, they may have some liability if hail damage occurred during your policy period.
Policy Coverage: Review the terms of your old policy regarding claims after nonrenewal. In many cases, you may still be eligible to file a claim for damage that occurred while your policy was active. If the policy covers hail damage, it could benefit you to file the claim.
Potential Impact on New Policy: Concerns about your new policy affecting your claim are valid, but since the hail damage occurred before the nonrenewal, it shouldn’t impact your eligibility for coverage. However, it’s wise to discuss with your new insurance agent to understand how this might affect your new policy, especially if you have an ongoing claim.
Deductibles and Payouts: Keep in mind that any claim you file will have a deductible, which will be deducted from your total payout. If the cost of the new roof exceeds your deductible, it might still be worth pursuing.
Consulting with Experts: If you’re still unsure, consider consulting with a public adjuster or an insurance attorney. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation, including potential outcomes and strategies to ensure your best interests are protected.
Timing: Ensure you file your claim with the old insurer before your policy ends. There may be time constraints that could impact your ability to seek coverage for the hail damage.
Ultimately, it could be beneficial to pursue the claim, especially since it seems there’s a good chance of coverage based on the roofers’ assessments. Good luck, and make sure to keep records of all communications and inspections related to your claim!