Am I losing my mind?
Here’s a quick backstory:
I’ve owned my home for five years, and I’m aware that the roof (made of hardi-slate from the mid-90s) has known manufacturing defects. However, I was unaware of the extent of the defects until recently, aside from the fact that I was advised not to walk on it.
After a recent storm, the roof sustained damage, with about a dozen tiles missing in one section.
Unfortunately, my insurance claim was denied due to the known defective material.
My defense is that I’ve lived here for five years, and every other insurance company I’ve dealt with has instructed me to fix roofs or decks, or face cancellation.
The insurance company had ample opportunity over the past five years to inspect the roof and inform me that it wouldn’t be covered.
The agent kept bringing up hidden defects in the walls, but I pointed out that we’re talking about the roof. It’s not like the problem was concealed; anyone knowledgeable about insuring roofs could have evaluated it easily. I’ve even received warnings about exterior maintenance issues in the past.
At what point does it become the insurance company’s responsibility to thoroughly assess the property? Just to clarify, this situation is in Hawaii.
If they had told me to repair the roof or risk losing coverage, I would have accepted that. But being informed after the fact is incredibly frustrating for me.
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel upset about your insurance claim being denied, especially after five years of coverage. You’re not crazy to feel this way. Insurance companies have a responsibility to assess risk accurately, and if they were aware of a known issue with your roof that could affect coverage, they should have communicated that to you earlier.
It’s particularly troubling that they didn’t perform a thorough inspection or inform you about potential issues with the roof when you initially purchased the policy or even during your time with them. It does seem unreasonable to only address the matter post-damage, especially when you’ve been diligent about maintenance and compliance with their requirements.
You may want to consider the following steps:
Review Your Policy: Look through your insurance policy to understand the specific terms regarding coverage exclusions related to known defects.
Gather Documentation: Compile any relevant documentation, including past communications with your agent, inspection reports, and details about the roof’s condition.
Contact the Insurance Commission: Since you’re in Hawaii, you can contact the state’s insurance regulatory body for guidance on your rights.
Seek Professional Advice: It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims to evaluate your case further.
Consider a Second Opinion: You might want to get an inspection from an independent roofing expert who can provide you with an assessment of your roof’s condition and support your case.
You deserve clarity and fair treatment in this situation. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution!