Subject: Roof Claim Inquiry
My parents filed a roof claim in 2014 and were approved for a complete roof replacement. Instead, they opted for some repairs. Now, in 2025, they experienced a hailstorm. Can they file another claim for a full roof replacement? Is there a possibility that if they had replaced the entire roof back in 2014, the roof would need replacing now anyway due to its age? (I hope this makes sense.) Would filing another claim be considered fraudulent? I suggested they might need to cover the costs out of pocket, as I’m concerned that submitting another claim could be seen as “illegal.”
Edit: They have been with their current insurance company for about eight years. The insurance provider they used in 2014 was a different company, and they had been with them for a substantial period as well.
It sounds like your parents are in a somewhat complex situation regarding their roof claim. Here are a few key points to consider:
Claim History and Policy Terms: Insurance policies often have specific terms regarding how many claims can be made in a certain period, and how repairs versus full replacements are handled. It’s important for your parents to review their current policy for any limitations or clauses regarding prior claims.
Replacement vs. Repair: Since they only made repairs after the 2014 claim, the roof would have continued to age and might not necessarily be considered as a full replacement. This could affect how the insurance company views their current situation. The age of the current roof (which would be around 11 years old now) may factor into the claim decision.
New Damage: If the hail storm caused significant damage to the roof, they may have grounds to file a new claim, assuming the damage is beyond the scope of what was repaired and that they meet any other claim requirements.
Potential for Fraud: Filing a new claim when they didn’t actually replace the roof could raise questions, especially if the damage is assessed as being related to the prior claim. It’s crucial to be honest and transparent with the insurance company to avoid any implications of fraud.
Consulting the Insurance Company: The best course of action would be for them to contact their current insurance company to discuss the situation. The company can provide clarification on their coverage, any potential limitations, and the correct steps to take for filing a new claim.
Ultimately, transparency is key, and your parents should seek advice directly from their insurance provider to ensure they’re handling the situation appropriately.