Insurance companies pay out billions of dollars in roof damage insurance claims every year. Because roof damage is such a liability to insurance companies, many companies are trying to find ways to deny claims, either by changing or by limiting coverage. If you have experienced roof damage and are in the process of making a claim, it is important to understand your rights. Additionally, if you purchase homeowner’s insurance, it is a good idea to check for any changes your insurance company makes to your policy. If your roof has been damaged, it is important to make a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. However, not all individuals understand their policies or understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are having difficulty making a roof damage claim, or have questions about the settlement an adjuster is offering, it may be wise to speak to a roof damage insurance lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC Attorneys at Law are qualified lawyers who work to hold insurance companies accountable to their clients.
Steps for Filing a Roof Damage Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In Florida, a roof can get damaged due to a number of reasons. During hurricane and tropical storm season, high winds can damage your roof. Falling trees can also lead to roof damage. Hail can also lead to wear and tear on a roof and damage. Whatever the cause, if your roof has been damaged and you have homeowner’s insurance, it is important to file a roof damage claim. Here are some things to keep in mind:
We suggest you call us FIRST, for a free consultation and to assist you in taking the right steps and finding the appropriate professional to help you based upon your particular situation.
During each step of the process, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. You don’t have to accept the adjuster’s initial estimates of damages. In some cases, an adjuster may use computer programs that may offer you an initial lower estimate of damages in the hope that you’ll settle. If your costs are higher than the initial offer, you may want to speak to a roof damage insurance lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A qualified attorney can review your policy, the details of your case, and help you fight to get the compensation you may deserve for your case. Roof damage can be costly. You pay for homeowner’s insurance to protect you in the event of damage. Your insurance company has a responsibility to honor their commitments to you. If you have questions about your roof damage insurance claim, you may want to speak to Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC Attorneys at Law. Our firm works to hold insurance companies accountable and help clients get the settlements they may deserve.
Like other homeowner insurance claims, your home may not be properly habitable or functional and you may need to live somewhere else until some or all repairs can be made. This is often covered by the Additional Living Expense (otherwise known as ALE) provision of most policies. In many instances, insurance companies never advise you of this coverage and right under your policy which is one of many examples of how we have seen clients treated unfairly.
Insurance Companies May Try to Limit Coverage
Because roof damage costs insurance companies every year, some companies try to limit claims on certain types of damages. Some companies have limited what damages clients can claim. If your policy has changed, your coverage may be limited. For instance, in recent years, insurance companies have limited coverage for hail damage. Some policies may not cover roofs older than ten years. Other policies have added deductibles, or may not cover certain types of shingles. It is important to read over your policy to make sure your roof and materials are covered. In other cases, your insurance company may only agree to perform a partial roof repair.
We have had claims where the insurance company sent out an adjuster who determined the cause of water damage from the roof was “normal wear and tear” which is often not covered. However, when we went to the home and/or had a public adjuster or engineer go out, there was no basis for such a determination at all. Despite the fact that the roof damage was covered and the claim should have been paid, the insurance company merely refused to pay and denied the claim causing us to have to sue on our client’s behalf. What is helpful is that once it is necessary to sue to enforce your rights under your policy of insurance, in almost all cases when we prevail, the insurance company will be obligated to pay all reasonable attorney fees and costs so it does not come out of your recovery or pocket!
It is important to also distinguish between replacement value coverage and cash value of roof coverage. Replacement value coverage will pay for the actual cost of repairing or replacing your roof. Cash value coverage will only pay you for the value of your roof, meaning that if your roof is older, the cash value may be lower. Policies can be confusing. If your roof is damaged and you are not sure what you are entitled to receive, it may be a good idea to speak to a roof damage insurance claim lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC Attorneys at Law may be able to help you.
Need Help With a Roof Damage Claim?
Any damage to your home can create a stressful situation. You may be eager to settle with your insurance company to move forward and repair your roof. Yet, settling too soon and not asking the right questions can sometimes lead to you settling for less than you may deserve. If your insurance isn’t paying for the cost of damages, or if you feel like you’ll have to pay out of pocket to repair your damaged roof, you may want to speak to a roof damage insurance claim attorney.Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC Attorneys at Law take seriously the commitment that insurance companies have to the clients they serve. We fight to protect consumers’ rights in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Leader & Leader, P.A. was founded and is operated with the fundamental principles of innovation, skill, experience, knowledge, aggressiveness and most importantly, personal attention to all of its clients, no matter how much is necessary for their particular matter. The firm has over seventy-five (75) years of experience amongst its partners, all of whom have dedicated themselves to that art of winning!
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