Roof Damage Claim Insurance Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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 deny claims by changing or 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 have 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.

Reasons You Might Need a Roof Damage Claim Lawyer in Florida

Reasons You Might Need a Roof Damage Claim Lawyer in Florida:

• Ambiguous Claim Denials: Insurers might deny claims by referencing vague policy terms or suggesting that the damage was pre-existing or due to poor maintenance. A specialized lawyer can dissect these denials for validity.
• Insufficient Compensation: Insurance companies may offer settlements that don’t fully cover the repair costs. A dedicated attorney ensures you receive a fair valuation and compensation.
• Differentiating Causes of Damage: From storm impacts to wear and tear, determining the exact cause of roof damage can be complex. Legal expertise aids in establishing the correct cause to support your claim.
• Documentation and Proof: Gathering comprehensive evidence and adequately documenting the damage is crucial. A lawyer guides this process to strengthen your claim.

Why Call Leader, Leader & Zucker for a Free Consultation on Roof Damage Claims in Florida?

• Masters in Roof Damage Claims: With extensive experience in handling roof damage cases, Leader, Leader & Zucker offers unmatched insights and legal strategies tailored to this niche.
• Dedication to Accountability: Our primary aim is to hold insurance companies accountable. We challenge unjust decisions, pushing for the rightful compensation every homeowner deserves.
• Transparent Case Evaluation: Our free consultation provides clarity, allowing you to understand your claim’s potential and the possible routes to a successful resolution.
• Relentless Advocacy: At Leader, Leader & Zucker, we’re more than just representatives; we’re tireless advocates. Our commitment to excellence ensures that insurance companies are held to the highest standards, guaranteeing our clients the justice they seek.

Steps for Filing a Roof Damage Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In Florida, a roof can get damaged due to several reasons. During hurricane and tropical storm seasons, 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:

1. Ensure you have a copy of your insurance policy and policy number.
2. Gather evidence to support your claim, from photos, dates of damage, and estimates of repairs, if you have them.
3. Contact your homeowner’s insurance and tell them you need to make a claim. Follow all directions about how to make a claim timely.
4. Cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation.
5. Obtain your own estimate from a licensed, bonded and insured contractor to determine whether the roof can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
6. Have a qualitied, skilled, reputable and well trained professional assist you in determining what other repairs may be needed from water damage to your home. This may be a qualified contractor or a public adjuster.
7. Obtain one or more estimates, separate apart from what the insurance company or any independent adjuster they may send provides, to determine what the actual cost will be to bring your home back to its pre-loss condition.

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 on your 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 offer you an initial lower assessment 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 and the details of your case, and help you fight to get the compensation you may deserve for your matter. 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 its 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.  Most policies often cover this by the Additional Living Expense (otherwise known as ALE) provision.  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 review your policy to ensure 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.  Although the roof damage was covered and the claim should have been paid, the insurance company refused to pay and denied the claim, causing us to have to sue on our client’s behalf.  It is helpful that once it is necessary to sue to enforce your rights under your insurance policy, 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 the cash value may be lower if your roof is older. Policies can be confusing. If your roof is damaged and you are unsure 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, dropping too soon and not asking the right questions can sometimes make you settle for less than you may deserve. If your insurance isn’t paying for the damages, or if you feel 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 insurance companies’ commitment to their clients. We fight to protect consumers’ rights in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.