Did a hurricane, hailstorm, or other incident leave your roof in bad shape?
Is your insurance provider delaying your claim, denying it, or sending low offers that don’t cover necessary repairs? This kind of response can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’ve paid your premiums faithfully and followed all the rules.
At Insurance Claim HQ, we help Louisiana homeowners stand up against unfair insurance tactics. Our legal team has helped more than 70,000 clients successfully resolve property damage claims, and we’re ready to fight for the fair payout you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation with a Louisiana roof damage attorney. We’ll look at your policy, review the damage, and be your voice when the insurance company won’t listen.
Why Choose Insurance Claim HQ for Your Roof Damage Claim?
There’s a reason people say having “a roof over your head” symbolizes comfort and security.
Your roof is truly your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Without a solid, well-maintained roof, even the strongest house can fall victim to storms, leading to damaged belongings and a drop in property value. Timely repairs are crucial to protect the integrity of the structure and everything inside.
At ICHQ, we work hard to help Louisiana homeowners get full coverage after serious roof damage. Many of our attorneys and staff live in The Pelican State, so we’ve lived through hurricanes and understand the urgency of dealing with roof damage insurance claims.
Unfortunately, insurers understand the urgency, too, and may prey on a policyholder’s distress by denying or underpaying valid claims. When you’re in this position, you need an advocate armed with the legal knowledge and persistence to go head-to-head with the insurance company and demand accountability.
Our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients in disaster-related claims. If you’re unsure about your claim or had a roof damage insurance claim denied, we’ll review your case for free and help you demand the fair settlement you need.
Understanding Roof Damage Claims in Louisiana
Louisiana homeowners frequently encounter roof damage from hurricanes, high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.
These storms can tear off shingles, break tiles, or cause leaks that spread quickly. Homeowners insurance policies typically cover roof damage, but filing a claim can get complicated. Insurers may argue the damage isn’t covered or say your roof was already in poor condition. Some delay the settlement process or make lowball offers.
Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when trying to obtain the coverage they need, especially while dealing with repairs simultaneously.
Homeowner Rights in Roof Damage Claims
Louisiana law gives you clear rights when you file a roof damage insurance claim.
You have the right to fair treatment and honest answers from your insurance company. The company must explain any denial in writing and give you a reason. If it approves your claim, it must pay you or offer to settle within 30 days of receiving proof of the damage. You also have the right to ask for reports, estimates, photos, and other documents used to review your claim.
If the company cancels or doesn’t renew your policy, it must tell you in writing at least 30 days in advance. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Insurance.
What Types of Roof Damage Does Insurance Cover?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events.
This includes hail, wind, fallen trees, and fire. If a storm rips off shingles or breaks a branch that punches a hole through the roof, your policy will likely pay for repairs. However, insurance companies usually don’t pay for wear and tear. If your roof is old or poorly maintained, they might refuse to cover the cost.
Some policies also limit coverage based on the age of the roof or its materials. For example, if you have a 20-year-old roof, you might only get a portion of the repair costs covered.
Steps to Take After Discovering Roof Damage
Taking the right steps immediately after roof damage occurs can protect your home and support your insurance claim. Here’s what you should do as soon as you notice roof damage:
- Take clear, wide photos of the damage from different angles.
- If it’s safe to do so, place a tarp or cover over the damaged area to stop water intrusion.
- Save all receipts if you buy materials or hire someone for temporary repairs.
- Call a licensed roofing contractor to inspect the damage and give a repair estimate.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep notes of every call or message with your insurance adjuster.
- Ask a skilled roof damage lawyer for help if your claim gets delayed or denied.
Why Roof Damage Claims Are Denied or Undervalued
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Adjusters will look for ways to pay less or avoid paying a roof damage claim because it protects the company’s bottom line.
They might say your roof was already in bad shape before the storm or blame the damage on poor maintenance. If an adjuster claims the damage is cosmetic rather than structural, they may reduce your payout.
Additionally, some companies use outside firms that downplay the cost of repairs. Other times, homeowners miss deadlines or fail to submit enough proof. Photos, videos, and detailed reports can support your roof damage claim. A second opinion from a contractor can also bolster your case.
If the insurance company’s offer doesn’t match your repair estimate, you have the right to challenge it.
Examples of Bad Faith Practices in Roof Damage Claims
Insurance companies have a legal responsibility to treat policyholders fairly, but some use bad-faith tactics to avoid paying roof damage claims. For example, an insurer might delay your claim for no valid reason or request the same information repeatedly. Others might deny your claim without a real investigation, ignore important evidence, or rely on biased inspections. A company acting in bad faith might also mislead you about what your policy covers or refuse to explain their decision. If you think your insurance company has acted unfairly, an attorney can help you hold them accountable.
Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for Roof Damage Claims
In Louisiana, you typically have up to 10 years to sue your insurance company for mishandling your roof damage claim.
This limitations period comes from state law, but individual policies may include deadlines as short as two years. Courts in Louisiana allow these shorter time limits if both sides agree to them in the policy. As a result, it’s always important to read your insurance contract carefully so you know when to file a claim for roof damage.
A skilled lawyer can help you determine how much time you really have to sue. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to file a lawsuit.
Contact Our Louisiana Roof Damage Lawyers
You paid for protection. Don’t let a denied roof claim leave you exposed and vulnerable. At ICHQ, we know what you’re going through. We’re here to provide compassionate support and aggressive advocacy throughout the claims process.
Contact our Louisiana roof damage attorneys today for a free consultation.