Have you run into problems getting your insurance company to cover roof damage?
Many policyholders in New Orleans face long delays, low settlement offers, or unfair denials after roof damage incidents. If this sounds familiar, rest assured that you don’t have to fight the insurer on your own. A roof damage claims attorney in New Orleans can protect your rights and take the burden off your shoulders.
Many of the New Orleans roof damage lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ are Louisiana natives. We understand the havoc that severe storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can cause to property owners like you.
You need your homeowners’ insurance company to pay what your policy promises. Our legal team knows how to challenge unfair treatment and push for the payout you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your roof damage claim.
What Are Common Causes of Roof Damage in New Orleans?
Roof damage is common in New Orleans because of the city’s frequent storms and humid environment.
Here are the most common types of roof damage that all New Orleans homeowners should recognize:
- Hurricane-force winds – Strong winds can rip off shingles, loosen flashing, and tear entire sections of a roof away. After major storms, many property and business owners in New Orleans discover significant roof damage caused by high-speed gusts.
- Heavy rainfall – Prolonged downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to seep under roofing materials. Water intrusion can create leaks that spread inside the home.
- Hailstorms – Even a small hailstone can dent shingles, crack tiles, and damage protective coatings. Although these defects may not appear serious at first, they can significantly shorten a roof’s lifespan.
- Falling debris – Branches and other debris from nearby structures can strike roofs during storms and create punctures or breaks that leave roofs exposed to further water intrusion.
- Heat and humidity – High temperatures and constant humidity in New Orleans can push roofing materials to their limits. Over time, shingles can curl, crack, or lose their protective granules, which weakens the roof’s ability to protect the property.
What Are the Steps for Filing a Roof Damage Claim in New Orleans?
In the aftermath of a roof damage incident, the steps you take to protect your roof damage claim matter. Insurance companies often look for reasons to reduce or deny claims.
Here’s what you can do to protect your claim:
- Take clear photos and videos of all roof damage as soon as possible.
- Make temporary repairs, such as placing tarps, to prevent further damage.
- Keep all receipts for any repair materials you buy and all related expenses.
- Review your insurance policy to confirm what coverage applies to roof damage.
- Notify your insurer of the damage promptly and provide the documentation you collected.
- Request a professional inspection to support your claim with detailed estimates.
- Maintain a written record of all conversations with your insurer, including dates and names.
- Contact a New Orleans roof damage lawyer who will work aggressively to protect your interests and challenge unfair treatment from the insurance company.
Why Do Insurance Companies Often Delay or Deny Roof Claims?
Insurance companies often delay or deny roof claims because it benefits their bottom line.
Slowing down the process allows them to increase the pressure on homeowners and business owners, sometimes pushing claimants into accepting less money than their claims are worth. Some insurance adjusters also deny claims outright, counting on policyholders to give up rather than challenge their decisions.
These tactics allow insurers to reduce payouts and protect their profits, even when a claim has merit.
Working with a roof damage insurance attorney in New Orleans gives you an advantage. Bringing in legal counsel indicates to the insurance company that you mean business.
A lawyer from ICHQ can work aggressively to hold your insurer accountable, push back against unreasonable delays, and fight for the coverage you paid for under your policy.
Common Types of Bad Faith Practices in Roof Claims
Louisiana law requires insurance companies to handle roof damage claims reasonably, but some insurers put their own interests ahead of their policyholders’ rights. Insurers acting in bad faith might use these types of tactics in the interest of profitability:
- Unreasonable delays – An insurer might drag out the claims process for months until you’re frustrated enough to accept a smaller payout, even when you know you’re entitled to more.
- Lowball offers –Some insurers present settlement amounts far below what it will cost to repair the roof damage, again hoping you will take less than you deserve.
- Misrepresenting policy terms – Companies sometimes use unclear language, fail to explain exclusions effectively, and omit important information about insurance coverage when people purchase their coverage.
- Failure to investigate properly – Instead of sending a qualified inspector, an insurer might do a rushed or incomplete investigation that overlooks obvious damage.
- Unjust claim denials – In some cases, an insurance provider might deny a valid claim outright with little explanation or justification.
How Do I Document Roof Damage?
Thorough documentation of roof damage can strengthen your roof damage claim and provide valuable support if disputes arise with your insurer. The more detailed your records, the harder it will be for the insurance company to dismiss your evidence.
Here are some practical steps you can take to document roof damage effectively:
- Take wide-angle photos of the entire roof to capture the overall condition after the damage.
- Photograph close-up shots of missing shingles, cracks, leaks, and any other specific issues.
- Record a video walkthrough that shows your roof from multiple angles and includes a view of the surrounding conditions.
- Write down the date and time you first noticed the damage, including notes about the weather event that caused it.
- Keep copies of repair estimates from any licensed contractors who have inspected your roof.
- Save receipts for materials you bought or temporary repairs you made to protect your home.
- Store all photos, videos, and documents together in a secure digital folder for easy access.
How Can a Roof Damage Lawyer Help Me?
A roof damage insurance claim lawyer in Louisiana can advocate for your rights and fight back if your insurance company refuses to play fair.
At ICHQ, we’ve built our practice on standing up for homeowners in Louisiana who face delays, low offers, or unfair denials. Our experienced attorneys know how insurers operate, and we use that knowledge to push for full and fair payment on your behalf.
When you work with ICHQ, you get a team that understands the kind of stress you’re under. You deserve someone in your corner who gets it.
Let our Louisiana attorneys help you fight for the money you need for proper roof repairs and move forward. We gather strong evidence for your property damage claim, negotiate directly with insurance companies for fair compensation, and can take your case to court if necessary.
