What to Do If Your Roof Insurance Claim is Denied

Finding out that your roof insurance claim has been denied can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're dealing with damage from storms, leaks, or wear and tear. However, a denial doesn’t mean you have to pay for repairs out of pocket right away. There are several steps you can take to appeal the decision, prove the damage qualifies for coverage, and even explore alternative solutions—including programs that can get you a new roof at no cost.

At Gemsco Roofing & Solar, we help homeowners navigate insurance claims, offering expert solutions like roof replacement, roof repair, and commercial roofing. Plus, with our Green Roof Energy Program, many homeowners qualify for a new roof or repairs for free by leveraging solar energy incentives and the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

If your claim has been denied, don’t worry—here’s what you need to do next.

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully

Before taking any action, carefully review the letter from your insurance company explaining why your claim was denied. The most common reasons include:

• Pre-existing damage – If the insurance company believes the issue existed before the policy took effect, they may deny the claim.

• Lack of proper maintenance – If your roof was already in poor condition, the insurer might claim the damage resulted from neglect rather than an insurable event.

• Wear and tear – Standard policies typically don’t cover aging or deterioration over time.

• Insufficient evidence – If the insurance company didn’t receive enough proof of damage, they may reject your claim.

• Exclusions in your policy – Some policies exclude certain types of storm damage, like wind or hail.

Understanding the exact reason for your denial is critical before moving forward with an appeal.

2. Gather Strong Supporting Evidence

If your claim was denied due to lack of evidence, gathering detailed documentation is the next step. This includes:

• Photos of the damage – Take high-quality images of all affected areas, including missing shingles, roof leaks, or structural issues.

• A professional inspection report – A licensed roofing contractor, like Gemsco Roofing & Solar, can assess your roof and provide a detailed report on the extent of the damage.

• Historical weather data – If the damage was caused by a recent storm, including wind and hail reports can help strengthen your claim.

• Maintenance records – If you’ve had roof repairs in the past, providing proof of maintenance can counter claims of neglect.

A thorough inspection from an experienced roofing and solar company can be a game-changer in getting your claim reconsidered.

3. Request a Reinspection

Insurance adjusters sometimes miss key damage or underestimate the extent of the problem during the first inspection. If you believe your claim was denied unfairly, you have the right to request a reinspection from your insurance provider.

To strengthen your case, consider having an independent roofing contractor present during the reinspection. At Gemsco Roofing & Solar, we can work directly with you and your insurer to ensure no damage goes unnoticed. If your home has a solar panel system, we can also handle the removal and reinstallation of solar panels if needed during the roofing process.

4. Appeal the Decision with a Strong Letter

If your reinspection still results in a denial, you can file a formal appeal. This is your chance to dispute the insurance company’s decision with strong evidence. Your appeal letter should include:

• Your policy number and claim details

• A clear explanation of why the denial is incorrect

• Supporting evidence, such as inspection reports, photos, and maintenance records

• A request for reconsideration of the claim

Our team at Gemsco Roofing & Solar has worked with many homeowners on successful appeals. We can guide you through this process and provide the documentation needed to make a strong case.

5. Consider Alternative Solutions Like the Green Roof Energy Program

Even if your insurance claim is ultimately denied, you don’t have to pay for a new roof or repairs out of pocket. Our Green Roof Energy Program allows homeowners to replace or repair their roofs for free by using solar incentives and the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

How It Works:

• We install a solar energy system on your home.

• The ITC and other incentives cover the costs of a roof replacement or repairs.

• You enjoy lower energy bills and a brand-new roof—all at no cost to you.

If your roof needs repairs or a full replacement, but your insurance company won’t cover it, this program could be the perfect solution. Plus, adding solar panels to your home can increase its value while reducing your reliance on grid electricity.

6. Seek Legal Assistance if Necessary

If all else fails, you may want to consider consulting an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes. Some insurance companies act in bad faith, denying legitimate claims to save money. A lawyer can help you challenge the denial if necessary.

That said, at Gemsco Roofing & Solar, we encourage homeowners to explore all available options before going the legal route—including taking advantage of solar incentives to cover roofing costs.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up on Your Roof Claim

A denied roof insurance claim is not the end of the road. By following the right steps—gathering evidence, requesting a reinspection, appealing the decision, and exploring alternative funding options—you can still get the roof repairs or replacement you need.

At Gemsco Roofing & Solar, we specialize in roof repair, commercial roofing, roof leak detection, and solar panel installation. More importantly, our Green Roof Energy Program can help homeowners get a new roof at no cost by utilizing solar incentives.

📞 Contact us today for a free roof inspection and to see if you qualify for a free roof through our Green Roof Energy Program!