Hail Damage 9/8/2023

Had some hail damage resulting from 9/8 storm. Insurance (Travelers) is paying for some so they obviously recognize hail was here and did a lot of damage. What I have found interesting is they are doing everything in their power to avoid replacing a single shingle. They are replacing downspouts, z flashing, window screens, HVAC vent covers and even my shed roof, but are digging in their heels with shingles on the main roof and the ridge vent (prob cause you gotta replace shingles if you replace ridge vent). Interestingly, the ridge vent is right next to the HVAC vent covers and it is clearly damaged, they are just saying the ridge vent is damaged by install and people walking on it not hail. Anyway, I'm posting because I have chosen to fight back and have learned a lot along the way as part of that fight. If you have Travelers, please DM me and I'll help you fight too. I live near Mill Run.

 

How old is your roof?

 

20

 

If you have asphalt shingles then your roof is pretty much at the end of it's life. That may be why they are refusing to replace a single shingle. But, insurance companies will "usually" give you some nominal discount toward a full replacement.

I wouldn't get greedy if I were you, seeing as they replaced gutter downspouts, HVAC covers, etc. After pushing back, you should start looking for a new insurer or expect your rates to increase because you are now a greater risk to them.

 

Trust me, at 20 years the way contractors did work around here, you should have it replaced. When my roof was 15 years old I had it replaced and I was amazed at how much damage was done by the poor quality work when the house was built in '99.

You just don't know till you have it replaced just how bad it really is. Especially if you have features like sky lights.

 

I'm definitely getting it replaced as I've had another leak that has been 'fixed' three times by now.

 

Thanks. Not being overly greedy. I had not even thought about hail until I had a leak in my garage. I filed with the state and have a public adjuster willing to take a look that gains nothing if I win so will go with his word as to whether or not I should continue to fight. Of course my contractor says fight on, but he is obviously biased. One thing he does know for sure though are the tricks insurance companies play to win...including "hiring" bought/paid engineers to back up their claims.

Additionally, my rates have gone crazy w/o filing any claims for 20 years. I believe rates go up when anyone around here files so why not file myself?

 

We have had many of our neighbors get their roof tiles replaced due to hail damage from prior years, so we went through the process of having it inspected this year, filed a claim with our homeowner's insurance (Nationwide), etc. Long story short they paid to replace the whole thing.

 

Awesome! It's apparently, a crap shoot. My neighbor right next door (not sure what insurance company) who's home was built by the same builder, same time, faces same direction, has same amount of cover, etc got full replacement. I suspect, they've replaced too many and are starting to find reasons (via engineering companies they pay for "independent" review) to decline.

 

Fight it. If they refuse, file a claim against the insurance company with the state. There is an oversight agency in Virginia.
I got denied twice by Allstate. Notified the state with my issues, and suddenly Allstate paid for the roof, gutters, downspouts, screens and HVAC.

 

You may have seen this article but it details 'steps' to take if your claim is denied. https://brahmaroofingconstruction.com/6-reasons-why-roof-claims-are-denied/

 

I am. I filed with the state last week (https://scc.virginia.gov/). What issues did you tell the state? I'd be curious to see what worked for you.