You found the damage. You filed the claim. And the letter came back: denied.
If this just happened to you, take a breath. A denial is not the end of the conversation. It's the beginning of a different one - and how you handle the next 30 days can mean the difference between paying $20,000 out of pocket and getting a new roof covered by the policy you've been paying for.
Here's what's really going on, and what you can actually do about it.
Why Insurance Companies Deny Roof Claims
Insurance companies deny claims for a lot of reasons. Some are legitimate. Many are not. The most common denial reasons for storm damage in Illinois:
- "Pre-existing damage" or "wear and tear." The insurer says your roof was already old or deteriorating, and the storm didn't cause the damage. This is the most common denial tactic, and it's often wrong - especially after documented hail events.
- "Cosmetic damage only." Some policies (and some carriers) exclude "cosmetic" hail damage - dents that don't affect function. The problem: what an insurer calls "cosmetic" may actually be compromising the shingle's protective granule layer, shortening its lifespan by years.
- "Insufficient documentation." The insurer says the evidence doesn't support the claim. This usually means the initial inspection wasn't thorough enough or the documentation wasn't in the format the carrier needs.
- "Filed too late." Policies have filing deadlines. If you waited months after the storm and can't prove the damage is storm-related, the carrier may deny based on timeliness.
- "Policy exclusion." Some policies genuinely exclude certain types of damage. This is less common for standard hail and wind but is worth checking.
Your Options After a Denial
A denial letter is a position, not a verdict. You have rights, and you have options:
Option 1: Request a Re-inspection
You can ask your insurance company to send a different adjuster. Sometimes the initial inspection was rushed, the adjuster missed areas, or conditions were poor (wet, dark, wrong angle). A second inspection - with better documentation - can reverse the denial.
Option 2: Hire a Licensed Public Adjuster
A public adjuster is an insurance professional licensed by the state to represent YOU - the policyholder - in a claim. They work for you, not for the insurance company. A public adjuster can review your denial, re-inspect your property, gather additional evidence, and negotiate directly with the carrier on your behalf. Many denied claims are overturned with professional advocacy. At Eagle Star, our public adjuster is part of our team - so if your denial is reversed and the claim is approved, the same company that fought the claim builds the roof.
Option 3: File a Complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance
If you believe your claim was denied unfairly, you can file a formal complaint with the IDOI. The department reviews complaints and can intervene on your behalf. This is free.
Option 4: Consult an Attorney
For large claims or clear bad-faith denials, a property insurance attorney can review your case. Many work on contingency (no fee unless you win). This is typically a last resort, but it's a real option.
What NOT to Do
- Don't accept the denial without reading the letter carefully. The denial reason matters - it tells you exactly what evidence you need to provide.
- Don't pay out of pocket for repairs before exploring your options. Once the damage is repaired, the evidence is gone.
- Don't hire an unlicensed "consultant" who promises to get your claim approved. Work with licensed professionals - public adjusters, attorneys, or contractors with PA licenses.
- Don't wait. You have limited time to appeal or reopen.
The Eagle Star Approach
If your roof claim has been denied, call us. Our licensed public adjuster will review your denial letter, re-inspect your roof, and give you an honest assessment of whether the denial can be challenged. No charge for the review. No obligation.
Call (224) 490-3939 or request a denial review at eaglestarroof.com.