Storm damage or an old roof
Insurers often look at roofs through the lens of wear and tear, arguing that lifted shingles, granule loss, or leaks predate the storm. Whether the wind caused the damage is a factual question, and reports from roofers or engineers with photographs of creased or missing shingles help answer it. The policy's payment terms matter too: some pay replacement cost once repairs are completed, others pay actual cash value after depreciation, and some treat older roofs on a reduced basis. Many policies in coastal areas carry a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible that can be considerably larger than the standard one, and whether it applies depends on how the policy defines the triggering storm. Interior water damage may be covered only if the storm first created an opening in the roof.
Documenting and protecting the roof
Photograph the roof and interior damage from every angle before any temporary repair, and keep the date stamps. Policies usually require reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping, and the cost of those steps is often reimbursed, so keep receipts. Save damaged materials if you can, or at least photograph them, and gather records of the roof's age and condition before the storm, such as inspection reports or repair invoices. Be cautious with contractors who ask you to sign a document assigning them your insurance benefits or authorizing them to handle the claim, and read anything before signing it. Public adjusters must be licensed in New York, and their contracts deserve the same scrutiny.
When the insurer's number seems low
Request the adjuster's estimate and any engineering report in writing, and compare them with independent estimates. Many policies include an appraisal process for disagreements over the amount of loss, which is different from a dispute over whether the loss is covered at all. A written denial or partial denial should state its reasons, and those reasons shape the next step. Deadlines in the policy for proof of loss and for filing suit can be shorter than the general time limits under state law. We review the policy, the claim file, and your photographs, and talk through whether reinspection, appraisal, a regulatory complaint, or a lawsuit makes sense.
