What to Do if an Adjuster Denies Your Roof Claim

Paying your insurance premium is supposed to protect your home when storms hit. But what happens when the adjuster comes out, inspects your roof, and denies your claim? For many DMV homeowners, this is one of the most frustrating parts of dealing with insurance companies. 

The good news is: a denial doesn’t always mean you’re stuck paying out of pocket. There are clear steps you can take to fight back and improve your chances of getting coverage:

Step 1: Read the denial letter.

Step 2: Get a second opinion from your local roofer.

Step 3: Collect more evidence. 

Step 4: Request for a re-inspection or appeal.

Step 5: Consider a public adjuster.

Before we walk you through these steps one-by-one, let's understand the reasons why adjusters sometimes deny roof claims.

Why Adjusters Deny Roof Claims

Insurance companies don’t always approve roof claims, even when damage is obvious. Some of the most common reasons for an adjuster to deny your claim include:

Not enough visible evidence – If the adjuster doesn’t see what they consider “storm damage,” they won't approve the claim. 

Age of your roof – If your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan, the insurance company may call it wear and tear, instead of storm damage.

Maintenance issues – If the roof wasn’t kept in good condition or wasn't properly maintained, they may deny coverage.

Missed deadlines – Most insurance policies require homeowners in the DMV to file claims within a certain time frame after the storm. If you miss the deadline, they won't approve the claim. 

In the DMV, adjusters also weigh weather data. For example, a hail damage claim might be denied if hail reports don’t match the date you filed. It is also important to remember that adjusters aren’t exactly roofing experts, so it's normal for them to miss storm damage sometimes. Let's talk about the steps to take when this happens.

Step 1: Read the Denial Letter

If your claim gets denied, the first thing you’ll receive is a letter explaining why. Don’t toss it aside. The wording in that letter matters because it tells you exactly what the adjuster based their decision on.

Sometimes, the denial might just come down to missing paperwork or unclear photos. Other times, they’ll cite roof age or lack of storm activity in your area. Either way, knowing the reason is the first step in deciding how to respond.

Step 2: Get a Second Opinion from a Local Roofer

This is one of the most important moves you can make. A trusted DMV roofer, like DA Roofers, knows what storm damage looks like. The type of wind damage you’d see in Montgomery County might look different from hail damage in Prince George’s. So, if you didn't get your roofer to gather evidence before calling insurance, that's your next move. 

Local roofers can:

• Inspect your roof thoroughly

• Document damage with clear photos

• Provide a professional opinion that may contradict the adjuster’s

Having this second opinion gives you leverage if you appeal. 

Step 3: Collect More Evidence

Insurance adjusters don’t always catch everything (they're not roofing experts, after all). If you believe they missed storm damage, back up your claim with as much proof as possible. Useful evidence includes:

• Photos of missing shingles, lifted flashing, or dented gutters

• Weather reports from the day of the storm

• Your roofer’s inspection report with repair estimates

Think of it this way: the stronger your documentation or evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to deny you a second time.

Step 4: Request a Re-Inspection or Appeal

Most insurance companies allow appeals. That means you can ask for another adjuster to inspect your roof.

Here’s a key tip for when you appeal: have your roofer there during the re-inspection. They can walk the adjuster through the damage, point out areas that may have been overlooked, and explain why the roof needs repairs. Many DMV homeowners see different results after taking this step.

Step 5: Consider a Public Adjuster or Legal Help

If your claim is still denied after an appeal, you’re not out of options. A licensed public adjuster can step in. Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster, a public adjuster works for you. They review the damage, handle the paperwork, and negotiate with your insurance company.

In rare cases where the damage is major and the cost is high, you may want to consult an attorney. While most homeowners don’t need to go that far, it’s an option if you feel you’re being treated unfairly.

Why Local Knowledge Matters in the DMV

Roofing claims in the DMV can be tricky because weather patterns vary so much. For example:

• Homes near D.C. may deal with strong wind gusts during summer storms.

• Northern Virginia neighborhoods often get hailstorms that leave dents in shingles and gutters.

• Maryland suburbs can experience heavy tree damage after hurricanes and nor’easters.

That's why a roofer who knows these local weather events can help you build a stronger case for your claim. They understand what kind of storm damage is common in your county, and that knowledge often helps when dealing with insurance companies.

Conclusion

Having your roof claim denied can feel very annoying and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. By reviewing the denial letter, getting a second opinion, collecting evidence, and appealing with the help of a local roofer, you stand a much better chance of turning that “no” into a “yes.”

The bottom line? Don’t go through the process alone. It's best to call a trusted local roofer in the DMV, like DA Roofers, before filing your claim. It can make all the difference.

FAQs

1. Why would an insurance adjuster deny a roof claim?

There could be several reasons. Common reasons include lack of clear evidence of storm damage, pre-existing wear and tear, poor maintenance, or missing claim deadlines.

2. Can a roofer help with an insurance claim?

Yes. A roofer can help you gather evidence of storm damage, provide inspection reports, meet with the adjuster, and explain the damage in professional terms.

3. Is it worth hiring a public adjuster for a denied roof claim?

It can be worth it, especially if the claim involves major damage. Public adjusters work on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance company. However, you'll probably only need to do this if insurance denies your roofer's evidence, which is rare if you have a strong case.