Legal Help for roof insurance claim rejection
 

I am currently insured with Farmers, which to my understanding is leaving the Florida area. I had 3 different roofing companies inspect my roof and they all indicated my roof needed replaced because of lifted shingles, creased shingles, loss of "grit" and end tabs broken .

The adjuster from Farmers inspected the roof and indicated that with the exception of a few shingles being creased (20) the roof was in good shape.

I have absolutly no leverage since Farmers is leaving FL and my policy expires in August 2024.

I'm asking for advice, legal help, to appeal the claim rejection with Farmers.

I would suggest that you get an independent home inspector, like Frank D'Angelo, to inspect the roof and give you a professional, independent opinion before seeking legal assistance.

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Sounds like normal wear, so why should you get a free roof?

How old is your roof?

I agree that your roof is just worn out, not damaged by any of the perils that would be covered by your policy. You might as well get one or all of those that inspected your roof to give you a quote to replace it rather than to waste money on a attorney.

Agree with the above comments, your home insurance does NOT cover normal wear and tear on a roof, so you are out of luck. This is where the whole insurance scam started, homeowners were tricked into signing 'assignment of benefits' forms, and then the "roofing companies" sued the insurance companies to get a new roof. You can start looking for a new insurer and see if they agree with roof being in good shape (with minor repairs), then go with them and pay for the repairs. If none of the insurance companies will cover you, then you will need to replace the roof at your cost.

Welcome to our world, Like hundreds of use that had to pay for new roof when nothing wrong with old one due to all the insurance scams. They know who they are.. I had farmers before in other states I sure it you read fine print somewhere it be pro rated and they will pay practically nothing on old roof anyway. Especially it you got new policy within couple years?

Some that got new roofs are starting to leak with only 3 or 4 years old. They probably tore off better roof than was installed when they gave roofing company control of their insurance claim?

Good luck with your roofing feasco, probably not enough money in for lawyers, you can thanks the scammers in Florida for that.

Hmmm. August is not that far away but it is in the middle of hurricane season....so you’re covered. Have you started reaching out to prospective carrier replacements? Maybe casually ask those same questions you posed here for direction

Part if the blame falls on then folks up in Tallahassee for not stopping the scammers……..

Very true. Not too many attorneys are gonna pass on relieving you of cash that you could put towards mitigating your roofing issues. Get the quotes

Like many others said, it appears that you are making a claim that you believe that your insurance should pay for and the roof was not damaged by something that insurance will cover(probably long term wear)

There has not been anything recently which would have caused damages that an insurance company would pay for(like a large windstorm or big hail) unless something fell and hit your roof. To answer your question an un scrupulous lawyer or public adjuster might take your claim and charge you a % of any recovery. If you do so, you might have to be deposed(aka statement under oath) if you submit a claim like this. Full disclosure I was in the insurance adjusting biz

While shopping for new insurance, be sure to tell the prospective new carrier that you believe your roof is defective and have been told by three roofing companies it needs to be replaced.. if you really believe it.

For my recent roof replace on my Midwest home the roofing company matched actual roof storm damage with recent reported storm events that the insurance is also aware of, etc. If no recent reported storms (there is a reporting time window) then no claim. It sounds like that did not happen and the companies that inspected your roof found normal wear and tear. This should be explained on one of your three estimates they gave you?

If your roof is under 10 years old, it could be a manufacturers issue. In that case, your roof is still under warranty. Insurance won’t cover it, but the manufacturer will on a prorated basis. You will have to pay part of it and the manufacturer will pay the other. Have a couple of reputable roofing companies give you estimates for total cost. Submit the findings to the manufacturer.

One thing you might run into is the “three tab vs four tab” shingles. Apparently the building codes now require four tab shingles. If you have an older roof with three tab shingles it cannot be repaired. I agree with the other responders, it sounds like you have an a roof that has reached the end of its life span.The insurance company will not pay and you will be hard press to find a company that will insure you with the current condition of your roof.

If your roof is under 10 years old, it could be a manufacturers issue. In that case, your roof is still under warranty. Insurance won’t cover it, but the manufacturer will on a prorated basis. You will have to pay part of it and the manufacturer will pay the other. Have a couple of reputable roofing companies give you estimates for total cost. Submit the findings to the manufacturer.

Exactly!

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If you believe that your roof is covered by the terms of your policy and the weight of the evidence supports this but Farmers is, in effect, blowing you off then you should complain to the state board of insurance.

They will not ignore an inquiry from them.

I have done this myself, it does keep insurors in check.

If, however, you are not the OP and you think you know more about this guy's roof than he does you are wasting your time posting a reply.

I have a car that needs replaced but I don't think my insurance company will buy me a new one. Of course some roofing companies told you your roof should be replaced (and you believe them?)

Amen. Unscrupulous roofing companies rely on greedy homeowners looking for a free ride to perpetrate these insurance scams.

Roof
 

Try cohen law group

Ien....I also have Farmers and they also said I only need some shingles replaced. I hired Secure Roofing and they got Farmers to pay for a new roof ( done in January). It took a good 5 months for Secured and their arbitration department to get it approved. I only had to pay my deductible. My policy expires July 1. Excellent job by Secured.

Roof Worn
 

If the shingles bent, the roof has reached its end of life. The shingles aren’t as thick as first installed and lower winds can’t flex them. We haven’t had hurricane winds here in at least a year and a half.

Be honest, don’t cheat the system. Just pay to have your roof changed out. Be proud of yourself and the sound feeling of doing the right thing. Best of luck!

Absolutely correct. And, take it one step further: Since the OP filed a claim with his present insurer, that information goes into the national database used by all insurance companies. When he applies for coverage with a new company, this claim will show up during the underwriting phase. It is possible the homeowner may have shot himself in the foot.

Monica Sablon Law office.
she was great for me. couldn'd get anywhere on a claim for a long time until I called her.
She gor me paid for all the damges that the poor rooof caused , such as leaks oin my house and screen damages to my screen room. and repairs to my ceiling. most important shealso got me the money to replace my roof.
This is her specialty area

Good on Farmers not to pay for a new roof because it simply aged and needs replacing. Why should they?

3 ///
 

What is the meaning of /// ???

Ask Farmers again...
 

My wife and I also had Farmers. Early in 2023 we received notice that they would be dropping us when our policy ended. We shopped several places and did not find any satisfying offers; we were a bit worried.

Suddenly, in comes a letter from Farmers about how we can renew with them. The price was less than what we were finding elsewhere ???

You may do well to call them and speak to a person. Florida insurance companies were quickly floating out to sea, but it appears that the tide has turned and some are coming back. Citizen was absorbing more policies than they probably should have written as most of the state had gone to them. Insurance providers seem to be coming back. I would suggest that you speak with an underwriter from Farmers directly. You may be pleasantly surprised. I hope so for your sake!

I can't understand why a homeowners insurance company would cover replacement of a used roof???
Maybe the shingles manufacturers warranty would?

They are well paid for their service.. service to whom is question. :beer3:

Well let’s see manufacturer paid for defects which hardly ever happens before storm damage. Insurance pays for storm damage, why we have need for it. If they wouldn’t pay for unforeseen damage there would be no need for it.

Insurance figured out 40 plus years ago to lobby and get pro rating roofs. I have yet to figure out how Florida was 50 years behind rest of states? But some state are known for fraudulent claims.

Sounds like normal wear. Why is it the responsibility of an insurance company? Everyone wants something for nothing in this world.

I'd also like to know.

Has been the norm(at least in Florida) for at least 40+ years. In fact it applies to all parts of the house, including items like paint which also depreciate.

Don't bother the insurance companies. You've already tried to make a claim for what is likely normal wear and tear, that's now on your record!!! Bad move. When you switch insurance companies, they will see your claims history. IMO, find a reputable roofing company and pay for the worn-out roof yourself. Maybe do some damage control with your next insurance company and tell them some less credible roofers assured you it would be covered by insurance. However, having a more qualified independent assessment you now know it's normal wear and tear, and would like their recommendation on more trustworthy roofing companies for you to hire and replace at your cost so you can start out fresh with the new insurance company. IT DOES HURT TO FILE CLAIMS, at least in every state I've lived. IMO, unless the damage is more than you can afford after the deductible, just pay for it. Save the insurance rate increase or cancelation!!

I would suggest you contact a HAAG certified inspector. They have the highest level certification for inspecting roof damage and defects.

Use the shingle company that made the shingles. If it’s bad they have to cover the warranty.

There are a lot of roofers in The Villages, but only a few types of shingles. Almost all shingles in The Villages are made by Certainteed. So, most likely, you will be buying Certainteed shingles. Selecting a good roofer is way more important than the type of shingle they install.