Florida insurers deny thousands of legitimate roofing claims every year. A denial letter is not necessarily the end of the road.

Understand Why It Was Denied

The denial letter must state a specific reason. Common reasons include: "normal wear and tear," "pre-existing condition," or "cosmetic damage only."

Get an Independent Roofing Inspection

If you haven't already had a licensed roofing contractor inspect and document the damage independently, do it now. An independent roofer's damage report gives you documentation to counter the denial.

Request a Re-Inspection

You have the right to request a second inspection. Present your contractor's damage report and any additional evidence. Many claims are approved on re-inspection when presented with proper documentation.

Invoke the Appraisal Process

Most Florida homeowner policies include an appraisal clause — a formal dispute process where both parties hire independent appraisers and agree to be bound by the result.

Consult a Public Adjuster or Attorney

For larger claims, a licensed public adjuster or insurance attorney works on your behalf — often on a contingency basis.