Home Claim Denial Get Help
Homeowners & property claims

Home insurance claim denied?

A denial letter can feel final, but insurers deny homeowners claims for reasons that are often worth challenging. Before you pay for repairs out of your own pocket, find out exactly why your claim was denied and what your policy really says.

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What the letter says

Common reasons home claims get denied

Each of these can be legitimate. Each can also be applied too broadly. The question is always whether the facts, and your policy's exact words, back it up.

Wear and tear

The insurer says the damage is age or poor maintenance, not a sudden event like a storm.

Was there a storm, and did anyone check?
Long-term leak

Water damage blamed on a slow, repeated leak instead of a sudden one.

What shows it was gradual?
Pre-existing damage

The damage supposedly existed before the date of loss.

What evidence dates it?
Cosmetic only

Hail marks on a roof or siding called "cosmetic," with no loss of function.

Does your policy actually exclude cosmetic damage?
Late notice

The claim was reported later than the policy allows.

Did the delay actually hurt the insurer's investigation?
Excluded peril

Flood, earth movement or another excluded cause named as the source.

Was that really the cause, or one of several?

Red flags that a denial deserves a second look

  • The letter doesn't quote the policy language it relies on
  • The inspection was short, or no one went on the roof
  • Neighbors with similar damage were paid
  • The reason changed between phone calls and the letter
  • You were never given the adjuster's report or photos
Your plan

What to do after a home claim denial

  1. Get the denial in writing

    Ask for the specific reason and the exact policy provisions behind it.

  2. Ask for the claim file

    Request the adjuster's report, photos and any engineer or expert reports.

  3. Protect the property and the evidence

    Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage, keep receipts, and photograph everything before permanent work.

  4. Get an independent opinion

    Have the damage and the policy reviewed by someone who doesn't work for the insurance company.

  5. Watch the deadlines

    Policies limit how long you have to dispute a decision or file suit. Don't let the clock run out.

Put a licensed public adjuster on your side

The adjuster who denied your claim works for the insurance company. A public adjuster works for you: re-examining the cause of loss, documenting the damage, reading the policy line by line, and pressing your insurer to reconsider.

Adjuster Shield is a licensed public adjuster in Ohio. Outside Ohio? Visit Adjuster Shield to see what's available in your state.

Talk To Adjuster Shield → General information, not legal advice.