We can help you with your roof insurance claim

Most Illinois homeowners policies cover sudden damage from hail, wind, fallen trees, and other storms. They usually exclude wear and tear, old age, and damage from poor maintenance, and some pay only the depreciated value on older roofs. Check your declarations page and any roof endorsements to see whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage.

There’s no single statewide deadline because your policy sets it, usually in sections titled “Conditions” or “Suit Against Us.” Most policies require prompt notice of damage, and many give you one to two years from the date of loss to take legal action if a claim goes sideways. Report storm damage within days or weeks, while it’s fresh and easy to prove.

Call a licensed roofer for an inspection first, so you know whether you actually have storm damage before you open a claim. That keeps unnecessary claims off your record and gives you photos and a damage report to share when you call your insurer. If water is already coming in, though, report it to your insurance company right away and get the leak tarped.

Start by asking your insurer for the denial in writing, along with the policy language it’s relying on. From there, you can request a re-inspection, submit new photos or a roofer’s report, invoke your policy’s appraisal clause, or hire a licensed public adjuster or attorney. If you think your insurer handled the claim unfairly, you can also file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance.

A public adjuster represents you, not the insurance company, during a property damage claim. They document the damage, review your policy, prepare a detailed estimate, and negotiate the settlement on your behalf. Illinois requires public adjusters to hold a license from the Illinois Department of Insurance, so verify that license before you sign a contract.