Roof claim denied for "wear and tear"? What Florida homeowners should know.

After a storm, an insurer's adjuster may inspect your roof and conclude that the damage comes from age, deterioration, or poor installation rather than wind. Most homeowners policies exclude wear and tear, so that conclusion can mean a full denial.

But an older roof can still be damaged by a storm. The question is what actually caused the damage you are seeing. Lifted or creased shingles, missing tiles, and new interior leaks that appeared right after a storm can all point to storm damage rather than age.

Evidence matters. Weather data for your date of loss, photos taken before and after the storm, and an independent roof inspection can show what the adjuster missed. Many denials rest on a short inspection and a handful of photos.

Partial payments raise the same issue. An insurer may agree there is storm damage but pay only to repair a few shingles when the roof cannot be properly repaired that way. Whether your policy covers a full replacement depends on its language and the condition of the roof.

If your roof claim was denied or underpaid, have the denial reviewed before you accept it. Florida's deadlines for disputing claims are short.