Winter 2024’s Storm Damage Left LA County Homeowners Scrambling—Here’s Your Complete Guide to Emergency Roof Repairs and Insurance Claims

The devastating winter storms that swept through Los Angeles County in early 2024 left thousands of homeowners facing urgent roof repairs and complex insurance claims processes. With President Biden declaring a Major Disaster for the region, federal programs became available based on the unique damage and extent of impacts incurred locally. Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for eight counties in Southern California, including Los Angeles County, as winter storms brought high winds, damaging rain and heavy snowfall.

For LA County homeowners still dealing with the aftermath of these storms, understanding the insurance claims process and finding reliable emergency roof repair services has never been more critical. The combination of severe storms and flooding that occurred January 21-23, 2024 created unprecedented demand for roofing contractors and left many homeowners navigating unfamiliar insurance territory.

Understanding What Your Insurance Covers After Storm Damage

California homeowners need to understand that homeowners’, renters’, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudslide, debris flow, and other similar disasters. However, they can cover water damage from wind-driven rain that occurs during a storm and damage from fallen trees. This distinction is crucial when filing claims for winter storm damage.

Damage from storms, wind, hail, or falling objects is typically covered. However, wear and tear, mold, or improper maintenance usually aren’t. The key is proving that your roof damage resulted directly from the storm events, not from pre-existing conditions or neglect.

Essential Steps for Filing Your Insurance Claim

Time is critical when dealing with storm damage claims. Insurance companies often have strict deadlines, sometimes as short as 12 months from the date of the storm damage. Filing too late could mean losing your coverage altogether. The majority of insurance policies mandate that claims be submitted within a window of 30 to 60 days following the occurrence of the damage.

Here’s what you need to do immediately:

• Protect your property by covering damage in roof, walls, doors, and windows with plastic sheeting or plywood, being careful not to risk your own safety. Your insurance company will reimburse you for all reasonable costs to protect your property, as long as you save receipts
• Gather clear photographs of the damage, a written inspection report from a licensed contractor, a copy of your homeowner’s policy, and any estimates or receipts for temporary repairs
• Notify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. Most companies have a time limit for filing claims, so don’t delay

The California Claims Process: What to Expect

California has fairly robust protections for policyholders, and the California Fair Claims Settlement Act provides strict deadlines and requirements for the investigation and payment of property insurance claims. If policyholders are aware of these deadlines and rules, and are proactive with respect to their claims, they should have a smooth, fast, efficient, and fair insurance claim process.

During the adjuster inspection, have your contractor present to advocate on your behalf. Provide all documentation you’ve collected. Ask the adjuster to explain any exclusions or reductions in your claim. Remember, the adjuster represents the insurance company’s interests, not yours. That’s why it’s essential to have someone knowledgeable on your side.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Insurance companies don’t make the claims process easy. Homeowners often face claim denials, delayed payments, or underpaid settlements, leaving them with costly out-of-pocket expenses. Insurance companies frequently dispute roofing claims, arguing that damage is due to wear and tear – Insurers may claim the roof was already in poor condition before the storm.

If your claim is denied, start by carefully reviewing the denial letter to understand the reason. Many denials are based on technicalities or missing documentation, and submitting supplemental evidence with help from your contractor can often reverse the decision.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor for Storm Repairs

When selecting a contractor for emergency repairs, experience with insurance claims is crucial. For LA County residents seeking reliable Roof Repair LA County, CA services, it’s important to choose a contractor who understands both the technical aspects of storm damage and the insurance claims process.

Royal Roofing, serving Southern California for nearly 50 years, exemplifies the kind of established contractor homeowners need during storm recovery. By treating every client like family and consistently delivering superior quality and service, they strive to become your local roofing contractor for life. As a family-owned and operated business, they focus on building long-term relationships that span generations. After decades in business, their values haven’t changed. They still—and always will—believe in doing the job right and standing behind their work.

As a Los Angeles based local roofer, they are proud to serve all of Southern California including Beverly Hills, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach and San Pedro, and the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Their extensive experience means they understand the specific challenges LA County homeowners face with both storm damage and insurance claims.

Documentation: Your Key to Success

Document all of your conversations with your insurance company/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated “claim diary.” If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited.

Keep detailed records: Maintain a file with all correspondence, estimates, and documents related to your claim. Be persistent: Insurance claims can take time. Stay patient and persistent in following up with your insurer.

Moving Forward: Prevention and Preparation

While dealing with current storm damage, consider how to prepare for future weather events. With the rising costs and frequency of roof damage claims in the U.S., knowing how to approach your insurance company can make a significant difference in the outcome. In 2024 alone, roof repair and replacement costs soared to nearly $31 billion nationwide, a 30% increase since 2022, driven largely by severe weather events.

The winter 2024 storms were a wake-up call for many LA County homeowners about the importance of having both adequate insurance coverage and a relationship with a trusted roofing contractor before disaster strikes. Royal Roofing’s leadership takes a very involved approach, bringing decades of hands-on experience and a strong foundation in quality roofing practices. Steve Pinkus, President and CEO since 1995, brings nearly four decades of hands-on experience. With more than $75 million in roofing, restoration, and repair sales, he leads with a deep commitment to quality construction and total customer satisfaction. Earning and keeping the trust of his clients, colleagues, and team has always been his top priority. He’s built his career and company by working with dependable people, holding high standards, and never cutting corners. These values continue to guide Royal Roofing today.

For LA County homeowners still recovering from the 2024 winter storms, remember that you have rights as a policyholder and resources available to help navigate the claims process. With proper documentation, the right contractor, and persistence, you can successfully restore your home and protect it against future storms.