A denied claim isn't the end. Wisconsin homeowners have rights, and there are proven paths to getting the coverage you're owed.
If your storm damage claim is denied: 1) Get a written denial reason, 2) Request a re-inspection with your contractor present, 3) File a formal appeal with additional documentation, 4) Invoke the appraisal clause in your policy, 5) Contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance if needed. DT Exteriors helps homeowners overturn denied claims regularly.
| Denial Reason | What They Claim | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| "Normal wear" | Damage is aging, not storm | Storm damage and wear look different. A trained contractor can distinguish them. |
| "Pre-existing" | Damage existed before storm | Often based on a 15-minute adjuster visit. A thorough re-inspection often reveals storm indicators. |
| "Cosmetic only" | Damage doesn't affect function | Some policies have cosmetic exclusions, but functional damage is always covered. |
| "Not enough damage" | Below repair threshold | Often the adjuster missed damage. Supplement with full documentation. |
| "Filed too late" | Outside claim window | Check your policy — most allow 1 year. If damage wasn't visible, discovery date matters. |
Request the specific denial reason and the adjuster's report. You need to know exactly what they claim before you can counter it.
Call your insurance and request a second inspection with your contractor present. DT Exteriors will point out damage the first adjuster missed — this overturns approximately 40% of initial denials.
Submit a written appeal with additional photos, contractor documentation, and a line-item estimate from DT Exteriors. Include weather data proving the storm event affected your area.
Most policies contain an appraisal clause — you and your insurance each hire an appraiser, and a neutral umpire breaks any ties. This is often the fastest path to resolution.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance accepts complaints and can intervene on your behalf. File at oci.wi.gov.
Public adjusters take 10-15% of your settlement. Before hiring one, have DT Exteriors do a free re-inspection. Many denied claims are overturned simply by having proper contractor documentation without the cost of a public adjuster.
As a last resort, yes. Wisconsin has bad faith insurance laws that protect homeowners. However, the appraisal clause and OCI complaint process resolve most disputes without litigation. Consult an insurance attorney if you believe your carrier is acting in bad faith.
Free inspections. Transparent pricing. Lifetime warranty on every project.