Your Roof Insurance Claim Was Denied. Here’s What to Do Next in Manitoba.

Getting a denial letter after filing a roof insurance claim is deeply frustrating — especially when you’re staring at storm damage that needs to be fixed before the next rain. But a denial isn’t necessarily the final word. Manitoba homeowners have real options, and knowing how to use them can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Here’s what to do if your insurer has denied your roof claim.

Step 1: Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Before doing anything else, read the denial letter in full and identify exactly why your claim was denied. Common reasons include:

• Wear and tear / maintenance exclusion: The insurer determined the damage was due to gradual aging rather than a sudden insured event.
• Pre-existing damage: Evidence of prior damage that wasn’t repaired before the claim.
• Policy exclusion: The cause of damage (e.g., flooding, settling) may not be covered under your specific policy.
• Insufficient documentation: The claim lacked enough evidence to support the amount requested.
• Depreciation: The payout was reduced — or denied entirely — because the roof exceeded its expected lifespan.

Understanding the specific reason matters because each one has a different path to challenge. A denial based on insufficient documentation is easier to address than one based on a clear policy exclusion.

Step 2: Don’t Make Permanent Repairs Yet

It may be tempting to get the work done immediately, especially if there’s active water intrusion. Apply a temporary tarp or emergency covering to prevent further damage — but do not authorize permanent repairs until your appeal is resolved.

Once repairs are made, the physical evidence is gone. If you later pursue an appeal or legal action, you’ll need that evidence. Photograph everything before any work is done, and keep all documentation of emergency measures you took.

Step 3: Get an Independent Roofing Assessment

An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their assessment reflects their employer’s interests — and it may not account for all damage present, or may mischaracterize storm-related damage as pre-existing.

Before appealing, get a written assessment from a qualified, independent roofing contractor. A thorough inspection report that specifically documents:

• The nature and extent of the damage
• Evidence linking the damage to the insured event (storm, hail, wind)
• Any distinction between pre-existing wear and new storm damage
• A cost estimate for repair or replacement

This report becomes the cornerstone of your appeal. It gives you independent expert evidence to set against the adjuster’s conclusions.

Integrity Roofing provides post-storm roof assessments for Manitoba homeowners navigating insurance disputes. We’ll document the damage, provide a detailed written report, and help you understand what can be attributed to the storm versus normal aging. Contact us to book an inspection.

Step 4: File a Formal Appeal with Your Insurer

Every insurer in Canada is required to have an internal appeal (or reconsideration) process. Submit a written appeal that includes:

• A clear statement that you are formally requesting reconsideration of your claim
• The independent roofing assessment
• All photos and documentation of the damage and storm event
• Any weather records supporting that a storm occurred on the date in question (Environment Canada maintains historical weather data for Manitoba)
• A written rebuttal addressing the specific reasons cited in the denial letter

Be specific and professional. Reference the policy language the insurer cited in their denial, and explain — with supporting evidence — why their interpretation or assessment is incorrect.

Step 5: Escalate If the Appeal Fails

If your insurer upholds the denial after your appeal, you still have options.

General Insurance OmbudService (GIO)

The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) is a free, independent dispute resolution service for Canadian home and auto insurance policyholders. If your insurer is a member (most major Canadian insurers are), you can file a complaint with the GIO after exhausting your insurer’s internal process.

The GIO can review your file and recommend resolution — though its decisions are not legally binding. Under the Manitoba Insurance Act, you generally have up to two years from the date of loss to pursue legal remedies, so time matters.

Hire a Public Adjuster

A licensed public adjuster works on behalf of the policyholder — not the insurer — to negotiate settlements. They typically work on a contingency fee (a percentage of the final payout), so there’s no upfront cost. A public adjuster can be particularly useful if the disputed amount is significant and the documentation is complex.

Legal Action

If the amount in dispute justifies it and other avenues have been exhausted, you may be able to pursue a legal claim against your insurer. Consulting a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes can help you evaluate whether this path makes sense for your situation.

Prevent Future Claim Complications

The best defence against a denied roof claim is a well-documented, well-maintained roof. Insurers are far more likely to pay out when there’s clear evidence of proper maintenance and a sudden, documented storm event — rather than years of accumulated wear.

Regular professional inspections give you a record of your roof’s condition before any damage occurs. That record can be invaluable if you ever need to distinguish storm damage from normal aging in a future claim.

For more on what insurers look for — and what they won’t cover — see our related guides:
Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement in Canada?
How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Manitoba

If your claim has been denied and you need an independent assessment to support your appeal, contact Integrity Roofing. We work with Manitoba homeowners throughout the insurance process and can provide the documentation you need to make your case.