Insurance Company Raised Your Rates for a Metal Roof—Then Refused to Cover It
It’s frustrating enough to deal with property damage from a storm—but it’s even worse when your home insurance company refuses to pay after raising your rates for the very thing they now claim isn’t covered.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen situations like this more than once.
A homeowner recently shared how their insurer increased their premium because they had a metal roof—then later denied their claim after tornado damage, saying metal roofs weren’t covered. They had clearly disclosed the roof type when they signed up. Even worse, the insurer claimed the policy had “lapsed” just 10 days before the first storm, even though the homeowner had agreed to renew over the phone.
Now, after paying higher premiums under a renewed policy, the insurance company is denying the second claim because of an “exclusion” that was never made clear.
Let’s unpack what this kind of situation means—and what you can do if it happens to you.
Start With the Policy You Signed
The most important thing you can do right now is read the policy document—the one you signed when coverage was renewed. If the insurer claims something isn’t covered, they need to show you the exact policy language that excludes it.
Too often, carriers will say something isn’t covered without referencing where it actually says so in writing. That’s not acceptable.
If they raised your premium because of a metal roof, that’s an admission that they knew you had one. It also strongly suggests that coverage was either included or that you paid extra to "buy it back"—a common practice in policies where certain items are excluded by default but can be added with additional premium.
Action Step:
Call or email your agent and ask:
“Please point me to the specific section in my policy where it states metal roofs are excluded from coverage.”
If they can’t—or if they hesitate—that’s your first red flag.
When to Contact the State Insurance Commissioner
If your insurer gave you verbal confirmation that your policy was renewed (and you paid the premium), only to claim later that it had lapsed during your storm damage—this may be grounds for a formal complaint.
In California (and in most states), you can file a complaint with the state Department of Insurance. If the insurance company raised your premium for a specific risk—like a metal roof—but is now refusing to cover it, the DOI may get involved quickly.
These agencies exist to protect policyholders from exactly this kind of behavior. Often, a single call from the state regulator is enough to get a “misunderstanding” cleared up.
Action Step:
Gather your proof:
- Policy documents
- Premium invoices showing the increase
- Any call logs, emails, or renewal confirmations
- Notes about what you were told
Then contact the California Department of Insurance: 1-800-927-4357 insurance.ca.gov
Should You Hire an Attorney?
The short answer: not right away—but keep it in your back pocket.
An attorney can review your policy and let you know if the insurer is bluffing or genuinely within their rights. It’s smart to do this before jumping into a lawsuit, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
You absolutely can sue an insurance company—but you’ll want to have:
- Documentation of what they told you
- Clear evidence of policy coverage
- A denied claim in writing
- An understanding of what’s at stake financially
Action Step:
Schedule a consultation with an insurance-focused attorney if:
- The insurer is stonewalling
- You feel you’re being misled
- You’ve already filed a DOI complaint and nothing changed
Prevention: What to Ask Before You Buy a Policy
This situation is a reminder that not all policies are created equal—and not all insurers are transparent.
Before buying a home policy (especially if you have unique home features like a metal roof, hot tub, or solar panels), ask these questions:
- Is my roof type fully covered, and are there any exclusions?
- If my premiums are increased for a feature, does that automatically mean it's covered?
- What are the most common reasons claims are denied with this policy?
- Can I get that answer in writing?
If the person selling you the policy can’t give you a straight answer—or is reluctant to be transparent—get a second quote.
Looking for Better Home Insurance?
If this story hits close to home, it might be time to shop around.
At our agency, we believe in clear policies, straightforward answers, and no hidden exclusions. We specialize in helping homeowners in California compare policies and rates so they know exactly what they’re getting—and what they’re paying for.
Whether you have a traditional shingle roof or something more specialized like metal or tile, we’ll walk you through it.
- Serving clients across California
- Fast, no-pressure conversations
- Transparent coverage options
Get Home Insurance Quotes You Can Trust
Looking for quotes for home insurance that make sense and don’t come with surprises later? We’ll help you compare multiple home insurance quotes, explain your options, and make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage that won’t hold up when you need it most.