Can I file a claim with the previous owner’s insurance company?

Homeowner insurance is intended to reimburse or repair a home owned and damaged by the insured party.If the home was damaged prior to your purchase, and you are aware of the damage, your insurance company will deny any claim you submit for prior damage.

The claim needs to be filed by the current owner. If the bank is owner of the property they could file a claim with the insurance they have obtained for the property. However, since many times that insurance is through a company that they may own or manage, they may be unwilling to file such a claim against their own company. If the damage occurred before they took back the home, it may be possible to file a claim with the insurance company that covered the home when the foreclosed owner had it. You should contact the bank to see if they can contact the prior insurance company and file a claim for the roof damage. They may refuse, but they may give you the name of that insurance company and you could contact them to see if they will accept a claim from you.