What makes a homeowners insurance company the best for roof claims?
Short answer. The best homeowners insurance for roof claims is a policy that pays replacement cost on your roof, from a company whose claims department handles storm claims fairly and promptly. You can check the second part with NAIC complaint data, the Georgia Commissioner's office and an independent agent's claims experience. Price alone tells you little.
Judge the claims department, not the ads
- Complaint records. The NAIC's Consumer Insurance Search shows closed complaints and a complaint index for each company relative to its size.
- Georgia complaints. The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner handles complaints about insurers in the state, and agents hear which carriers draw the most.
- Agent experience. Independent agents see how several carriers pay after the same hailstorm. Ask which ones send field adjusters quickly and which rely on desk reviews of photos.
- Financial strength. A carrier stretched by a heavy storm season may slow claims or pull back from the market.
Then check the roof terms
- Replacement cost on the roof, without a payment schedule endorsement.
- A wind and hail deductible you can afford in dollars. See percentage deductibles.
- No cosmetic damage exclusion on the roof.
- Ordinance or law coverage for code items.
What a good claim experience looks like
Quick acknowledgment, an inspection within a couple of weeks after a normal storm, a complete written estimate, a clear written explanation if anything is denied, and willingness to reinspect when you send new evidence. If your current insurer falls short on several of these, bring it up with your agent at renewal.
One caution on switching
Damage from a storm before your new policy starts belongs to the old policy. Have the roof checked before you move coverage.