Do I have to pay my deductible for hail damage?
How the hail deductible works
The insurer subtracts your deductible from the claim payment, and you pay that amount toward the repair. If your roof replacement is $15,000 and your wind and hail deductible is $3,000, the insurer's total payment is $12,000 (possibly in two checks), and you pay $3,000 to the roofer.
Which deductible applies
- Wind and hail deductible: many Georgia policies have one, often 1 or 2 percent of the dwelling limit. It applies to hail.
- All other perils deductible: used when the policy has no separate wind and hail deductible.
- Roof deductible endorsement: some policies set a special deductible for roof damage.
See percentage wind and hail deductibles.
Why no one can legally skip it
Georgia law prohibits contractors from paying, waiving or rebating your deductible, including disguising it as a discount, referral fee or sign payment. If a roofer offers that, the claim is likely being padded. See can a roofer pay your deductible.
If the damage is less than the deductible
The insurer pays nothing, and the claim may still be recorded. Get an inspection first so you know whether the damage clears the deductible before filing.
If paying it is hard
Ask your roofer about financing, and remember that if your policy pays replacement cost, the second check for depreciation will come after the work is done.