Is roof repair covered by insurance?

Run the deductible math first

Suppose wind took off a dozen shingles and the repair costs $650. With a $1,000 deductible, the insurer pays nothing, but the claim can still appear in your claims history. Many Georgia policies also carry a percentage wind and hail deductible. At 2 percent on a home insured for $350,000, that deductible is $7,000, which is more than most repairs cost. Check your declarations page before you file. See percentage deductibles.

Claims history matters

Paid claims, and sometimes reported losses that were not paid, can be recorded in industry claims databases insurers check at renewal or when you switch companies. That is a good reason to get a repair price before reporting a small loss. See whether a roof claim raises premiums.

When a repair becomes a replacement

A small repair can turn into a bigger claim if the roofer finds damage across several slopes, if the shingles are too brittle to lift without breaking, or if the shingle is discontinued and will not match. In those cases the repair estimate is not the real number, and an inspection is worth having before you decide.

What insurers pay for a covered repair

• The cost of materials and labor at local pricing, often with a minimum charge for small jobs.
• Related items like ridge cap, flashing and vents in the damaged area.
• Reasonable emergency measures, such as tarping, to prevent further damage.