What should seniors know about homeowners insurance and roof claims?
Short answer. Older homeowners often have older roofs and fixed incomes, which makes roof age rules, percentage deductibles and storm chaser pressure more dangerous. Review the roof terms on your policy at renewal, keep the deductible at a level you could pay from savings, and never sign anything at the door after a storm. A family member or a trusted roofer can help you through the claim.
Policy terms to check now
- Roof settlement. If your roof has been on for many years, your policy may have shifted it to actual cash value or a payment schedule. See roof age and insurance.
- Deductible in dollars. A 2 percent wind and hail deductible on a $300,000 home is $6,000. Make sure that number fits your budget.
- Discounts. Some insurers offer credits for monitored alarms, new roofs or bundled policies. It costs nothing to ask.
Protect yourself after a storm
- Do not let anyone on your roof just because they knocked. Call a roofer you chose.
- Never pay a large cash deposit or sign over your insurance check.
- Anyone offering to pay your deductible is breaking Georgia law.
- Read every contract before signing, and know that Georgia lets you cancel an insurance contingent roofing contract if the claim is denied. See storm chaser scams.
Get help with the paperwork
You can ask your insurer to list a family member as an authorized contact on the claim so they can speak with the adjuster. Keep one folder with the policy, photos, letters and receipts, and write down the name of everyone you talk to.
If something goes wrong
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner takes complaints about insurers and helps consumers with claim problems. See how to file a complaint.