How does a roof deductible work?

Which deductible applies?

Most roof claims come from hail or wind, so if your policy has a separate wind and hail deductible, that is the one used. A tree blown onto the roof in a windstorm is usually a wind loss. A fire or a tree that falls on a calm day typically falls under the regular all-other-perils deductible. Check the declarations page for both numbers.

A full replacement, worked through

Your dwelling limit is $350,000 with a 1 percent wind and hail deductible, so $3,500. The roof claim is approved at $17,000 replacement cost with $5,000 of depreciation.

• First check: $17,000 minus $5,000 minus $3,500 equals $8,500.
• Second check after completion: $5,000.
• Your share: $3,500, paid to the roofer.

One storm, one deductible

Gutters, siding, screens and interior damage from the same storm all fall under the same claim and the same deductible. Leaving them out does not save you anything, so include everything the storm damaged.

Upgrades are separate

If you add something the claim does not cover, such as better shingles or new gutter guards, that cost is added to your deductible as your out of pocket amount.

Never let it be waived

Georgia law makes it illegal for a contractor to waive or rebate your deductible. See can a roofer pay your deductible and percentage deductibles, plus Robust Roofing's guide to the wind and hail deductible.