What happens when an insurance company orders a roof inspection?
Short answer. When your insurer orders a roof inspection outside of a claim, it is checking risk: the roof's age, condition and any visible problems. Depending on the findings, the insurer may take no action, require repairs by a deadline, change the roof to actual cash value coverage, or decline to renew, so respond quickly and in writing to any request.
Why insurers inspect roofs
The roof drives a large share of property claims, so insurers check it when they write a new policy, at renewal, or during periodic reviews. Many now review aerial imagery first and send an inspector only if the images raise questions.
What the inspector looks at
- Roof age and material, often estimated from appearance if no records exist.
- Missing, curling, cupped or cracked shingles and bare spots from granule loss.
- Tarps, patches and mismatched repairs.
- Moss, debris piles and branches touching the roof.
- Sagging lines, damaged flashing and rusted vents.
Possible outcomes
- No action.
- A letter requiring specific repairs or a replacement by a deadline.
- A change in roof coverage, such as an actual cash value or payment schedule endorsement.
- A nonrenewal, which in Georgia requires advance written notice.
How to respond
- Ask the insurer or your agent for the inspection photos and the specific findings.
- Get a roofer's inspection to confirm what is actually wrong. Algae streaks, for example, can look like deterioration in a photo.
- Make the repairs before the deadline and send an invoice with before and after photos.
- If the roof needs replacement, keep the permit, invoice and warranty registration; they prove the roof's age for years.
- If the terms change for the worse, have your agent shop other carriers.
Older roofs get the most scrutiny; see how roof age affects insurance.