What roof insurance claim trends should Georgia homeowners know about?
Short answer. Roof claims are getting stricter: more policies settle older roofs at actual cash value or by payment schedule, percentage wind and hail deductibles are more common, and some policies exclude cosmetic damage. Insurers also lean more on aerial imagery, drones and photo-based reviews, while Georgia has tightened rules on contractors taking assignments of insurance proceeds after disasters.
Trends in coverage
- ACV and payment schedules for roofs: more policies pay older roofs at actual cash value or a percentage based on roof age. See roof payment schedule endorsements.
- Percentage deductibles: wind and hail deductibles set as a percentage of dwelling coverage can turn a modest claim into one that pays little. See percentage deductibles.
- Cosmetic exclusions: some policies exclude dents that do not affect function, which matters most for metal roofs. See cosmetic damage exclusions.
- Roof age underwriting: insurers increasingly ask for roof age and condition at new business and renewal.
Trends in claim handling
- Aerial imagery: used to compare a roof before and after a storm and to spot pre-existing wear.
- Drones and ladder assist crews: more common on steep roofs.
- Photo and video claims: smaller claims may be settled without an on-site visit.
- Engineers: brought in more often when cause or age is disputed.
Trends in Georgia law
Since July 1, 2025, Georgia treats it as an unfair practice for a contractor to take an assignment of a homeowner's insurance proceeds within one year of a declared natural disaster. Georgia also continues to prohibit contractors from waiving or rebating deductibles.
What to do about it
Read your declarations page and endorsements before storm season, not after. Know your deductible in dollars and whether your roof is on replacement cost, ACV or a schedule. Keep proof of your roof's age, and photograph the roof once a year so you have a baseline if a storm hits.