How do you get a roof replacement through homeowners insurance?
Short answer. Get the roof inspected and photographed, file a claim with your insurer tied to a specific storm date, meet the adjuster on the roof, and review the estimate before signing a contract. If the estimate approves replacement, the insurer pays in one or more checks minus your deductible, and the roofer installs the new roof.
- Inspection first. A roofer checks every slope, the soft metals and the gutters, and tells you whether the damage looks like a storm loss or wear. This keeps you from filing on a roof that will not qualify.
- Pin the date of loss. Claims attach to a storm. Free hail history by zip code at northgeorgiahailmap.com helps match the damage to the right event.
- File the claim. Online, by app or by phone. Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name.
- Adjuster inspection. Usually within a few weeks. Be home, and have your roofer there to point out damage. See how to prepare for the adjuster inspection.
- Read the estimate. Check that it says replace, not repair, on each slope, and that it includes underlayment, drip edge, starter, ridge, flashing and code items.
- Supplement or dispute. If items are missing, the roofer submits a supplement. If the claim is denied or only partly approved, request a reinspection.
- Contract and schedule. Sign with the roofer, pick shingles and set a date. The roofer pulls the permit where one is required.
- Install and close out. After the roof is done, the final invoice goes to the insurer to release recoverable depreciation.
Your protections along the way
Georgia lets you cancel a residential roofing contract that depends on insurance if the claim is denied; read your contract for the cancellation window. Your deductible is always yours to pay, since contractor waivers are illegal in Georgia. For how long each stage usually takes, see the roof claim timeline in Georgia.