What should you do if insurance won't cover roof replacement?
Short answer. First find out exactly why, because a full denial, an approval for repairs only, and an estimate that falls under your deductible each call for a different next step. You can ask for a reinspection with your roofer present, submit added evidence, use the appraisal clause for price disputes, or complain to the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, and if the roof is truly just old, plan a self-pay replacement.
Read the letter for the real reason
- "Wear and tear" or "no storm damage": a cause dispute. You need evidence such as photos of hail bruises, dented vents and gutters, and the storm date for your address.
- "Repair only": the insurer agrees there is damage but not enough for replacement. Brittle shingles that crack when lifted, discontinued products and matching problems are the usual grounds for more.
- "Below deductible": the estimate came in under your deductible. Check whether it skipped slopes, ridge cap, flashing, gutters or other structures.
- A policy exclusion: cosmetic damage, a roof payment schedule or late reporting. Ask for the exact policy language in writing.
Next steps, in order
- Request the adjuster's full estimate and photos.
- Get an independent inspection from a roofer who documents with photos.
- Ask for a reinspection and have your roofer attend it.
- If you agree there is damage but not on the amount, look at the appraisal clause.
- If the insurer is not handling the claim fairly, file a complaint with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
If the roof is simply worn out
Insurance does not pay for age. A roof at the end of its life is a maintenance cost, and the honest answer may be a fair self-pay quote, a financing plan, or a repair that buys a few years. If you signed a roofing contract that depended on insurance, Georgia lets you cancel it when the claim is denied; read your contract for the cancellation window.
More: what to do after a denial, how to request a reinspection and the appraisal clause.