Why is my roof deductible so high?
The math that surprises people
- Dwelling limit (Coverage A): $450,000
- Wind and hail deductible: 2%
- Your share of any wind or hail claim: $9,000
- Typical roof replacement in North Georgia: roughly $8,000 to $16,000 for most homes
On a smaller or simpler roof, the deductible can swallow most of the claim. On a larger roof with gutters, siding and screens also damaged, the claim may still be well worth filing.
Why insurers use a percentage
Wind and hail cause a large share of Georgia home claims, and nearly all of them involve roofs. A percentage deductible scales with the size of the home, keeps the insurer out of smaller roof claims, and lets the insurer hold premiums lower than they would be with a flat $1,000 deductible.
Why it keeps creeping up
Most policies include an inflation guard that raises Coverage A at each renewal to keep pace with construction costs. That protects you from being underinsured, but every increase in the limit also raises a percentage deductible. A 2 percent deductible on a limit that grows 6 percent a year grows with it.
Your options
- Ask your agent to price a 1 percent or flat dollar wind and hail deductible.
- Do not lower the dwelling limit below the true rebuild cost just to shrink the deductible. Being underinsured after a major loss costs far more.
- Ask about credits for impact-resistant shingles or a newer roof.
- Before any claim, compare a full inspection estimate to the deductible in dollars.
More: how percentage deductibles work and what homeowners insurance pays on a roof.