Roof Insurance Claim Checklist for Georgia Homeowners

When Georgia storms hit — bringing hail, high winds, and flying debris — roof damage is often unavoidable. While your homeowner’s insurance may cover the repairs or full roof replacement, navigating the claim process can feel like a storm of its own.

This Roof Insurance Claim Checklist for Georgia homeowners breaks the process into clear, actionable steps — from initial inspection to final payout — so you know exactly what to do (and what mistakes to avoid).

At Roofers & Contractors, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Forsyth County secure insurance-covered roof replacements. This guide will show you how to do the same — the right way.

Step 1 – Inspect and Document the Roof Damage Immediately

After a storm, time is critical. Georgia insurance companies often require damage reports within days of the event.

What to Look For

• Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles
• Dents or pockmarks (hail impact)
• Exposed decking or underlayment
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Gutter granule buildup or sagging

Your Documentation Checklist

Take clear photos from multiple angles (include date stamps)
Capture close-ups of the most severe damage
Photograph nearby hail or debris (proves storm source)
Record attic leaks or insulation dampness
Save any weather alerts from your area

Pro Tip:
Use your phone’s geotag feature — it helps insurers verify that the photos were taken at your property in Georgia.

Step 2 – Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, hidden damage can develop into leaks and mold. Schedule a certified Georgia roofing contractor for a full inspection before filing your claim.

What a Professional Inspection Includes

• Comprehensive surface check (shingles, vents, flashing)
• Attic moisture readings
• Drone imagery for steep roofs
• Written inspection report for insurance submission

Roofers & Contractors offers free storm damage inspections for homeowners in North Atlanta, providing photos, diagrams, and insurer-ready reports.

Why It Matters:
Insurers trust professional documentation more than DIY assessments. A licensed roofer can detect subtle hail or wind damage you might miss — and that could be the difference between a full replacement and a denied claim.

Step 3 – Review Your Insurance Policy Coverage

Before contacting your insurance company, review your homeowner’s policy.

Key Coverage Terms to Understand

Georgia Tip:

Most policies in Georgia cover hail, wind, and falling tree damage, but not neglect or poor installation.

Step 4 – File Your Roof Insurance Claim Promptly

Once you’ve confirmed coverage, file your claim as soon as possible.

How to File

1. Call your insurance provider’s claims department.
2. Provide the date and time of the storm.
3. Submit your roofer’s inspection report and photos.
4. Request a claim number and keep it for all future correspondence.

Pro Tip:
Georgia homeowners usually have 1 year from the date of the storm to file a claim — but early filing speeds approval.

Step 5 – Meet Your Insurance Adjuster On-Site

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the roof. This is a crucial step — and having your contractor present can make a major difference.

What Happens During the Adjuster Visit

• The adjuster inspects and notes damages.
• Measurements and photos are taken.
• They decide whether repairs or full replacement are justified.

Why You Should Have a Contractor Present

Your roofing expert can:

• Point out all damage that meets coverage criteria
• Explain storm impact in technical terms
• Prevent undervaluation or missed items

Important:
Adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. A roofing contractor serves as your advocate to ensure fair coverage.

Step 6 – Review the Adjuster’s Estimate

After the adjuster’s visit, you’ll receive an Estimate of Loss Report outlining what the insurer will pay.

What to Check

Ensure all roof sections and materials are listed
Confirm your deductible is correctly subtracted
Check labor and material costs match Georgia market rates
Ask about “recoverable depreciation” — additional payout after repairs

If anything looks incorrect, your contractor can request a supplement with photo evidence and pricing adjustments.

Step 7 – Choose a Trusted Georgia Roofing Contractor

Once your claim is approved, it’s time to select a qualified contractor to perform the replacement.

What to Look For

• Georgia state roofing license
• General liability & worker’s comp insurance
• Positive local reviews and Google ratings
• Familiarity with insurance processes
• Written warranties

Local Contractors to Consider:
Roofers & Contractors serves Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming, Forsyth, and Gwinnett County, offering insurance claim assistance and lifetime workmanship warranties.

Step 8 – Approve the Scope of Work and Materials

Your contractor will create a detailed proposal that mirrors the insurance estimate. Before work begins:

• Review materials (asphalt, metal, or tile)
• Verify color, ventilation, and ridge cap details
• Approve the project timeline

Your contractor will then order materials and schedule installation, typically within 1–3 weeks depending on weather and supply availability.

Step 9 – Roof Replacement and Final Inspection

During installation:

1. Old shingles are removed and disposed of properly.
2. Decking is inspected and repaired as needed.
3. Underlayment and flashing are installed.
4. New roofing material is applied.
5. Cleanup and magnetic nail sweep are completed.

Once complete, a final walkthrough confirms the roof meets both manufacturer and insurance standards.

Step 10 – Submit the Completion Certificate

After the roof is replaced, your contractor will provide:

• Photos of the new roof
• A completion certificate
• Warranty documents

Submit these to your insurance provider to release final depreciation payments (the remaining claim balance).

Pro Tip:

Ask your contractor to email this directly to your adjuster to avoid delays.

Step 11 – Keep Records for Future Claims

Once the claim is closed, keep these documents safe:

• Original insurance estimate
• Contractor invoice and warranty
• Final photos
• Adjuster correspondence

Having these on hand makes future claims smoother — especially in Georgia’s storm-prone regions.

Bonus – Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Roof Claims

Even a small oversight can derail your claim. Avoid these pitfalls:

Filing without documentation
Hiring a non-licensed roofer
Delaying your claim past the filing window
Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) without review
Ignoring small leaks that grow worse over time

Remember:
Insurance adjusters are trained to spot inconsistencies — detailed records and professional support are your best protection.

Sample Roof Insurance Claim Timeline (Georgia)

When to Reopen or Appeal a Denied Claim

If your claim was denied, you have options.

Reasons Claims Are Denied

• “Wear and tear” instead of storm damage
• Lack of photos or documentation
• Unlicensed contractor reports
• Missed deadlines

How to Appeal

1. Request a reinspection.
2. Provide updated photos or contractor reports.
3. Hire an independent public adjuster if necessary.
4. Work with your roofer to submit a supplemental claim.

Understanding Georgia-Specific Insurance Laws

Georgia’s insurance laws protect homeowners against unfair denials and rate hikes.

Key Regulations

• Insurers must process claims promptly under the Georgia Insurance Code (O.C.G.A. §33-6-34).
• Contractors cannot “cover” or waive deductibles — it’s considered insurance fraud.
• Homeowners can request a reinspection within 60 days if they disagree with an adjuster’s findings.

Partnering with Roofers & Contractors Makes the Process Easy

We handle everything from inspection to insurance paperwork — so you don’t have to.

Our Georgia Roof Claim Support Includes

Free storm damage inspection
Direct adjuster coordination
Photo and video documentation
Claim submission assistance
Lifetime workmanship warranty

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Forsyth, Gwinnett, and North Fulton Counties get insurance-approved roof replacements — often with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Dealing with roof damage after a Georgia storm is stressful — but with the right process and partner, you can make it smooth and cost-effective.

Follow this checklist, document everything, and work with trusted professionals like Roofers & Contractors to ensure your insurance covers what it should.

Call today or schedule your free roof inspection online to get your roof — and your peace of mind — restored.