How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Georgia
By Take Charge Roofing · Atlanta, GA
Georgia is one of the most hail-active states in the country — and homeowners insurance is specifically designed to cover the cost of storm-damaged roofs. Yet many Georgia homeowners either don't realize they have a valid claim, file incorrectly and get less than they're owed, or miss the filing deadline entirely.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process from damage to payout.
The 6-Step Roof Insurance Claim Process
Get a Free Drone Inspection First
Before calling your insurance company, have a qualified contractor inspect your roof. A drone inspection creates documentation — high-resolution photos of every damaged area — that your adjuster will need to approve the claim. Filing without this documentation is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Take Charge Roofing provides this inspection free of charge.
Review Your Policy
Before you file, understand: (1) Your deductible amount, (2) Whether your policy covers Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV) — RCV is significantly better, paying for a new roof minus deductible, while ACV depreciates the payout based on roof age, (3) Your claim filing deadline — typically 1 year from the storm date in Georgia.
File Your Claim
Call your insurance company's claims line or file online. You'll need: the date of the storm event, a description of the type of damage (hail, wind, fallen tree, etc.), and your contact information. The insurer will assign an adjuster and schedule an inspection.
Be Present During the Adjuster Inspection
Insurance adjusters inspect many roofs quickly. Having your roofing contractor present ensures all damage is identified and documented. Adjusters sometimes miss soft-metal hits, gutter damage, flashing failures, and roof penetration damage. Your contractor can point out items that would otherwise be overlooked.
Review the Scope of Loss
Your insurer will send a Scope of Loss document — essentially an itemized list of what they'll pay for. Review it line by line. Items are commonly missed on the first pass. A contractor can identify omissions and file a supplement to add them to the approved scope. This is called a 'supplement' and is standard practice in the industry.
Approve Work and Get Paid
Once you've approved the scope, your contractor orders materials and schedules the job. Many insurers issue two checks: an initial payment upfront and a depreciation holdback released after completion. Your deductible is typically the only amount you pay directly.
Common Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Money
- ✗Filing without documentation — always get an inspection report first
- ✗Accepting the first scope of loss without review — supplements are common and legitimate
- ✗Waiting too long — Georgia policies typically have a 1-year filing window
- ✗Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contract with an unknown contractor — this removes your control over the claim
- ✗Choosing a contractor based on door-knocking alone after a storm — research the company first
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Georgia?+
Will filing a roof insurance claim raise my rates in Georgia?+
Let Us Handle the Insurance Process
We've filed hundreds of successful claims for Georgia homeowners. Start with a free drone inspection.