How to File a Roof Insurance Claim After Hail in Georgia

Last updated October 15, 2026

Hail is one of the most common reasons Metro Atlanta homeowners end up filing a roof claim. Georgia sees most of its hail in spring, when strong thunderstorms move across the state, but damaging storms can happen in other seasons too. The good news is that sudden storm damage is commonly covered by homeowners insurance. The less good news is that the claims process can be confusing, and hail damage is not always obvious from the ground. This guide walks through what to do, in order, and what to watch for.

Step 1: Figure out whether the roof was likely hit

You usually can't see hail damage on shingles from the yard, but you can see clues that tell you a roof inspection is worth it:

• Dents in gutters, downspouts, metal roof vents, mailboxes, or the fins on your outdoor AC unit.
• Dings or cracks in vinyl siding, window screens, or painted wood trim.
• Shingle granules collecting at the bottom of downspouts or in splash blocks.
• Dents on cars that were parked outside during the storm.
• Neighbors getting roof inspections or having adjusters out on the street.

The National Weather Service treats hail one inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) or larger as severe. Smaller hail can still damage older or brittle shingles, and wind-driven hail tends to do more damage on the side of the house facing the storm. On asphalt shingles, hail damage often looks like dark spots or soft bruises where granules were knocked off, or cracks in the shingle mat. It may not leak right away, which is why many homeowners miss it until a leak shows up months later.

Step 2: Stay safe and prevent more damage

1. Stay off the roof. Wet, damaged shingles are slippery, and falls from roofs and ladders cause serious injuries.
2. If water is coming in, move belongings, put down buckets, and get any openings covered with an emergency tarp. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and the cost of temporary protection is often part of the claim.
3. Keep receipts for tarps, materials, and any emergency work.

Step 3: Document everything

Good documentation makes the rest of the process smoother. Before anything is cleaned up or repaired:

• Write down the date and approximate time of the storm.
• Take photos and video of hailstones on the ground, ideally next to a coin or ruler for scale.
• Photograph damage to gutters, siding, windows, screens, cars, and anything else outside.
• Photograph any interior water stains, wet insulation in the attic, or drips.

Local news coverage and National Weather Service storm reports for your area can also help show that a hailstorm passed through on that date.

Step 4: Read your policy before you call

Pull up your declarations page and look for a few things:

• Your deductible. Some Georgia policies have a separate wind or hail deductible, and it may be a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. A 1 or 2 percent deductible on a higher-value home can be larger than many homeowners expect.
• Replacement cost or actual cash value. A replacement cost policy generally pays to replace the roof with like materials, often in two payments, with the second (the recoverable depreciation) released after the work is done. An actual cash value policy subtracts depreciation for the roof's age, so an older roof may be paid at a much lower amount.
• Roof-specific limits. Some policies have special terms for older roofs or cosmetic damage. Ask your agent if you're unsure what applies to you.
• Time limits. Policies set deadlines for reporting a loss and for completing repairs to collect the full amount. Report promptly.

Step 5: Get a roofer's inspection and file the claim

Many homeowners have a roofing contractor inspect first to find out whether there is enough damage to justify a claim. A good roofer will take dated photos of the damage, often marking hits on sample areas, and will tell you honestly if the damage looks minor or below your deductible. You can then report the claim to your insurer by phone, app, or through your agent. You'll get a claim number; keep it with your photos and notes.

Step 6: Meet the adjuster

The insurance company will usually send an adjuster to inspect. It's a good idea to be home, and many homeowners ask their roofer to meet the adjuster on the roof so nothing is missed. The adjuster's estimate typically lists each item: shingles, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, vents, gutters, and so on. Compare it to your roofer's findings. If something was left out, such as damaged vents or gutters, your roofer can send photos and a written explanation and ask for a supplement or a second inspection.

If you disagree with the result, you can ask the insurer to explain its decision in writing, request a re-inspection, and check whether your policy has an appraisal provision. The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire handles consumer questions and complaints about insurers.

Georgia rules worth knowing

• Contracts that depend on a claim. Georgia law gives homeowners specific protections when they sign a residential roofing contract that will be paid from an insurance claim, including a right to cancel within a short period after the insurer denies all or part of the claim. Read the contract and any cancellation notice before signing.
• Deductibles are your responsibility. Be wary of any contractor who offers to "cover," "absorb," or rebate your deductible. That can be insurance fraud, and it puts you at risk too.
• Who can negotiate your claim. In Georgia, people who negotiate claims on a homeowner's behalf for pay are generally required to be licensed public adjusters. Be cautious about signing anything that assigns your claim or its payments to a contractor.

Step 7: Get the work done and close out

Once the claim is approved, review the scope with your roofer, confirm the materials, and get a written contract with the start date, price, and warranty terms. Your mortgage company may be listed on the insurance check and need to endorse it. After the work is finished, send the final invoice and photos to your insurer if your policy holds back recoverable depreciation until completion.

If you'd like a roofer to inspect hail damage and document it for your claim, request a roofing contractor and mention the date of the storm.

Related services

• Storm & Hail Damage
• Roof Inspections
• Emergency Tarping & Leak Response

Sources and further reading

• Ready.gov — Severe Weather
• NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory — Hail Basics
• National Weather Service — Atlanta/Peachtree City Forecast Office
• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
• Georgia Secretary of State — License Verification
• Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire

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