Will insurance pay for your new roof? Learn the 2026 rules for roof claims in Metro Atlanta, from storm damage coverage to new Georgia deductible laws.
If you’ve lived in Metro Atlanta for more than a single season, you know our weather is relentless. Between sudden hailstorms in Alpharetta and high-wind gusts in Woodstock, your roof takes a beating. When a leak finally appears, every homeowner has the same high-stakes question: “Will insurance cover a new roof?” Before making a decision, consider these questions to ask before you hire a local roofing company.
In 2026, the answer is more complex than it used to be. While your policy is designed to protect you from disaster, it isn’t a maintenance plan for an aging home. At Pro Roofing & Siding, we’ve helped Georgia homeowners navigate the insurance maze for over 16 years.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what is covered by home insurance, what isn’t, and the new Georgia laws you need to know before you file a claim.
1. The “Sudden and Accidental” Rule
For an insurance company to pay for a roof replacement in Georgia, the damage must typically be “sudden and accidental.” This usually includes perils like wind, hail, fire, or falling trees. Insurance is more likely to cover roof damage if the roof is in good condition, as insurers may deny claims if there are signs of neglect or pre-existing issues.
What IS NOT Covered:
Most policies do not cover damage resulting from neglect, wear and tear, aging, rust, or rot. For example, missing shingles—especially after storms—can signal to insurers that the roof has not been properly maintained, which may lead to claim denial. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential, as roof damage from these excluded causes is generally not covered in Georgia.
What IS Typically Covered:
Insurance policies protect against specific covered perils—the risks or events your policy will pay for. Common covered perils include hail, wind, and fire. For example:
- Wind Damage: Shingles torn off or lifted by high winds (common during Georgia’s spring storm season).
- Hail Damage: Dents or “bruising” on shingles that compromise their lifespan.
- Falling Objects: A healthy tree limb falling onto your roof during a storm.
- Lightning & Fire: Direct strikes or resulting fire damage.
Homeowners insurance can cover various perils, including fire, windstorm, and theft. In addition to roof protection, homeowners insurance policies usually contain four additional types of coverage: property damage, additional living expenses, personal liability, and medical payments.
What IS NOT Covered:
- Wear and Tear: If your shingles are simply old, brittle, and losing granules because they’ve reached the end of their 20-year lifespan.
- Lack of Maintenance: Damage caused by clogged gutters or ignoring minor leaks for years.
- Pest Damage: Issues caused by squirrels, raccoons, or insects.
2. Understanding RCV vs. ACV (The Payout Difference)
In 2026, many Metro Atlanta insurers are shifting how they pay out claims. Insurers assess the age and condition of your roof to determine how they will provide coverage, which can impact your claim payout. You need to check your policy for these two terms:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This is the gold standard. The insurer pays what it costs to replace the roof at today’s prices, minus your deductible.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): This pays the depreciated value of your roof. Depreciation is deducted from the payout based on the age and condition of your roof. If your 15-year-old roof is damaged, the insurer will deduct 15 years of “wear” from the check. You might only receive 30%–50% of the total replacement cost. Many insurers are now shifting policies from full replacement-cost coverage to Actual Cash Value, which deducts depreciation based on roof age. In Georgia, many policies also present payouts in stages, starting with the ACV and paying the remaining amount upon completion of repairs. Some policies may also limit coverage for older roofs, especially in areas prone to severe weather, so review your policy for any age-related coverage limits or exclusions.
The amount of coverage provided by homeowners insurance varies depending on the type of policy you have, your liability limits, deductible, and the value of your property. Always review these factors to understand how much coverage your policy will actually provide.
3. The 15-Year Milestone & 2026 Underwriting
In 2026, roof age has become a major trigger for Georgia insurance companies. Roof matters because its age, condition, and maintenance directly influence insurance risk assessment and eligibility for coverage. Many carriers now use aerial surveillance (drones and satellites) to assess your roof’s condition remotely. Insurance in Georgia is now tracking risks from severe weather using satellite imagery, particularly for hail and hurricanes.
Many insurance companies will not fully insure a roof that is 15 to 20 years old, especially if it shows signs of wear. Insurance providers may charge higher premiums for older roofs due to the increased risk of damage, and the age and condition of a roof significantly affect the premiums and coverage options available to homeowners and roofing contractors in Georgia. Most home insurance policies take into account several factors, including the roof’s condition, age, and materials used, when calculating premiums. Different roofing materials, such as metal, asphalt shingles, or tile, impact insurance premiums and risk assessments, especially in Atlanta where severe weather like hail and high winds are common. Many insurance companies in Georgia limit coverage for roofs older than 10 or 15 years, which can affect roofing contractors’ insurance options and the level of coverage insurance providers are willing to provide. Newer roofs typically result in lower insurance premiums compared to older roofs, and insurance companies may offer lower premiums for homes with metal roofing due to its durability and longevity. Asphalt shingles are commonly used in residential homes, but insurance coverage may decrease once they reach 15-20 years of age. Insurance providers in Georgia may require regular inspections, especially for roofs nearing the 15-year mark, to maintain coverage and ensure the roof continues to meet their standards.
If your roof is older than 15 or 20 years, you may receive a notice requiring a full replacement to maintain your coverage, or your policy may automatically switch from RCV to ACV. Roof coverage is determined by policy specifics and the roof’s condition, so older roofs may have limited coverage or different terms. Proactive inspections are the only way to prove your roof is still in good health before a storm hits.
Carriers in Georgia must provide a 60-day notice before cancelling or non-renewing a policy due to roof condition.
4. Georgia Law & Deductible Fraud (HB 423)
It is vital for homeowners in cities like Kennesaw and Roswell to understand Georgia House Bill 423.
By law, it is illegal for a roofing contractor to pay, waive, or “rebate” your insurance deductible. Any contractor who offers to “cover your deductible” is asking you to participate in insurance fraud. A reputable, award-winning company like Pro Roofing & Siding will always provide a transparent estimate that complies with Georgia state law, protecting you from legal risk.
5. New 2026 Financial Protections for Georgians
As of 2026, Georgia has introduced new ways to help homeowners manage the cost of storm recovery:
- Catastrophe Savings Accounts (HB 511): Georgians can now contribute to tax-free savings accounts specifically to fund insurance deductibles and disaster repairs. Higher deductibles often mean lower premiums but provide less money for repairs, so these accounts can help cover out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, wind and hail claims in Georgia may carry percentage-based deductibles ranging from 1% to 5% of the home’s value.
- FORTIFIED Home Discounts: Under recent legislation, Georgia insurers are now required to offer premium discounts to homeowners who retrofit their roofs to “FORTIFIED” storm-resistant standards. In Georgia, metal roofs may qualify for discounts of 5% to 35% due to their hail resistance.
- Some insurers also offer discounts when you bundle your home and car insurance policies, which can provide additional savings on your overall insurance costs.
General Liability Insurance: Why It Matters for Roof Claims
Roof repairs and replacements in Metro Atlanta come with real risks. Workers get hurt. Tools fall and damage property. Equipment breaks windows. General liability insurance isn’t paperwork—it’s protection. Both homeowners and roofing contractors need this coverage. Without it, accidents turn into expensive lawsuits.
Smart insurance companies know roofing work is risky. They create policies specifically for roofing contractors. These policies cover everything from minor leak fixes to complete roof tearoffs in Marietta or Alpharetta. Good coverage means accidents get handled properly. Property damage? Covered. Injured worker? Covered. You won’t pay out of pocket when things go wrong on your Roswell roof project.
Metro Atlanta homeowners must work with insured contractors. Period. This protects your property and your wallet. Before any work starts, ask for proof of insurance. No insurance certificate? Find another contractor. Legitimate roofing professionals in Woodstock and Sandy Springs carry proper coverage. They want to protect your home as much as their business.
Georgia weather hits hard and fast. Hail storms, wind damage, unexpected repairs—they happen. Working with properly insured contractors makes sense. Your roof investment stays protected. Your property stays safe. Choose contractors who take insurance seriously, and your Atlanta-area home stays covered no matter what nature throws at it.
New Roof Installation and Insurance
Homeowners in Marietta, Alpharetta, and across Metro Atlanta know the truth: a new roof isn’t just home improvement. It’s smart protection. Insurance companies see it the same way. They reward new roofs with lower premiums because the math works. Fresh shingles and solid structure mean fewer claims from Georgia’s notorious hailstorms.
Here’s what a new roof delivers for your insurance situation. Lower premiums, better policy terms, and coverage that sticks when you need it most. Insurers in Atlanta often require proof your roof can handle severe weather before offering their best rates. Makes sense—they’ve seen the damage from Roswell to Sandy Springs after summer storms roll through. Your new roof shows them you’re serious about protection. Less risk for them means savings for you.
Got your new roof installed? Call your insurance company now. Don’t wait. Many Metro Atlanta providers offer immediate premium reductions once they verify your upgrade. From Kennesaw to Smyrna, homeowners who skip this step leave money on the table. In a region where hail hits hard and storms strike fast, a new roof protects your home and your wallet.
Serving Metro Atlanta Since 2008
At Pro Roofing & Siding, we aren’t just contractors; we are advocates for your home. Our services include comprehensive roof inspections, repairs, roof inspections, and insurance claim assistance to support you through every step of the process.
- GAF Master Elite® Contractors: We are among the top 1% of roofing contractors nationwide.
- 10+ Years Consumer’s Choice Award Winner: A track record of integrity you can trust.
- Insurance Specialists: we provide the 4K photo documentation and technical reports adjusters need to approve your claim fairly. We understand the importance of proper documentation, especially since Georgia insurers may require specific building code upgrades during roof replacement, which are only covered if properly documented.
- Liability Insurance: Roofing contractors in Georgia are required to have liability insurance to protect against potential damages or injuries that may occur during their work. Georgia’s insurance regulations may also require roofing contractors to provide proof of insurance coverage to clients before starting work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I have hail damage?
Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. It looks like small “bruises” or dark dimples where the granules have been knocked off. If you see dents on your gutters or metal roof vents, there is a high chance your shingles are damaged too.
Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a roof claim?
While laws vary, filing a single claim for “Act of God” weather damage (like hail) generally does not cause an individual rate spike in Georgia. However, widespread storms in your zip code can cause regional rate adjustments.
My roof is 20 years old. Will insurance still cover it?
If a storm causes sudden damage, yes—but you may only receive the Actual Cash Value (ACV), which is the depreciated worth. If it’s just old and leaking, insurance will likely deny the claim as a maintenance issue.
What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?
Don’t panic. You have the right to request a “re-inspection” with a different adjuster. Having a GAF Master Elite contractor present during this second look ensures that all technical damage is properly identified.
Is it true that I can get a tax break for my roof deductible?
Under the 2026 House Bill 511, Georgia residents can use Catastrophe Savings Accounts to pay deductibles with tax-advantaged funds. Consult with a tax professional to see how this applies to your specific restoration.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm
Insurance can be a lifesaver, but only if you have the documentation and the right partner to back you up. Don’t wait for a major leak to find out your policy has switched to “Actual Cash Value” or that your roof age has triggered a non-renewal notice.
If you suspect storm damage or your roof is nearing its 15th birthday, call the award-winning team at Pro Roofing & Siding. We provide the professionalism and local expertise Metro Atlanta has trusted since 2008.
Is your roof ready for 2026? 📞 Call us at (770) 777-1733 💻 Visit www.myproroofing.com to schedule your FREE professional storm damage inspection today!
