Roof claims and deductibles in North Carolina
How do wind and hail deductibles work on a North Carolina roof claim?
How wind, hail and named-storm deductibles are calculated
A wind or hail deductible is usually a percentage of the home's Coverage A dwelling amount. A named-storm deductible is a percentage of Coverage A or Coverage C.
The Department of Insurance gives two examples. A 1 percent deductible on $200,000 of coverage is $2,000 for every wind or hail claim. A 2 percent named-storm deductible on $300,000 is $6,000.
So the owner's share can be large before the insurer pays anything. Say so plainly in your estimate, and see the storm contracts page for the rest of what a storm-season contract should state.
| Deductible type | Coverage A | Percentage | Owner pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind or hail | $200,000 | 1% | $2,000 |
| Named storm | $300,000 | 2% | $6,000 |
$6,000A 2 percent named-storm deductible on a home insured for $300,000 is $6,000, the Department of Insurance says. — North Carolina Department of Insurance, retrieved 2026-09-29
The claim steps a homeowner is told to follow
The regulator tells owners to photograph and list the damage before temporary repairs. It says to keep receipts for those repairs and not to make permanent repairs until the insurer has inspected.
A roofer can help with the first step and must respect the last. Tarp the roof, document it and hold the tear-off until the adjuster has been.
Tell the owner that many people find a claim can take months to close after a major disaster. Do not promise a start date you do not control. Pricing pressure after a declared emergency is covered on the price gouging page.
The Department of Insurance says not to have permanent repairs made until the insurance company has inspected the property. — North Carolina Department of Insurance, retrieved 2026-09-29
Why you should never promise to cover the deductible
Neither source here states a rule on waiving a deductible. What they do show is that the deductible is the owner's obligation under the policy.
A roofer who says a claim costs the owner nothing is making a promise the policy may not support. If the deductible is 1 percent of $200,000, the owner owes $2,000, and hiding that is the tactic the Attorney General describes.
Put the deductible in the estimate as a line, then confirm it with the pre-signing checklist. Let the owner decide with the number in front of them.
The Attorney General says roofers often fail to mention the deductible and that big claims usually raise a homeowner's premiums. — North Carolina Department of Justice, retrieved 2026-09-29
FORTIFIED roofs and insurer credits on the coast
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program aimed at high winds, hail, hurricanes and tornadoes. Homes that meet it may qualify for mitigation credits on some coastal policies.
The insurance regulator gives no credit percentages and no certification rules. Send owners to their agent and to the program's own site for details.
If you re-roof on the coast, ask early if the owner wants the FORTIFIED route. It changes materials and inspection steps.
The Department of Insurance describes FORTIFIED as a voluntary re-roofing program that can make homes eligible for insurer mitigation credits. — North Carolina Department of Insurance, retrieved 2026-09-29
Questions
Who sets the deductible on a roof claim?
The homeowner's policy sets it, as a fixed amount or a percentage of Coverage A. Your estimate does not change it, so read the policy declarations page with the owner.
Can I be paid directly by the insurer?
That depends on the owner's arrangements. The regulator warns owners not to sign an assignment of benefits unless they understand the legal implications, so explain any direction to pay in plain words.
Should I pay for permanent repairs before the adjuster visits?
No. The regulator says permanent repairs should wait for the insurer's inspection. Temporary protection is fine, with photos and receipts kept for the claim.