Georgia hail damage and roofing contracts: Your five-day cancel right
Last updated · Storm damage & insurance
Short answer: Georgia law lets you cancel a residential roofing contract paid from insurance proceeds until midnight of the fifth business day after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered. The roofer must give written notice of this right. Georgia has no statewide roofing license, so check references and local rules.[1]
What does Georgia's roofing contract cancellation law say?
Georgia's roofing contract cancellation law, O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12, applies to written contracts with residential roofing contractors that are to be paid from a property and casualty insurance policy. You may cancel before midnight on the fifth business day after you receive written notice from your insurer that all or any part of the claim or contract is not a covered loss.[1] Cancellation is done by written notice to the contractor's address in the contract.
What must a Georgia roofer give you before signing?
Before signing an insurance-funded contract, a Georgia roofer must give you a boldface statement explaining your right to cancel and a detachable "Notice of Cancellation" form in duplicate.[1] If a contract has no such notice, ask why. The law also says a residential roofing contractor may not require payments from you until the five-day cancellation period has passed, with an exception for emergency work you acknowledge in writing as necessary to prevent damage.
Does Georgia require roofers to be licensed?
Georgia does not have a statewide roofing license. The state licenses residential and general contractors for certain work, but roofing alone is not a licensed specialty at the state level. Some cities and counties require business licenses or contractor registration. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and check the business with the Georgia Secretary of State and local permit office. State-by-state lookup links are on our contractor licensing page.
How do you check a roof for hail damage in Georgia?
To check a roof for hail damage, start on the ground. Look for dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, and air conditioner fins, and for granules washing out of downspouts. Hail hits on shingles show up as dark, soft spots where granules are knocked loose. Our guide on hail damage signs shows examples. A free inspection from a contractor you choose can document damage with photos.
What does the Georgia Attorney General say about storm scams?
The Georgia Attorney General's consumer protection division warns that storms bring out fraudulent contractors. Its advice includes getting several estimates, checking references, getting everything in writing, and not paying large amounts up front.[2] Its home repair guidance also recommends confirming insurance and permits.[3] Be cautious with anyone who knocks on your door right after a storm.
How should you work with your insurer after hail?
After hail, report the damage to your insurer promptly, take dated photos, and keep receipts for emergency repairs. Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect. You can have your own roofer present. Only your insurer decides what your policy covers, and the amount depends on your policy terms and deductible. Georgia's Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire handles consumer complaints about insurers.[4]
What should a Georgia roofing contract include?
A Georgia roofing contract should list the scope of work, product names, price, payment terms, start and end dates, and warranty details. For insurance-funded work, confirm it includes the five-day cancellation notice and form. Read anything that assigns your insurance benefits to the roofer before signing. Compare at least two or three estimates line by line.
Can a roofer cover your deductible in Georgia?
A roofer offering to cover, waive, or rebate your deductible is a red flag. Your deductible is your share of the loss under your policy, and schemes to absorb it can involve inflating the claim. Ask your insurer or a lawyer if you have questions about a specific offer. See our guide on whether a contractor can waive your deductible for more.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to cancel a roofing contract in Georgia?
For insurance-funded contracts, until midnight of the fifth business day after your insurer notifies you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered.
Does Georgia license roofers?
There is no statewide roofing license in Georgia. Check local registration, insurance, and references.
Can a Georgia roofer collect payment before the five days?
Under the law, not on an insurance-funded contract, except for emergency work you acknowledged in writing.
Sources
- O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12: Right to Cancel a Residential Roofing Contract. georgiacommons.org/code/10-1-393.12
- Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection: Storms and Fraud. consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/storms-fraud
- Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection: Home Building and Home Repairs. consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/home-repair-improvements
- Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. oci.georgia.gov/
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.