Roof Insurance Claims in South Carolina: What Roofers Can and Can’t Do

By the Roofers Greenville Editorial Team · Last reviewed: October 2026

In South Carolina you file and negotiate your own roof insurance claim; a roofing contractor may not negotiate it for you, advertise that they will, or offer to pay or rebate your deductible (S.C. Code §40-59-25). If your insurer denies all or part of the claim in writing, you can cancel the roofing contract by midnight of the fifth business day after you get that notice. Related: storm damage roof repair.

We can’t negotiate or handle insurance claims, and under South Carolina law neither can a roofing contractor. Here’s what you can do yourself.

In this guide:

• What does South Carolina law say about roofers and insurance claims?
• What should you do after storm damage, step by step?
• How do you read a claim letter?
• Which offers break the law?
• When might a public adjuster help?
• Frequently asked questions

What does South Carolina law say about roofers and insurance claims?

Act 77 of 2013 added Section 40-59-25 to the South Carolina Code, effective July 1, 2013. It covers residential builders, residential specialty contractors such as roofers, and unlicensed people offering the work. In plain terms:

Rule	What it means for you
No claim negotiation	A contractor may not represent or negotiate your insurance claim, or advertise that they will.
No deductible rebates	A contractor may not promise to pay or rebate any part of your deductible. That includes discounts, payments for putting a sign in your yard, and cash or gifts. Doing so is a misdemeanor and grounds for losing their license.
Written cancellation notice	The contract must explain your cancellation right in bold type and include a detachable “Notice of Cancellation” form.
Five-business-day cancellation	If your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim isn’t covered, you can cancel before midnight of the fifth business day after receiving that notice.
No early payment	Where insurance may pay for the work, the contractor can’t require payment until that cancellation period ends, except for emergency work you acknowledged in writing as needed to prevent damage.
Your own evaluation is fine	You may have a roofer evaluate the roof and use that evaluation in your own negotiations with the insurer.

What should you do after storm damage, step by step?

1. Stay safe and stop further damage where you safely can; for active leaks, see emergency roof repair and tarping.
2. Document it: dated photos and video of the roof from the ground, gutters, vents, siding and every interior water stain.
3. Read your policy for your deductible, what’s covered and any reporting deadlines.
4. Report the claim to your insurer yourself, by phone or online, and note the claim number.
5. Get an inspection report from a licensed roofer, with photos of each slope and the damage they found.
6. Meet the adjuster and share your photos and the roofer’s report.
7. Read the claim letter closely before signing any roofing contract (below).

Need the damage documented? Get a free estimate from a local roofer, with no obligation.

How do you read a claim letter?

Your insurer’s letter or estimate tells you what it accepts and what it will pay. Check:

• What’s covered: the whole roof, some slopes, or only certain items such as gutters and vents.
• The deductible taken off the payment.
• How payment works, including any amount held back until the work is done.
• What’s denied, and why. A written denial of all or part of the claim starts your five-business-day cancellation window for any roofing contract you’ve signed.

If you don’t understand the letter, ask your insurer to explain it in writing.

Which offers break the law?

Walk away from any contractor who says:

• “We’ll handle the insurance for you” or “we’ll negotiate with your adjuster.”
• “We’ll cover your deductible” or “we’ll knock your deductible off the price.”
• “We’ll pay you to put our sign in your yard” as part of a claim job.
• “Sign today so we can start the claim,” before you’ve spoken to your insurer.

All of these break §40-59-25. The full vetting checklist is in how to choose a roofer in South Carolina.

When might a public adjuster help?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you, the policyholder, rather than the insurance company, and helps prepare and settle a property claim. In South Carolina, public adjusters must pass an exam and be licensed by the Department of Insurance, and they usually charge a percentage of the settlement (SC Department of Insurance).

They’re most often considered for large or disputed claims. Check the license on the Department’s online list and ask what percentage they charge before signing. A roofer may not act as your adjuster.

Frequently asked questions

Can a roofer negotiate my insurance claim in South Carolina?

No. Under S.C. Code §40-59-25, a roofing contractor may not represent or negotiate your claim, or advertise that they will. You can use a roofer’s inspection report in your own negotiations.

Can a roofer pay my deductible?

No. South Carolina law bars contractors from promising to pay or rebate any part of a deductible, including discounts, sign allowances and gifts. It’s a misdemeanor and grounds for license discipline.

How long do I have to cancel a roofing contract if my claim is denied?

Until midnight of the fifth business day after you receive your insurer’s written notice that all or part of the claim isn’t covered. Cancel in writing, to the address in the contract.

Can a roofer take payment before my claim is decided?

Where insurance may pay for the work, the contractor can’t require payment until the cancellation period ends, except for emergency work you acknowledged in writing as needed to prevent damage.

Need a roof inspected for your claim? See storm damage roof repair or roof inspections, or request one below.

Sources

• South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40, Chapter 59 (§40-59-25)
• Act 77 of 2013 (H.3409) bill text
• SC Department of Insurance: Public Adjuster

Roofers Greenville is a free referral service; roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network. How we research prices: editorial policy.