Metal Roof Insurance Claims in Nashville

Can I upgrade to a metal roof using my insurance claim? Yes. If your roof is damaged by hail, wind, or storm and your insurance approves a replacement, you are generally not restricted to replacing it with the same material. You can upgrade to a metal roof. You pay your deductible and the difference in cost between what insurance covers and what the metal roof costs. This page explains exactly how that works in Tennessee, the policy language, the math, the process, the upgrade options, and what we do to help Nashville homeowners turn a storm claim into a roof that lasts a lifetime.

Last Updated · February 2026 · Nashville, TN

✦ Table of Contents ✦

I.
The Short Answer — Yes, You Can Upgrade
II.
How Insurance Actually Pays for a Roof
III.
RCV vs. ACV — The Two Policies That Matter
IV.
The Upgrade Math — A Real Nashville Example
V.
What Insurance Covers and What It Does Not
VI.
Deductibles in Tennessee — Flat vs. Percentage
VII.
The Claims Process — Step by Step
VIII.
The Adjuster Visit — What to Expect

IX.
What We Do at Each Step
X.
Supplements — When the First Estimate Is Short
XI.
Metal Upgrade Options During a Claim
XII.
Insurance Premium Discounts for Metal
XIII.
Mistakes That Cost Nashville Homeowners Money
XIV.
Tennessee's Matching Law
XV.
Documentation That Wins Claims
XVI.
Frequently Asked Questions

Section I

The Short Answer - Yes, You Can Upgrade

This is the question we hear more than any other after a Nashville storm: "Can I use my insurance claim to get a metal roof instead of replacing with shingles?" The answer is yes. When your insurance company approves a roof replacement due to storm damage, they are approving the cost to replace your roof — not dictating the material. You are free to choose any roofing material you want, including standing seam metal, metal shingles, or classic panel. The insurance company pays what they would have paid for a like-for-like replacement (typically the cost to replace your existing shingles with new shingles of comparable quality), and you pay the difference between that amount and the cost of the metal roof you choose.

Insurance pays to restore your roof to pre-loss condition. You decide what material goes back on. If you want to upgrade from shingles to metal, you pay your deductible and the cost difference. That is it.

The Fundamental Principle

This is not a loophole, not a trick, and not something that requires special negotiation. It is how replacement cost insurance works. The carrier's obligation is to fund the replacement of what was damaged. Your right as the homeowner is to choose how to spend those funds on your own property — including upgrading to a better material and paying the difference out of pocket.

Yes

You Can Upgrade to Metal

You Pay

Deductible + Upgrade Difference

Insurance Pays

Like-for-Like Replacement Cost

Your Choice

Standing Seam · Shingles · Panel

Section II

How Insurance Actually Pays for a Roof

Understanding how your insurance company structures a roof claim payment is essential before you make any decisions. Most Tennessee homeowners have replacement cost value (RCV) policies, but some — especially those with older roofs — have actual cash value (ACV) policies. The type you have fundamentally changes how much money you receive and when you receive it. Under both policy types, the claim process typically works in two payments. The first check comes after the adjuster inspects and approves the claim. The second check — the recoverable depreciation — comes after the work is completed and you submit documentation proving the roof has been replaced. Many Nashville homeowners never claim the second payment because they do not understand the process or do not submit the required paperwork. That is money left on the table.

The Two-Check Process

Check One — The Initial Payment

After the adjuster approves your claim, the insurance company issues the first payment. This is the approved replacement cost minus your deductible minus the recoverable depreciation. This check typically arrives within 1–3 weeks of claim approval. For a $24,000 approved replacement with a $2,000 deductible and $6,000 in depreciation, the first check is $16,000. This is your working capital — the money that gets the project started.

Check Two — The Recoverable Depreciation

After the roof is installed and you submit the final invoice showing the work is complete (along with completion photos from all four sides), the insurance company releases the depreciation they withheld from the first check. In the example above, that is an additional $6,000. The total received from insurance is $22,000. Your out-of-pocket cost is the $2,000 deductible plus any upgrade costs you chose. Many homeowners do not realize this second check exists — or that submitting proper documentation is required to release it.

Section III

RCV vs. ACV — The Two Policies That Matter

Feature

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Feature

What It Pays

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Full cost to replace with comparable materials at today's prices, minus deductible

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Replacement cost minus depreciation, minus deductible

Feature

Depreciation

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Withheld initially, released after work is completed and documented

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Deducted permanently — you never get it back

Feature

Out-of-Pocket

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Typically just the deductible (+ upgrades if chosen)

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Deductible + depreciation amount + any upgrades

Feature

Best For

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Most homeowners — higher payout, lower out-of-pocket

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Lower premium, but higher out-of-pocket at claim time

Feature

Common In Tennessee

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Most newer policies

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Older policies, older roofs, budget policies

⚠ Check Your Policy Before the Storm

Many Tennessee homeowners do not know which type of coverage they have until they file a claim. Some carriers quietly switch from RCV to ACV when a roof reaches a certain age (often 15–20 years). The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) advises homeowners to read their policies carefully and shop around at renewal. If you currently have ACV coverage, it is often possible to upgrade to RCV for a modest premium increase — and the difference in claim payout can be tens of thousands of dollars.

A Real Example — Same Storm, Different Policies

Two Nashville neighbors both have $24,000 roofs that are 8 years old. Both suffer identical hail damage. Both have $2,000 deductibles. The insurance company calculates $500/year in depreciation.

RCV Policy Homeowner
Approved replacement: $24,000 
First check: $24,000 − $2,000 (deductible) − $4,000 (depreciation withheld) = $18,000
After completion + documentation: depreciation released = $4,000 
Total received from insurance: $22,000 
Out-of-pocket: $2,000 (deductible only)

ACV Policy Homeowner
Approved replacement: $24,000 
Check: $24,000 − $2,000 (deductible) − $4,000 (depreciation permanent) = $18,000 
No second check. Depreciation is gone forever. 
Total received from insurance: $18,000 
Out-of-pocket: $6,000 (deductible + unrecoverable depreciation)
Same storm. Same damage. Same house. $4,000 difference in out-of-pocket cost — entirely determined by which three letters are on the policy.

Section IV

The Upgrade Math — A Real Nashville Example

Here is how the numbers actually work when a Nashville homeowner uses an insurance claim to upgrade from shingles to a metal roof. This is a realistic scenario based on typical Nashville claim values and metal roofing costs. Shingle-to-Metal Upgrade — Typical Nashville Home
Insurance-approved shingle replacement: $18,000 (what the carrier would pay for comparable shingles) 
Homeowner's deductible: $2,000 
Insurance pays: $16,000 (after deductible, assuming RCV with depreciation already released)
Metal roof cost (classic panel): $22,000 
Upgrade difference: $22,000 − $18,000 = $4,000
Total homeowner out-of-pocket: $2,000 (deductible) + $4,000 (upgrade) = $6,000 
For a roof that lasts 40–60+ years instead of 15–25
If the homeowner chooses standing seam instead of classic panel, the metal roof might cost $28,000–$35,000 — making the upgrade difference $10,000–$17,000. Still a fraction of the full standing seam cost, and the insurance claim is covering the majority of the project. If the homeowner chooses metal shingles, the cost is often very close to — or even equal to — the approved shingle replacement, making it one of the most accessible metal upgrade paths during a claim.

$4K–$6K

Typical Classic Panel Upgrade

$0–$3K

Metal Shingle Upgrade

$10K–$17K

Standing Seam Upgrade

40–60+ Yrs

Metal Roof Expected Life

✦ Why Metal Shingles Are the Easiest Claim Upgrade

Metal shingles are priced similarly to premium architectural asphalt shingles. In many Nashville claims, the insurance-approved amount for a high-quality shingle replacement is close enough to the cost of metal shingles that the upgrade difference is minimal — sometimes as little as $0–$3,000. You get a metal roof that lasts 40+ years for roughly the same out-of-pocket as putting shingles back on. This is the upgrade path we recommend most often to Nashville homeowners filing storm claims.

Section V

What Insurance Covers and What It Does Not

Covered — Storm Damage

✦ Generally Covered Under Tennessee Policies

Hail damage — dents in panels, gutters, downspouts, and soft metals; coating or paint loss at impact points; cracked or broken shingles
Wind damage — lifted or missing shingles, creased panels at eaves, fastener back-out on exposed fastener panels, seams pulled open
Fallen trees and limbs — structural damage to roof deck, panels, or framing from tree strike
Tornado damage — partial or complete roof loss, structural damage from flying debris
Wind-driven rain damage — interior water damage caused by storm-related roof penetration (stains, damaged drywall, wet insulation)

Not Covered — Maintenance and Wear

✦ Generally Not Covered

Normal wear and aging — faded paint, worn shingles, dried-out sealants, general deterioration from age and UV exposure
Neglected maintenance — rotting decking from long-term leaks, damaged flashing never repaired, loose shingles not addressed
Cosmetic-only hail dents — some policies exclude hail dents on metal roofing or gutters that do not affect function (read your policy carefully)
Slow leaks and gradual water intrusion — water that has been entering the home over time is considered a maintenance issue, not storm damage
Roof replacement due to age alone — insurance does not buy you a new roof because your current one is old

Section VI

Deductibles in Tennessee — Flat vs. Percentage

Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance pays anything. Most Tennessee homeowners have deductibles between $1,000 and $2,500 — but some policies, especially those with wind/hail endorsements, use percentage-based deductibles that can be significantly higher.

Deductible Type

How It Works

Example ($300K Dwelling)

Deductible Type

Flat Deductible

How It Works

Fixed dollar amount regardless of home value

Example ($300K Dwelling)

$1,000 – $2,500

Deductible Type

1% Wind/Hail

How It Works

1% of dwelling coverage amount

Example ($300K Dwelling)

$3,000

Deductible Type

2% Wind/Hail

How It Works

2% of dwelling coverage amount

Example ($300K Dwelling)

$6,000

Deductible Type

2% Wind/Hail

How It Works

3% or more of dwelling coverage

Example ($300K Dwelling)

$9,000+

A 2% wind/hail deductible on a $400,000 home means $8,000 out of pocket before insurance pays a dollar. Many Nashville homeowners do not realize they have a percentage deductible until they file a claim and see the math. This is worth checking on your policy right now — before the next storm — because it directly affects whether filing a claim makes financial sense and how much the metal upgrade will cost you out of pocket.

Section VII

The Claims Process — Step by Step

Step 1 — Document Everything Immediately

As soon as it is safe after a storm, take ground-level photos of every side of the house (include the address number so location is clear). Photograph gutters, downspouts, ridge caps, vents, pipe boots, wall transitions, and any soft metal like AC fins or a mailbox where hail dents are easy to see. If you notice drips or stains, photograph ceilings, attic sheathing, and any swollen trim. Save everything in one folder organized by date and location. Good photos taken early are the backbone of a clean claim.

Step 2 — Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before you call your insurance company, have a local metal roof specialist inspect and document the damage. Metal roofs behave differently than shingles in wind and hail — a general contractor may miss metal-specific damage patterns. You need roof-level photos and notes on panel type and gauge, fastener condition, coating or paint finish, and the specific locations where storm damage is visible: valleys, headwalls, sidewalls, kickouts, chimneys, skylights, and penetrations. A clear two-page summary with the address, inspection date, and plain language describing what is storm-related becomes part of your claim file.

Step 3 — Open the Claim

Call your insurance company. Keep the first call short and factual: give the storm date, give the address, and say you will attach photos and an inspection summary. Ask for the claim number and inspection appointment to be sent by email. After widespread Nashville storms, carriers work in the order claims are opened — having your documentation ready helps the file move. Save every email in a single thread so the entire claim history is in one place.

Step 4 — The Adjuster Inspection

The insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the roof. Walk the property with them. You do not need to climb on the roof — staying on the ground is fine. Start with the side that faced the wind, point out dents in gutters and downspouts, creased panels, and any area where you placed a tarp. Ask them to look carefully at valleys, headwalls, and penetrations on each slope. After the visit, email a short summary listing the areas you reviewed so the notes in the claim match the locations discussed.

Step 5 — Review the Estimate

When the insurance estimate arrives, read it like a map of your roof — not just a list of numbers. Check that every component that exists on your house appears on the paper: underlayment in valleys and at eaves, correctly spaced fasteners, sidewall and headwall flashing, kickout flashing, pipe boots, ridge and hip components, and sealants. If your municipality requires a permit (Metro Nashville, Williamson County, etc.), that should be listed too. If anything is missing, send a note with a photo showing what needs to be added.

Step 6 — Choose Your Material and Authorize the Work

This is where you decide: replace with the same shingles, or upgrade to metal. Get a written quote from your metal roofer showing the total cost of the metal roof, the amount covered by insurance, your deductible, and the upgrade difference. Authorize the work when you are comfortable with the numbers. The insurance company does not need to approve your material choice — they approved a replacement cost, and you are free to apply those funds to any roofing material you choose.

Step 7 — Installation, Documentation, and Final Payment

After the metal roof is installed, submit the final invoice and completion photos (all four sides, plus detail shots of flashings, valleys, and penetrations) to your insurance company. This triggers the release of the recoverable depreciation — the second check. Keep a complete file: estimate and approvals, materials sheet listing panel profile, gauge, color, and every flashing by name, permit and inspection papers, photos from each stage (tear-off, underlayment, panels, flashings, final), and the final invoice showing zero balance.

Section VIII

The Adjuster Visit — What to Expect

The adjuster is trained to document damage — not to look for it. Their job is to assess what they can see, assign a value, and move to the next property. In Nashville after a major storm, adjusters may be handling dozens of claims per day. They are not your adversary, but they are not your advocate either. Having a knowledgeable roofing contractor present — ideally one who works with metal roofs and understands how metal behaves differently than shingles — can make a significant difference in the completeness of the initial estimate.

✦ How to Prepare for the Adjuster

Have your inspection summary and photos ready — printed or on your phone, organized by roof slope and location
Have your roofing contractor meet the adjuster on site — they can walk the roof together and point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss
Walk the property together — start with the wind-facing side, move systematically through each slope
Point out soft metal damage — dents in gutters, downspouts, AC fins, and mailboxes help establish hail size and direction
Ask them to check specific areas — valleys, headwalls, sidewalls, penetrations, and kickout locations
Stay calm and factual — a neighborly, organized approach works better than confrontation
Follow up with an email — summarize the areas reviewed so the notes match the conversation

Section IX

What We Do at Each Step

We are not a public adjuster. We are not an insurance company. We are a metal roofing contractor that has completed over a thousand metal roof installations across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and we understand how insurance claims work because we have been through the process with hundreds of Nashville homeowners. Here is exactly what we do.

Free Storm Damage Inspection

We inspect your roof — on the roof, not from the ground — and document what the storm actually changed. We photograph every side, every transition, every penetration. We note panel type, gauge, coating condition, fastener status, and the specific locations where storm damage is visible. You get a clear, photo-documented inspection summary you can submit to your insurance company.

Policy Review in Plain English

We help you understand your policy language — RCV vs. ACV, your deductible type and amount, what is covered, and what is not. We do not interpret legal language or make coverage determinations (that is between you and your carrier), but we can explain the roofing-relevant terms in plain language so you know what questions to ask.

Meet the Adjuster on Your Roof

We meet the adjuster at your home and walk the roof with them. We point out storm-related damage, explain how the specific metal profile or shingle type on your roof responds to hail and wind, and ensure the adjuster sees everything that belongs in the claim. This is the single most impactful step in the entire process — a complete initial estimate means fewer supplements and faster approval.

Estimate Review and Supplement

We review the insurance estimate line by line against what actually exists on your roof. If items are missing — kickout flashing, ice and water shield in valleys, proper metal pipe boots, permit costs — we prepare and submit a supplement with photos and product documentation. Clear documentation and a professional tone move supplements along efficiently.

Upgrade Consultation

Once you know what insurance is covering, we present your upgrade options — metal shingles, classic panel, or standing seam — with clear pricing showing the insurance-covered portion, your deductible, and the upgrade difference. No pressure. No games. Just the numbers, the material choices, and what each option means for your home's long-term performance.

Installation and Completion Documentation

We install your metal roof, document every phase with photos, handle permitting where required, and provide the completed invoice and documentation package you need to release the recoverable depreciation — the second insurance check. The project is backed by our written lifetime workmanship warranty.

Section X

Supplements — When the First Estimate Is Short

After major Nashville storms, pricing tools used by insurance companies sometimes lag behind actual costs for metal panels, trim, flashings, and specialized labor in Davidson and Williamson counties. Additionally, adjusters may miss line items that belong on a metal roof estimate — particularly components that are specific to metal and different from a shingle installation.A supplement is a formal request to add or adjust line items on the approved estimate. It is not confrontational — it is a normal part of the claims process, and experienced adjusters expect them. A well-documented supplement includes photos showing the item on the roof, product cut sheets or manufacturer specifications, a short note explaining why the item needs to be added or adjusted, and a clear price. The goal is simple: make the paper match the roof that is on the house.

Common Supplement Items for Metal Roofs

✦ Items Often Missing from Initial Estimates

Kickout flashing — required at wall-to-eave transitions to direct water into the gutter, often omitted from shingle-based estimates
High-temperature self-adhered underlayment — required in valleys and at eaves for many metal panel systems per manufacturer specifications
Metal-specific pipe boots — standard rubber pipe boots used on shingle roofs fail prematurely on metal; metal pipe boots are required
Chimney counterflashing — often underbid or omitted, particularly on older Nashville homes with brick chimneys
Snow guards — required over entries, walkways, and driveways on smooth-panel metal roofs to prevent sheet-sliding of snow and ice
Permit and inspection costs — Metro Nashville and many surrounding jurisdictions require permits for roof replacement; these belong on the estimate
Metal pricing vs. shingle pricing — insurance estimating software sometimes defaults to shingle material costs; actual metal panel, trim, and labor costs may differ

Section XI

Metal Upgrade Options During a Claim

Insurance generally funds like-for-like. The upgrade difference is your share. Here are the most common upgrade paths Nashville homeowners take during a storm claim, from the most affordable to the most premium.

Metal Shingles — The Closest to Break-Even

Metal shingles are priced in the same range as premium architectural asphalt shingles. The upgrade cost during a claim is often $0–$3,000 depending on roof size and complexity. You get a Class 4 impact-rated, wind-rated, fire-resistant metal roof that lasts 40+ years — for roughly the same out-of-pocket as putting shingles back on. This is the most popular claim upgrade we install.

Classic Panel (Exposed Fastener) — Affordable Metal at Scale

Classic panel (also called R-panel or 5-V crimp depending on profile) is the most affordable true metal roof system. The upgrade cost during a claim is typically $3,000–$8,000 over the insurance-approved shingle amount. Classic panel is durable, proven, and cost-effective — particularly popular in rural Middle Tennessee, on ranch homes, and on secondary structures like detached garages and barns.

Standing Seam — The Premium Upgrade

Standing seam is the highest-performing residential metal roof system — concealed fasteners, interlocking panels, and a clean architectural profile. The upgrade cost during a claim is typically $10,000–$20,000+ over the insurance-approved shingle amount, depending on roof size. This is a significant investment, but it buys a 50–60+ year roof with the best wind, water, and thermal performance available in residential roofing.

Other Upgrades to Consider During a Claim

A claim is the ideal time to address not just the roof panels but also the details that affect long-term performance. Common upgrades Nashville homeowners choose during a claim include stepping up from 29-gauge to 26-gauge or 24-gauge steel on key slopes, selecting a higher-performance PVDF (Kynar) paint finish that holds color 2–3x longer than standard SMP finishes, adding properly placed snow guards over entries and walkways, installing higher-quality pipe boots made specifically for metal panels, upgrading to seamless gutters, and improving attic ventilation. Choosing these upgrades during a claim keeps crews, materials, and paperwork on a single path — one project, one mobilization, one clean result.

Section XII

Insurance Premium Discounts for Metal

Here is where the upgrade math gets even better. Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with metal roofs — particularly impact-resistant metal roofs — because metal is more resistant to the damage that generates claims. The exact discount varies by carrier, policy, and location, but discounts of 5–35% on your homeowners premium are common for qualifying metal roof installations. A metal shingle with a Class 4 impact rating (the highest) may qualify for the largest discount. Standing seam and classic panel typically qualify as well, depending on the carrier's specific requirements. Over the life of a metal roof — 40 to 60+ years — premium savings of $300–$800 per year add up to $12,000–$48,000 in insurance cost reduction. Combined with the elimination of future roof replacements (no more 15-year shingle cycles), the metal upgrade often pays for itself within 5–10 years.

Upgrade cost during claim: $4,000 (typical classic panel upgrade) 
Annual insurance premium savings: $400 (conservative estimate) 
Payback period: 10 years 
Savings over 50-year roof life: $20,000 in premium reduction alone 
Plus: elimination of 2–3 future shingle replacements at $12,000–$18,000 each 
Total lifetime savings vs. continuing to replace shingles: $44,000–$74,000

✦ Ask Your Agent

Before finalizing your material choice, call your insurance agent and ask specifically: "What discount do you offer for a metal roof? What about a Class 4 impact-rated metal roof?" Get the answer in writing. This number is part of your upgrade decision — and it often makes the metal option dramatically more cost-effective over time than the shingle option that appears cheaper today.

Section XIII

Mistakes That Cost Nashville Homeowners Money

✦ Avoid These Common Errors

Not filing a claim at all — some homeowners assume damage is too minor or fear a rate increase. In Tennessee, storm damage claims are generally considered no-fault — filing a legitimate storm claim should not increase your individual premium. The premium increase, if any, applies to your entire area based on overall storm activity, not your specific claim
Waiting too long to file — most Tennessee policies require prompt reporting of damage. Waiting months allows the carrier to argue the damage occurred after the reported storm or was caused by neglect
Not getting a professional inspection before filing — opening a claim without documentation means the adjuster controls the narrative. A professional inspection gives you a complete picture before the process starts
Not having a contractor meet the adjuster — the single most common reason for underpaid claims is an incomplete initial estimate. Having your roofer on site during the adjuster inspection results in more complete first-pass estimates and fewer supplements
Not submitting completion documentation — many homeowners with RCV policies never submit the final invoice and photos needed to release the recoverable depreciation. That second check is your money — file the paperwork
Signing with a storm chaser — after major Nashville storms, out-of-state crews flood the market. They will not be here in two years when the roof leaks. Use a local, licensed, insured contractor with a physical Nashville address and a track record you can verify
Not checking your deductible type — discovering you have a 2% wind/hail deductible ($6,000–$10,000 on a typical Nashville home) after the storm is too late. Check your policy now

Section XIV

Tennessee's Matching Law

Hennessee law requires that your insurance company ensure replaced roofing materials match the undamaged portions of your roof. This is called the matching requirement. If the damaged shingles on one slope are discontinued and no longer available, the carrier may be required to pay for a full roof replacement — not just a patch on the damaged slope — because the repair cannot be made to match the existing undamaged areas.
This provision is particularly relevant for older roofs with discontinued shingle lines. If your shingles are no longer manufactured in the same color, profile, or texture, a partial repair would leave your home with a visibly mismatched roof. The matching requirement exists to prevent this — and knowing it exists gives you leverage if the adjuster proposes a partial repair on a roof where matching is not possible. The same principle can apply to metal — if specific panel profiles, colors, or finishes are discontinued, matching becomes part of the conversation.

Section XV

Documentation That Wins Claims

Awell-documented claim moves faster, pays more, and creates fewer headaches. Here is what we recommend every Nashville homeowner maintain in a single organized folder throughout the claims process.

✦ Your Claim Folder

Storm date photos — exterior (all four sides + address number), close-ups of soft metal damage, interior stains or water entry
Professional inspection summary — 2-page report with address, date, panel type, damage locations, plain language description
Claim number and all correspondence — every email in one thread, every phone conversation noted with date and name
Adjuster estimate — the line-by-line scope of work approved by the carrier
Supplement documentation — any additional items submitted with photos and product specifications
Contractor quote — written quote showing total cost, insurance-covered portion, deductible, and upgrade difference
Materials sheet — one page listing panel profile, gauge, color name and code, and every flashing component by name
Permit and inspection papers — if required by your jurisdiction
Installation photos — tear-off and deck, underlayment and valley metal, panels and flashings being installed, final ridge and cleanup
Final invoice with zero balance — the document that releases recoverable depreciation
Warranty documentation — manufacturer material warranty and contractor workmanship warranty

Section XVI

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really upgrade to a metal roof through an insurance claim?

Yes. Insurance pays the cost to replace your roof with comparable materials. You are free to choose any roofing material and pay the difference. You pay your deductible plus the upgrade cost — insurance covers the rest. This is how replacement cost insurance works across Tennessee.

How much does the metal upgrade typically cost out of pocket?

It depends on which metal system you choose. Metal shingles are often $10,000–$25,000+ more than the insurance-approved shingle amount. Classic panel is typically $3,000–$8,000 more. Standing seam is $10,000–$20,000+ more. These numbers are on top of your deductible. We provide a clear breakdown showing exactly what insurance covers and what you pay before any work begins.

Will my insurance rate go up if I file a storm claim?

Storm damage claims in Tennessee are generally considered no-fault. Any premium adjustment typically applies to your entire area based on overall storm activity — not your individual claim. Filing a legitimate storm claim should not single you out for a rate increase. That said, multiple claims in a short period can affect your risk profile, so it is worth discussing with your agent.

Does insurance have to approve my choice of metal?

No. Insurance approves a replacement cost — not a material. Once the claim is approved, you choose the material. The carrier pays what they would have paid for a like-for-like replacement (typically comparable shingles), and you pay the difference for the upgrade. You do not need the carrier's permission to choose metal.

What if the adjuster only approves a repair, not a full replacement?

This happens. If we believe the damage warrants a full replacement and the adjuster approves only a repair, we submit documentation — photos, measurements, and a detailed explanation — showing why a full replacement is appropriate. A professional supplement with clear evidence often results in the initial decision being revised. We handle this process regularly.

What if I have an ACV policy and the payout is not enough?

ACV policies deduct depreciation permanently, which means your out-of-pocket cost is higher. If the payout is not sufficient for a metal upgrade, you have options: choose a less expensive metal system (metal shingles are closest to shingle pricing), finance the difference through our financing programs, or replace with shingles now and plan for a metal upgrade in the future. We present all options transparently.

Do I need to use the insurance company's preferred contractor?

No. In Tennessee, you have the right to choose your own contractor. Some carriers have preferred vendor programs, but participation is voluntary. You are not required to use their contractor, and you should choose a roofer based on qualifications, local reputation, and expertise — particularly if you want a metal roof, which requires specialized installation knowledge that general shingle contractors may not have.

Will I get an insurance discount after installing a metal roof?

Many carriers offer discounts for metal roofs — particularly impact-resistant metal shingles with Class 4 ratings. Discounts of 5–35% on your homeowner's premium are common, though they vary by carrier, policy, and specific product. Call your agent before finalizing your material choice and ask what discount applies to the metal system you are considering. Get the answer in writing.

How long does the whole process take?

From storm to completed metal roof, the typical timeline is 4–8 weeks — sometimes faster, sometimes longer depending on storm volume in the Nashville area. The adjuster visit usually happens within 1–2 weeks of filing. Estimate review and any supplements take 1–3 weeks. Installation of a residential metal roof is typically 1–3 days depending on size and complexity. We coordinate the entire timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.

What about financing the upgrade difference?

We offer financing options for qualified homeowners. If insurance covers $18,000 and the metal roof costs $24,000, the $6,000 difference (including your deductible) can often be financed with affordable monthly payments. This means you get the metal roof now — while the claim is active and crews are mobilized — rather than settling for shingles because the upgrade difference feels like too much in a single payment.

What is the most important thing I should do right now?

If you have storm damage: document it with photos immediately, then call us for a free inspection before you call your insurance company. If you do not have storm damage but want to be prepared: pull out your policy, check whether you have RCV or ACV coverage, check your deductible type (flat vs. percentage), and check for any cosmetic damage exclusions. Knowing what you have before the storm is worth more than anything you can do after it.

✦ Free Storm Damage Inspection ✦

Storm Damage? We Handle the Hard Part.

We inspect the roof, document the damage, help you understand your policy, meet the adjuster, review the estimate, submit supplements, and install a metal roof that lasts a lifetime — backed by our written lifetime workmanship warranty. Your out-of-pocket is your deductible plus any upgrade you choose. We make the rest of it simple.

(615) 649-5002

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