What Roof Boost Does and How It Works in South Carolina
Roof Boost is a South Carolina program that helps homeowners repair or replace roofs damaged by weather or age
Roof Boost is administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance and targets homeowners whose roofs have sustained damage from storms, hail, wind, or normal wear. The program works by connecting you with vetted contractors and, in some cases, helping with the financial side of repairs. Unlike a grant that pays you directly, Roof Boost typically coordinates between you, your insurance company, and a contractor to move the repair process forward.
The program is most useful if your insurance claim has stalled, if you're unsure which contractors are trustworthy, or if you need help understanding what your policy covers. South Carolina's weather—particularly hurricane season and spring storms—means roof damage is common, and Roof Boost exists to cut through the confusion that often follows.
Key Takeaways
- Roof Boost connects homeowners with licensed, vetted contractors rather than paying for repairs directly.
- The program works best when you already have an insurance claim filed or when you're trying to understand whether your damage is covered.
- You contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance to learn whether your situation qualifies and to get a list of participating contractors in your area.
- The program does not replace your insurance company's role—it helps coordinate between you and your insurer to move repairs forward.
How to start the process
Contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance directly. You can reach them by phone or through their website to describe your roof damage and ask whether Roof Boost can help your situation. Have ready the address of the damaged property, a description of what happened (storm date, type of damage), and your insurance policy number if you have already filed a claim.
The Department of Insurance will tell you whether your damage falls within the program's scope and, if it does, provide you with a list of contractors in your county who participate in Roof Boost. These contractors have been vetted by the program and understand how to work with both homeowners and insurance companies.
Once you have the contractor list, you can contact one or more of them to schedule an inspection. The contractor will assess the damage, provide an estimate, and help you understand what your insurance policy covers. Many Roof Boost contractors are experienced in working with insurance adjusters and can help coordinate that process.
What happens after you hire a contractor
The contractor will typically handle communication with your insurance company on your behalf. If you have already filed a claim, the contractor can work with the adjuster to document the damage and ensure the estimate aligns with what the insurance company will cover. If you have not yet filed a claim, the contractor can guide you through that step.
Roof Boost does not pay the contractor directly—your insurance company does, based on your policy and the damage assessment. What the program does is remove the guesswork about which contractors to trust and help ensure the repair process moves smoothly. This is particularly valuable if your initial insurance estimate seems too low or if you're unsure whether the damage is actually covered.
When Roof Boost may not be the right fit
If your roof damage is minor and you plan to pay out of pocket without insurance, Roof Boost is less relevant—you can simply hire any licensed contractor. The program is designed for situations where insurance is involved or where you need help navigating a claim.
Roof Boost also does not cover routine maintenance or preventive repairs. If your roof is aging but has not been damaged by a specific weather event, the program will not cover it. Your homeowners insurance typically does not cover wear and tear either, so in that case you would need to budget for the repair yourself or explore financing options through the contractor.
Understanding your insurance coverage
Before contacting Roof Boost, it helps to know what your homeowners insurance actually covers. Most policies cover sudden damage from storms, hail, or wind, but exclude damage from flooding (which requires a separate flood policy) and wear from age or lack of maintenance.
Your insurance policy will have a deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company pays the rest. If your roof repair costs $8,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you pay $1,000 and insurance covers $7,000. A Roof Boost contractor can help you understand this before work begins so there are no surprises.
What to ask a Roof Boost contractor
When you call a contractor from the Roof Boost list, ask these questions: Do you have experience working with my insurance company? Can you provide references from other homeowners in my area? What is your timeline for completing the work? Do you handle all communication with the insurance adjuster, or will I need to be involved? What happens if the insurance company's estimate is lower than your estimate?
A good contractor will answer these clearly and will not pressure you to decide immediately. They understand that you may want to get multiple estimates or take time to think. If a contractor is pushy or vague about how they work with insurance, that is a sign to call another one from the list.
After the repair is complete
Once the work is done, the contractor will submit the final invoice to your insurance company for payment. You pay your deductible directly to the contractor, and the insurance company pays the rest. Keep all receipts and documentation—your homeowners insurance may ask for proof of the repair later, especially if you ever file another claim.
If you notice any issues with the repair after the contractor leaves, contact them right away. Most contractors offer a warranty on their work, typically one to five years depending on the company. A Roof Boost contractor should stand behind their work and address problems promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a Roof Boost contractor, or can I hire my own?
You can hire any licensed contractor you want. Roof Boost simply provides a vetted list to make the choice easier. If you already have a contractor you trust, you can use them instead—the program does not require you to use a specific company.
Will Roof Boost pay for my roof repair?
No. Roof Boost connects you with contractors and helps coordinate with your insurance company, but your homeowners insurance pays for the repair (minus your deductible). If you do not have insurance or your damage is not covered, you would need to pay the contractor yourself.
What if my insurance company denies my claim?
A Roof Boost contractor can help you understand why the claim was denied and may be able to provide additional documentation or a second opinion. If you believe the denial is unfair, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance, which oversees insurance companies in the state.
How long does the whole process take?
From initial contact with Roof Boost to completed repair typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your insurance company processes the claim and how busy the contractor is. Emergency repairs after a major storm may take longer because many homeowners are filing claims at the same time.
Is there a cost to use Roof Boost?
No. Roof Boost is a free service run by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. You only pay your insurance deductible and any costs your insurance does not cover.