Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

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In the wrong circumstances, the sound of dripping water can be one of the worst noises a homeowner can make. However, whether your home insurance will cover a roof leak depends on the cause of the damage. Water bills can be tricky, so Bankrate’s team of insurance experts created this guide to what you need to know about roof leaks and home insurance.

Does home insurance cover roof leaks?

Home insurance typically covers roof leaks if they are caused by a covered peril. The danger in question is usually sudden and accidental.

For example, if a storm arrives and the winds blow off some of the shingles on your roof, causing a leak in your ceiling, your home insurance will likely cover the associated roof leak.

Home insurance also covers roof leaks in the following cases:

• Hail damages roof shingles, allowing water to seep in when they melt.
• A tree is blown onto the roof by a strong storm
• A fire breaks out in the upper part of a house, damaging the roof and allowing water to seep in.

Your roof falls under the residential portion (Coverage A) of your home insurance policy. If you have HO-3 or HO-5 insurance, your roof will be covered on an “open peril” basis. This means that your roof is covered against all types of losses, except those specifically excluded from your insurance policy.

• Ground movements due to earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes (unless you have earthquake insurance or other insurance)
• Flood (unless you have a separate flood insurance policy)
• nuclear power plant accident
• Damage caused by pests, birds, and other insects
• fungus, mold, mold
• government measures
• Subsidence or cracks in the foundation of your home
• intentional damage
• ignore
• regular wear and tear

If you file a roof leak claim, your insurance company may send a loss adjuster to your home to investigate the damage and determine the cause of the leak. If the adjuster determines that the cause of the leak is not covered by your insurance, your claim may be denied. Importantly, general wear and tear and neglect are not covered by home insurance. So, if your roof is damaged and your insurance company determines that your roof has been poorly maintained, your claim may be denied altogether and you will have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Does home insurance cover water damage from roof leaks?

Water dripping from your roof can cause damage to your home’s interior walls, ceilings, floors, and personal property.

Typically, if the leak is caused by a covered peril, your home insurance policy will cover it. The dwelling coverage portion of your homeowners insurance policy pays to repair damage to the structure of your home, and the personal property coverage portion pays to replace or repair damaged belongings, up to coverage limits.

Mold is a general insurance exclusion, but depending on what your home insurance policy covers, you may be covered if mold occurs. If mold grows in a naturally damp shed, insurance will not cover damage to the shed. However, if mold is caused by a leaky roof, your insurance company may help cover the cost of repair.

How do you find a roof leak?

It’s best to discover roof or ceiling leaks as soon as possible to minimize water damage that occurs and increase your chances of being covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Experts recommend the following steps to find roof leaks:

• Determine the cause of the leak. If you see water marks on the ceiling or mold on the walls, there may be a leak somewhere nearby. If your ceiling is leaking, check the rooms above for potential sources, soft floors, or other signs of water damage. If your roof is leaking, look for entry points such as missing, damaged, or cracked shingles, cracks in vent pipes or chimneys, or missing gutters. You can also check your attic for signs of water damage or mold, especially on rainy days. Rotten wood and moldy insulation are common signs of water leaks.
• Please repair immediately. Once you find the source of a water leak, it is important to repair it immediately to minimize damage. Some repairs can be done by DIY, while others may need to be done by a professional. If you need to submit an application, be sure to document the process thoroughly before making any changes.
• Check your roof regularly. Check your roof regularly to ensure it is in good working order. Check the roof shingles for cracks, damage, or missing parts and replace them immediately. Make sure the chimney and vent pipes are not damaged and that the colander is secured in place. Additionally, it’s important to work with a qualified professional to inspect your roof annually, especially in states and regions that are prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.
• Notice the ceiling on the top floor. Regularly inspecting the ceilings on the top floors of your home can help catch small leaks before they become major problems. If there is damage to the highest ceiling, immediately check the attic and roof for damage.

Should I make an insurance claim for a roof leak?

Just because your home insurance company covers your roof doesn’t mean you need to file a claim. In fact, it can make claims more expensive in the long run.

First, consider your home insurance claims history. If you file a home insurance claim, your insurance company may increase your premiums at renewal time. It may take several review cycles to get your charges back on track, so you could end up paying damages for years to come.

When making a claim for a roof leak, it is important not to overlook the deductible amount. Your deductible is the amount you are financially responsible for when filing a home insurance claim. Home insurance deductibles can range from $500 up to $5,000, depending on your policy. In hurricane-prone coastal states and tornado-prone states, roof damage from storms and wind/hail may qualify for a reduction.

In general, most insurance experts recommend only filing a claim if the estimated loss significantly exceeds your deductible. That way you can avoid surcharges. If you file a claim with your home insurance company, your premiums may increase, even if nothing is paid.

Does a leaky roof need to be repaired or replaced?

It depends on the extent of roof damage, age, and budget. Some repairs may be so minor that the total repair cost may be less than your home insurance deductible. In that case, it may be wise to repair it yourself or hire a roofing contractor. But before you head to the hardware store, weigh the pros and cons of a DIY roofing project.

Strong Points

• Could be cheaper
• Better control of project costs
• Learn how to do basic repairs yourself

Cons

• May not work for large projects
• May pose a safety risk
• DIY repairs if not done properly can void your home insurance

If your roof is old, we recommend that you consider replacing the entire roof. It’s not cheap, but it may be worth more in the long run. For homeowners on a tight budget, partial replacement may be a good compromise.

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