Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
The cause of your roof leak determines who foots the bill for repairs.
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Written byJacqueline DeMarco
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13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Updated September 18, 2024
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If you’ve spotted a leak in your roof, you’re likely worried and wondering if your home insurance covers roof leaks. A leaking roof has many potential culprits, such as hail damage and fallen tree branches. Left unaddressed, leaks can lead to long-term problems like mold growth, structural damage, and ruined insulation.
The good news is your homeowners policy likely covers leaks if a covered peril causes the leak. Here’s how to know if your homeowners insurance policy will cover leaks.
When home insurance covers roof leaks
A standard home insurance policy covers roof leaks if a sudden, unexpected event causes the leak. You won’t receive coverage for regular wear and tear. To better understand when your homeowners insurance policy may cover leaks, here’s a look at some commonly covered scenarios.[1] [2]
Storm damage
If high winds or hail damage your roof during a storm, your insurance will generally cover the cost to repair the leak. You’ll typically get financial support for any water damage caused inside the home due to the storm. The weight of ice or snow on your roof can also cause damage and leaks, and your policy will likely cover roof collapse and water intrusion due to the buildup of snow or ice.
Falling objects
Your home insurance policy will generally pay for damages caused by a tree limb or other falling objects that lead to a leak. Your policy should also pay for any resulting damage to the interior of the home.
Fire-related roof damage
If a fire damages your roof and leads to a leak, homeowners insurance will usually cover the cost of roof repairs and any water damage from the leak.
Sudden accidental damage
Home insurance tends to cover the repairs and associated damage if an unexpected event causes a roof leak, such as sudden debris from nearby construction.
Does home insurance cover roof replacement?
Your homeowners insurance policy may cover a full roof replacement, but only if your policy covers the peril that caused the damage. In most cases, that’ll be because the incident that led to needing a full roof replacement is due to sudden accidental damage, fire, storm damage, or falling objects.
Many other covered perils can lead to a full roof replacement, but you’re less likely to encounter them, like vandalism or a volcanic explosion. When in doubt, call your insurance agent to see what your home insurance policy covers.
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When home insurance doesn’t cover roof leaks
Unfortunately, many common scenarios can lead to roof damage and corresponding leaks that your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover. Damage caused by a lack of maintenance or long-term issues typically isn’t covered.[3]
Wear and tear or aging: If your roof deteriorates due to age or lack of maintenance, your home insurance policy won’t cover repairs for leaks caused by gradual damage.
Neglect and poor maintenance: You’ll need to keep your roof in tip-top shape if you want your home insurance policy to help you out with leak issues. Leaks that result from failing to properly maintain or repair your roof — such as ignoring missing shingles or cracks — won’t receive coverage, as most insurance policies require you to keep up with basic home maintenance needs.
Leaks from pre-existing damage: If a leak results from damage already present before you purchased your insurance policy, you won’t get assistance with the repair costs.
Construction or installation defects: A home insurance policy doesn’t cover roof leaks caused by improper construction or poor installation practices. The contractor’s warranty would need to address these issues.
Earthquake damage: Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover earthquake damage. If you own a home in an area prone to earthquakes, it’s a good idea to buy separate coverage to help with this natural disaster.
How to find a roof leak
If you have concerns about a potential roof leak, it’s best if you locate and repair it as soon as possible to avoid substantial damage. Here are some ways you can locate a leak in your home:
Inspect the ceilings and attics. Check both your ceilings and attics for any water stains, mold, or discoloration. This is important to check for after heavy rain occurs. Look for moisture or dark streaks, which are common signs of a leak.
Examine the roof from the outside. Look for damaged, missing, or curled shingles, as well as cracked flashing around vents and chimneys. These areas are common entry points for water.
Use a hose test. If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, run a garden hose over the suspected areas while someone watches inside for dripping. This process will help you pinpoint the source of the water intrusion.
Check the gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters or downspouts can cause water to back up and leak into the home. Clearing them regularly can prevent leaks.
Cost to repair a roof leak
If your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover roof repairs after a leak, you’ll have to pay for those repairs out of pocket. Homeowners may pay anywhere from $400 to $2,000 to repair a leak. It’s important to note that this is just an average.
Where you live, the roof repair professional you hire, the size of your home, and your chosen roof materials can all affect how much you’ll spend to repair a roof leak.
Should you file a home insurance claim for a roof leak?
It only makes sense to file a home insurance claim for a roof leak if it occurred because of a covered peril, such as a falling object or storm damage. Even if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the damage, you also need to keep your out-of-pocket expenses in mind.
If the cost of the deductible is higher than the repair costs, you may want to hold off on filing a claim. Not only will you end up spending more now, you risk your home insurance premium rising.
If you decide to file a claim, follow these steps:
Report a crime
If a crime leads to damages, you need to report it to the police as soon as possible. Request a copy of the police report to give to your homeowners insurance company when you file the claim.
Contact your home insurance company
Whether over the phone or by using your insurer’s mobile app, get in touch with your home insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Fill out any relevant claims forms, and collect any documentation or photographic evidence the insurer needs.
Meet with an insurance adjuster
Your home insurer may send an adjuster to assess the damage and verify the claim.
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Ways to protect your home against roof leaks
Roof leaks can damage a lot more than just your roof. Leaks can lead to major damage throughout the home, so it’s a good idea to have a plan to help prevent leaks.
Inspect and maintain your roof regularly. Set a reminder on your calendar to check your roof at least twice a year for damaged or missing shingles, cracks in flashing, and signs of wear. Regular maintenance helps you identify and fix small problems before they turn into major leaks.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your roof. Ensure they’re clear of debris to allow proper drainage and prevent water buildup.
Trim overhanging trees. Tree limbs that hang over your roof can fall during storms, causing damage and leaks.
Install roof ventilation. Proper roof ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, reducing the chance of leaks due to trapped condensation or ice dams.
Check attic insulation. Ensure your attic has proper insulation to prevent ice dams and excessive heat, which can lead to roof leaks.
Home insurance and roof leaks FAQs
To better understand how your home insurance policy can protect against roof leaks, check out these frequently asked questions on the topic.
Does homeowners insurance cover ceiling leaks?
Your homeowners policy will cover only some ceiling leaks. If the ceiling leak occurred because of a covered peril, your homeowners insurance policy should pay for the damage. How much financial support you receive depends on if you have an actual cash value policy or a replacement cost policy.
Does home insurance cover mold from a roof leak?
If mold forms in your home because of a roof leak, and the cause of the leak is a peril your policy covers, your home insurer should help you with the costs of removing the mold from your home and making any necessary repairs.
Why does my roof leak in heavy rain?
Heavy rain can lead to roof leaks for several reasons. Damaged or missing shingles, clogged gutters, poor flashing around vents or chimneys, and cracks in the roof membrane can all make your roof susceptible to leaks.
Is it worth filing a home insurance claim for a roof leak?
It depends. Whether or not it makes sense to file a home insurance claim for a roof leak varies on the extent of the damage, what it’ll cost you to repair it, and how much your deductible is. If you’ll spend more or a similar amount on the deductible, you’re better off paying out of pocket. If you file a claim, your premiums may rise and cost you more money in the long run.
Will getting a new roof lower your home insurance rates?
It’s possible. In some cases, getting a new roof can lead to lower home insurance rates if it increases your home’s safety and reduces the risk of future damages. It never hurts to ask about potential discounts or premium decreases after getting a new roof.
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Jacqueline DeMarco
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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