Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

When does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Here are some covered perils on most standard policies that may cause a leak in your roof:

• Hail
• Heavy wind
• Weight of ice, snow, and sleet
• Falling objects, including damage from trees
• Fire
• Lightning

How homeowners insurance covers roof leaks

If your roof is leaking and the damage was caused by a covered peril, your homeowners policy can help in various ways:

• Dwelling coverage may pay to repair or replace your leaky roof, up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible
• Personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace your personal belongings damaged from the leak, up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible
• Loss of use coverage may pay for lodging and groceries, above what you normally spend, and other services if you're unable to live in your home while your roof is being repaired or replaced
• Other structures coverage may pay to repair or replace the leaky roof of your unattached garage, tool shed, guest house, or gazebo—up to your coverage limit

Get more information about how homeowners insurance covers roof damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a leaking roof?

If your roof begins to leak, other elements of your home could face water damage. If a covered peril caused your roof leak, homeowners insurance may cover the cost to repair or replace things like furniture, floors, walls, roof, and ceilings — up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible.

If the roof leak was caused by a covered peril and causes mold, homeowners insurance may pay for the mold damage, up to your coverage limit, as well as remediation.

Find out more about when homeowners insurance can cover water damage.

How can you prevent roof leaks?

You can reduce the chances of a roof leak by inspecting your roof twice a year and after any major storm and looking for missing or damaged shingles. Follow these additional steps for preventive maintenance:

• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Trim overhanging branches
• Seal roof vents
• Check for attic ventilation to stop moisture buildup

Certain roof types may be more favorable when it comes to avoiding leaks. For example, a saltbox roof design can offer effective water shedding while flat roofs are generally more susceptible to water damage than other roof types. Find out how roof types affect homeowners insurance.

Filing a claim for a roof leak

If your roof leak was the result of a covered peril, document the damage once your environment is safe. Take photos or video of the damaged portions of your roof, as well as any other areas damaged by water. Your insurer may have a claims adjuster assess the damage and verify the loss. Get more information about how homeowners insurance claims work.

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