Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?: A Definitive Guide

Did you know that flooding can occur when there are only a few inches of rain? If you’re outside of a flood zone, they can still happen. When a rainstorm comes in, you might notice your roof leaking.

In this article you’ll get to explore the answer to the question, does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks? Read on to explore the answer to this question and more about homeowner’s insurance.

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Homeowners Insurance Water Damage

While most leaking roofs are covered by homeowners’ insurance, the reimbursement for the repair of a roof leak depends on the insurance company.

Your coverage will determine whether any damage to your property will be covered as well.

Before making roof damage claims, it’s a good idea to speak with your homeowner’s insurance, and see what receives coverage under your policy.

Examples of events that receive coverage include damage from vehicles, explosions, lightning, fire and smoke, vandalism, hail, theft, etc.

Insurance will cover unforeseen circumstances but normally won’t cover damage due to the lack of repair to your roof over time.

Coverage usually includes:

Ice
Snow
Sleet
Vandalism
Falling trees
Falling items
Hail
Windstorm

Roof Leak Water Damage Repair

If you can prove that the leak is from an incident and not due to the lack of upkeep on your roof, most insurance policies will cover it. For roofs that are declining over time, they normally won’t receive coverage.

A roof that’s over 20 years old will have a limit on coverage. Some roofs past this age won’t receive coverage options.

Keep before and after photos, records of repairs, and inspections of your roof. When you see damage, let your insurance company know.

Exclusions for roof leak coverage:

Wet rot
Fungus
Mold
Shrinking
Settling
Insects
Birds
Rodents
Vermin
Not keeping up with repairs
Wear and tear

What About the Deductible?

Before you receive coverage from your insurance company, you’ll need to meet your deductible.

For those in high-risk states such as Florida, your deductible might be higher than other locations. This is due to the nature of the area, and being at an increased risk due to hurricanes.

Those in high-risk areas might want to consider what’s known as a windstorm insurance policy. This will protect you from damage that occurs due to hail, wind, gales, and other hazards.

Windstorm Insurance

It’ll cover you for gusty incidents from cyclones and hurricanes. When an event falls under a major incident, it might not receive coverage under regular homeowner’s insurance policies.

Those in midwestern and coastal states might want to consider buying this additional coverage.

Windstorm insurance will cover your personal belongings and any physical damage to your property.

Any damage to sheds and garages might receive coverage as well. Large winds can cause harm to your windows and roofs, and this is where windstorm insurance comes in.

How Roof Damage Coverage Works

Keep in mind that your roof’s value depreciates over time. Your roof will be compensated with the cash value. This figure will be based on the wear and tear of your roof.

Even if your insurance policy states that it’s 30 years, and your roof is 25, you more than likely won’t receive the full cost of the replacement or repair.

Keep in mind that not all homeowner’s insurance works the same, so some policies won’t give you less based on the age of your roof. Some policies will offer you an add-on option in order to receive better coverage.

What About Coinsurance?

If your home is insured for less than the cost of rebuilding it, you might face coinsurance. Coinsurance is where the claims will be paid as a percentage of the insurance to value.

What Should You Do When You Have a Leaking Roof?

If you notice a leaking roof, you’ll want to contact a licensed roofer right away. They can take a look and determine if there are any problems.

Making the repair yourself can be a costly mistake, and cause bigger problems down the road.

Fixing a leaky roof can also be dangerous since you won’t have the proper training and equipment necessary. When you choose a roofer, you’re saving yourself extra time and money.

Roof Leak Causes

There are multiple reasons you might have a leaking roof besides an incident. For example, if you let your gutters become clogged, this will cause water to soak through the roof.

You might also be experiencing missing shingles after high winds or a storm.

It’s a good idea to have inspections where a roofer comes and makes sure everything is in good shape.

For example, if your roof vents aren’t properly sealed, this can cause a roof leak over time. Also, if you have any holes in your roof you’re not aware of, a roofer might be able to find them.

Preventing Roof Water Damage

There are preventative measures you can take to avoid leaking roof water damage. Every few years you should have a roofer come and inspect it.

You’ll want to make sure that the roofer you choose is licensed and has good reviews. Any recommendations they suggest you’ll want to consider since this can avoid bigger problems down the road.