Are Roof Leaks Covered by Insurance?

It’s a horrible scenario: noticing water damage on the walls and ceiling of your home means that you’re probably the owner of a leaky roof. Although certainly not always inexpensive, fixing a leaking roof can be covered by your insurance policy. However, it can depend on the type of insurance you have, the kind of leak or leaks you are suffering from, and who’s your insurance provider. Take these steps and knowledge if you suspect your roof has started to leak! 

Is My Roof Leak Covered by Home Insurance? 

Home insurance covers roof leaks when the leak is caused by a named or covered peril. A “peril” in this case is a weather-caused situation where your personal belongings and home are damaged in events such as a hailstorm or fire.

Insurance companies cover roof damage in the event of peril. An example of such peril would be a large storm wiping out sections of shingles from your rooftop. If water gets into the roof and attic and walls, then this form of roof damage will be covered by your home insurance. Most insurance policies have a broad spectrum of perils under which they will provide compensation.

Any roof damage that is rapid and non-intentional is usually taken care of by homeowners insurance. However, be sure to check with your policy agent. These are the policies that usually will cover a leaky roof:

  • HO-1
  • HO-2
  • HO-3
  • HO-5
  • HO-7
  • HO-8

When Is a Roof Leak Not Covered by Insurance? 

Any non-peril-related roof leak will not be covered by insurance, including general wear and tear. It’s typical for a roof to eventually start to leak with age. Unfortunately, this kind of age-based damage is not covered by insurance. Most claims will also be rejected if they were caused by mold, birds, pests, wet rot, construction errors, improperly used building materials, and general neglect.

Be aware that there are home insurance policies that will have explicit denials of coverage when a roof leak is involved. For example, under an HO-8 policy, it’s possible that your roof leak will not be covered because this type of insurance is used to cover high-risk and older homes. Since the damage to these homes most likely will be done through general neglect and Father Time, there will be no coverage available for your situation. 

What Should I Do If My Roof Leaks? 

If it seems as though your home might have a leaky roof, it’s essential to tackle the problem quickly.

  1. Identify its source: if you see water damage on your ceiling or walls or around your light fixtures, attempt to safely locate the source of your leak. A professional service such as Garcia Roofing is invaluable at keeping your home well-inspected and safely treated. 
  2. Document the damage: when the leaking areas are found, make sure to document the conditions of the roof and the leak in order to make a claim with your insurance provider. Pictures are worth thousands of words in this situation. Your contractor can help you in this process as well. 
  3. Make temporary repairs: in inclement weather, a little leak can turn into a nightmare quickly. Using a professional roofing service such as Garcia Roofing can keep your roof dry until larger repairs can be completed in the event more labor and material are needed. 
  4. Reach out to your insurance company: contacting your insurance company as soon as possible with documentation of your roof leak will get your claim process started. Your agent will likely be able to guide you through the process of submitting your evidence and claim. 


How Much Does a Leaky Roof Cost to Fix? 

The cost of a leaking roof can depend on the severity of the damage and the type of roof on your home. Although the average repair can cost around 700 dollars or so, they can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand or more. Damage that has been done to other areas of the roof, such as the gutters or chimney, is also important to evaluate and treat so that further damage can be avoided.

*Gutter services are only offered as part of a roofing project.

How Can I Protect My Roof? 

Making sure that your roof is well protected will go a long way in preventing costly repairs in the future. Have your roof regularly inspected, especially after major storms, and don’t risk your safety when climbing on difficult roof areas after ice or hail.

Although having a leaking roof can be a cause for concern, the professionals at Garcia Roofing have decades of alleviating roof-related ails. From small roof leaks to disastrous holes, don’t trust anyone else with the safety and security of your family and belongings. If you’re worried about the possibility of a leaking roof, reach out to Garcia Roofing today and schedule a professional inspection! 

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