If you own a home, you should have homeowners insurance. This type of property insurance provides financial protection for your home and belongings in case of loss or damage.
However, not all causes of damage are covered under homeowners insurance. Take, for instance, a roof leak. Whether your homeowners insurance covers roof leak damage depends on the cause of the leak.
Let’s take a closer look.
Key Points
• Homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental roof leaks from events like storms, wind, hail, fire, or falling trees.
• Insurance does not cover leaks from earthquakes, landslides, flooding, mold, neglect, wear and tear, or faulty materials.
• Regular roof inspections, clear gutters, trimmed tree branches, and checking for mold or rust can prevent leaks.
• To file a claim, document the damage, contact your insurance agent promptly, and an adjuster will investigate.
• Filing a claim can cover repair costs but may increase your premium and involve a lengthy, frustrating process.
When Homeowners Insurance Covers Roof Leaks
In general, homeowners insurance covers a roof leak if the leak occurs suddenly and accidentally, as opposed to gradually. It should also be caused by a covered event — think a snowstorm, wind, or fire.
If such an event happens, your insurer will typically pay to fix the leak plus any associated damage, which may include replacing or repairing the roof, walls, or your belongings. It could also foot the bill for any issues that arise from mold or water damage.
Sounds expensive? It can be. The cost to repair a roof leak will depend on what needs repairing, the roofing material, the type of roof, how extensive the damage is, and where you are located. According to the home services website Angi.com, repairing a roof costs the average U.S. homeowner about $1,929.
Dwelling coverage, also called dwelling insurance, will help pay for the rebuilding or the repair of the physical structure of your home if it is damaged by a covered hazard. Dwelling coverage limits exist so be sure to find out all of the costs involved before filing a claim to repair your roof.
Recommended: 5 Steps to Changing Your Homeowners Insurance
When Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Roof Leaks
Similar to whether homeowners insurance covers plumbing, coverage for a roof leak will only kick in if the reason for the damage is from a covered event.
Homeowners insurance will not cover roof leaks from so-called “earth movement” events like earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, mudslides, and flooding; mold or mildew; or damage from some animals, birds, or bugs. Roof leaks from neglect, intentional damage, wear and tear, or faulty workmanship or materials are also not covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
Preventing Roof Leaks and Maintaining Your Roof
Roof leaks are inconvenient and expensive. But fortunately, they’re also preventable. A good first step to keep your roof in good working order — and help keep home insurance costs low — is to have it inspected regularly. That way, you can prevent small problems from blossoming into major, costly issues.
Other smart strategies include always keeping your gutters and downspouts clear, trimming back tree branches that are close to the roof, and checking your house for any signs of issues like mold, rust, or blocked ventilation.
How to File an Insurance Claim for a Roof Leak
Sometimes, even the most meticulous homeowner is no match for Mother Nature. If your roof sustains damage and starts leaking, you’ll likely want to consider filing a claim with your insurance company — stat.
A good starting point is to assess the damage to the roof. You can either hire a roofing professional or do it yourself. If you hire a pro, they’ll document the damage for you by providing a detailed report and photos, and videos.
The report should include information such as the cause of the leak, recommended fix, estimated cost of repairs, and replacement costs. The photos and videos should include the leak source and the damage caused by the leak.
Once you have this information, contact your insurance agent. Many insurance companies have a time frame after a leak during which you must file a claim. Once you begin the claims process, an insurance adjuster will likely investigate the damage.
Pros and Cons of Filing an Insurance Claim for a Roof Leak
Before filing an insurance claim for a roof leak, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks of filing a claim for a roof leak.
On the plus side, filing a claim allows you to receive money for some or all of the roof repair costs, repair, or replacement of your personal items, and additional living expenses. It can also help with medical and legal costs, if applicable.
However, filing a claim can cause your insurance premium to increase and may cause issues for future coverage. Plus, the claims process can be time-consuming and frustrating, so you’ll want to factor in your time and future costs when comparing how much the claim will pay out.
The amount that you receive will also depend on whether your insurance policy includes actual cash value or replacement cost value coverage. Actual cash value pays the depreciated value of the property and belongings instead of the current cost to replace them. Replacement cost value reimburses you for replacing or repairing your home or possessions without taking depreciation into account.
When comparing home insurance policy options, you should consider the process for filing a claim, as well as the homeowners insurance quote, the coverage options, the premium, the deductible, and any other homeowners insurance costs.
The Takeaway
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks? Some homeowners might be surprised to find out that their roof leak may not be covered under their policy.
Roof leaks caused by earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, mudslides, flooding, mold, mildew, neglect, intentional damage, or wear and tear are generally not covered by most homeowners insurance. On the other hand, roof leaks caused by snowstorms, wind, fire, hail, or a falling tree are usually covered under homeowners insurance.
If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.
FAQ
Does insurance pay to replace my entire roof if it leaks?
Homeowners insurance may cover a total roof replacement — depending on the cause of the leak. If the leak is from a covered event like a storm or a falling tree, your policy will likely pay for the new roof (minus your deductible). But if the leak is from normal wear or tear or gradual deterioration, then your insurer will likely not pay for the new roof.
How much does roof repair typically cost?
Roof repair costs will vary depending on what needs repairing, roofing material, type of roof, how extensive the damage is, and where you are located. According to Angi.com, repairing a roof costs the average U.S. homeowner about $1,929.
Will insurance cover water damage inside my house from a roof leak?
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers water damage inside your house from a roof leak, as long as the cause of the leak was from a covered reason, like snow, wind, hail, fire, or a falling tree.
What if the leak was caused by wind or hail damage?
Wind or hail damage is generally covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. However, you should review your specific policy to make sure that wind and hail are included.
Does insurance cover leaks from an old, worn-out roof?
Most insurance policies will not cover leaks from an old, worn-out roof. Only roof leaks that are from things like snowstorms, wind, or fire are usually covered.
photo credit: iStock/milan2099
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