If a roof leak has you bringing out the buckets, it could be time to submit a homeowners insurance claim. However, whether the leak will be repaired relies on what caused it in the first place. Here’s what you should know.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
Roof leaks are often covered by homeowners insurance if they are caused by a sudden, unexpected incident, such as a storm or a falling tree. Your insurance policy is unlikely to cover a leak caused by an outdated or poorly maintained roof.
Here are a few circumstances in which homeowners insurance would probably cover roof leaks.
- An electrical short starts a fire in your attic, causing damage to part of the roof.
- A blizzard topples a tree onto your roof.
- Large hailstones pierce a few shingles.
- Strong gusts can push shingles off the edge of your roof. (Note: While most conventional home insurance plans cover wind and hail damage, homeowners in select coastal areas may require additional wind coverage. Check with your agent to be sure.
In addition to the roof, your policy may cover damage to other areas of your home. For example, if a covered roof leak destroyed a mattress and a portion of the floor in an upstairs bedroom, your insurer would usually pay for repairs or replacement.
Your insurer will deduct your deductible from any payouts. A homeowners insurance deductible is the portion of a claim that you are responsible for.
Your home insurance policy’s habitation coverage covers damage to the structure of your home, which includes the roof. Most homeowner plans cover your home on an “open perils” basis. This means that your roof is protected against any cause of damage that is not specifically excluded in your policy.
Here are some scenarios that many home insurance policies exclude:
- Earthquakes. (If you reside in a high-risk location, you may need additional earthquake insurance.)
- Other earth movements include landslides, mudslides, and sinkholes.
- Damage caused by certain animals, birds, or pests.
- Fungus such as mold and mildew.
- Neglect or purposeful destruction.
- Flooding (unless you have flood insurance).
- Wear and tear.
- Faulty workmanship or materials.
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?
While many leaks can be fixed with minimal repairs, major damage may necessitate a completely new roof. Whether your insurance carrier will cover a roof replacement is determined by the type of coverage you have.
Actual cash value vs. replacement cost value
Some homeowners insurance policies cover roof replacement costs. If you require a new roof as a result of a covered claim, your insurer will pay for it in full. However, if you have actual cash value coverage, the insurer will reduce your payout to account for depreciation, depending on how old your current roof is.
Suppose your current roof was expected to last 20 years. After only ten years, you need to replace your roof. If you have actual cash value coverage, your insurance provider will remove half of the roof’s value because it is halfway through its estimated life. After deducting that and your deductible, your insurance company’s compensation will be far less than the total cost of replacing your roof.
To save money on their roof insurance rates, some homeowners opt for actual cash value coverage. But it’s not always an option. particular insurance carriers will automatically provide actual cash value coverage if your roof is over a particular age.
Should you file a claim for roof damage?
Even if you believe your home’s insurance will cover the roof leak, making a claim may not always be the best option.
First, review your deductible. Many homeowners pick deductibles ranging from $500 to $2,000. According to Angi, a home services website, roof leak repair expenses often range from $360 and $1,550. If your repair costs the average amount, your insurer may pay you little or nothing after subtracting your deductible.
Second, submitting a claim may result in increases in your insurance premiums for the next many years. Consider if the current payout will be sufficient to balance out any future increases.
Getting quotes from many roofers might help you determine whether the repair will be costly enough to justify making a claim.
How to file a claim for roof damage
Once you’ve decided to file a claim, here are some steps to follow:
File as soon as possible. You may be able to file your claim over the phone, through the insurer’s website or app. It is best to file as soon as possible to begin the procedure, especially if the damage was caused by a broad natural disaster. It may take longer to settle claims if there are hundreds of other neighboring homes who also require assistance.
Document the damage, if feasible. While we recommend that you hire an expert to evaluate your roof, you can photograph interior issues such as broken furniture or water stains on the ceiling.
Hire a reliable contractor. Don’t simply hire the cheapest roof repair company and call it a day. Check references, check reviews, and ensure that the company you use is licensed in your state.
Be wary of roofing contractors going door to door following calamities. They may offer unusually low rates or promise to obtain you a free replacement roof from your insurance provider if you allow them to make a claim on your behalf. Such offerings are frequently scams.
How to prevent roof leaks
- Have your roof inspected on a regular basis to identify minor issues before they become major problems.
- Keep the gutters and downspouts clear.
- Trim back tree branches and tall shrubs that are near the roof. This can help keep debris out of your gutters and moss from growing in wet, shaded areas.
- Check your attic for telltale indicators of trouble, such as mold, clogged ventilation, algae, or rust.
