Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage, depending on what caused the damage. For instance, homeowners insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if hail or a fallen tree damages your roof. Here are some things to consider when it comes to homeowners insurance coverage for a damaged roof.
What Kind of Roof Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
The dwelling coverage in a homeowners insurance policy typically helps protect your home’s structure, including the roof, from certain perils. Commonly covered perils include fire, wind and hail damage. So, if your roof needs repairs after it is damaged by hail or by a tree that topples onto it during a windstorm, you may find that your dwelling coverage helps cover the cost.
Meanwhile, the roof of an unattached structure on your property, such as a shed or detached garage, may be covered by the other structures protection in a homeowners insurance policy if the damage is caused by a covered peril.
It’s important to keep in mind that your deductible and coverage limit will apply. You deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. Your coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a covered loss. Read your policy to learn what your deductible and coverage limits are set at, or contact your agent for help adjusting them to fit your needs.
Note that some homeowners insurance policies may have windstorm and hail exclusions, which means damage caused by those perils would not be covered. Read your policy to learn whether yours lists any exclusions.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Homeowners insurance may cover a roof leak if the leak is caused by a covered peril. Suppose your roof is unexpectedly damaged by fire, hail or wind. In those cases, your homeowners policy may help pay to repair the roof leak (unless your policy has wind or hail exclusion).
However, homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from wear and tear. So if its age or an unresolved maintenance issue are to blame for your leaking roof, homeowners insurance likely won’t pay to repair the leak or the resulting damage.
Read your policy or contact your local agent to learn if your homeowners insurance covers roof damage and how much protection it provides.