Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

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Key Takeaways

Whether you need to repair or replace your roof completely, AARP^® Home Insurance from The Hartford¹ offers protection for your roof as well as your interior and personal belongings if they get damaged due to a leak, up to your coverage limits.
It’s important to know that standard home insurance policies won’t cover all situations, like general wear and tear or flooding, but you can purchase additional coverage in some cases.
While there are steps you can take to prevent accidental damage to your roof, having the right insurance coverage in case you need to file a covered roof claim is the best way to enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected.

When Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Homeowners insurance generally covers roof leaks caused by a covered loss that is sudden and accidental. After assessing the damage, your insurance carrier will help pay for any repairs or replacements needed.

Homeowners insurance coverage with The Hartford helps cover damage resulting from things like:

Windstorms

Hail

Fallen trees or objects

Weight of ice, snow or sleet

Each home insurance policy is different, so you’ll want to be sure you know exactly what is and isn’t covered if you ever need to make repairs suddenly. For example, some policies have windstorm and hail exclusions. Call The Hartford at 877-422-2345 with any questions you may have.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

If your roof gets damaged by a covered loss, your insurance provider can help pay for a roof replacement if it’s needed. To pay the claim, your insurer will first pay the Actual Cash Value (ACV) for your damaged roof, minus your homeowners policy deductible.

If you have replacement cost coverage on your policy, your insurance company may pay that additional amount after you’ve repaired or replaced your roof. The difference between your ACV and replacement cost is known as recoverable depreciation, which you can recover once you provide proof that repairs have been completed.

homeowners protected by knowing does home insurance cover roof leaks

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks Due to Weather?

Your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover roof leaks in certain weather-related scenarios. Specifically excluded events from homeowners insurance coverage include damage from:

Floods
Earthquakes
Landslides or mudslides

To be covered in these situations, you’ll need to purchase separate coverage, like a flood insurance policy.

Typically, a homeowners insurance policy also won’t help cover costs to repair or replace your roof if it’s damaged by:

An unresolved maintenance issue
Normal wear and tear in older roofs
Insect infestation
Pet damage
Smog, rust or corrosion

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage From a Leaking Roof?

If your roof begins leaking after it’s damaged by a covered loss, dwelling coverage can help pay for damages to your home and its attached structures, while personal property insurance can help cover the costs to repair or replace your personal items.

homeowners protected by knowing will homeowners insurance cover leaking roof

How To Prevent Roof Leaks

Reduce the likelihood of roof leaks by:

Scheduling regular roof inspections
Trimming trees around your home
Clearing your gutters
Checking your attic for signs of leaks

While there are steps you can take to protect your home from roof leaks, accidents can happen, even if you have a new roof. From fallen tree damages to missing shingles after a windstorm, The Hartford is here to help get your home repaired as quickly and easily as possible.

If you notice your roof is leaking, quickly document the damage with photos. Then, you can use a bucket to catch any extra water or even add a tarp to your roof to help prevent further damage before notifying your insurance company.

Roof Leaks and Homeowners Insurance: When To File a Claim

The cost to fix your roof depends on different factors, like the extent of the damage and your roof’s construction materials. To help pay for roof repair or replacement costs, you could file a claim with your home insurance company.

Before you file a claim, consider your insurance deductible, which is the amount you pay before your insurer covers the rest. If the estimated cost to repair your roof is less than your deductible, you may want to pay for the repairs out of pocket. However, if the repair cost is higher than your deductible, that’s where insurance coverage can help. That way, you can get your roof repaired without having to break the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Leaks

Will Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks in a Shed or Detached Garage?

Other structures coverage, a type of home insurance coverage, helps protect structures on your property that aren’t attached to your house. So, if the roof of your shed collapses from heavy snow, other structures coverage can help pay for repairs.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Leaking Roof Damage to Interior Spaces or Furniture?

If your roof begins leaking after it’s damaged by a covered loss, like a windstorm or hail:

Personal property coverage helps pay to repair or replace your personal items.
Dwelling coverage helps cover damages to your home and your home’s structures that are attached.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks in Condos?

Condo insurance typically covers the areas you are responsible for per your master insurance policy agreement, like your personal belongings or any enhancements or alterations you’ve made to your condo. Ultimately, the best way to learn what’s covered is to contact your condo association directly. Then, ensure you have enough condo insurance coverage to fill any gaps.