NYC Insurance Blog

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Roof leaks can cause emotional distress and financial loss regardless of how minor they seem. If you have homeowners’ insurance, you must wonder whether it covers roof leaks! Although the answer to this question depends on the situation and policy, the homeowner’s insurance policy covers sudden or accidental roof leaks and those resulting from covered events like windstorms, lightning, and hailstorms. However, roof leaks developing over time due to poor workmanship or lack of maintenance are not covered. Continue reading to learn more about homeowners’ policies, roof leaks, and covered perils.

To understand what homeowners’ insurance covers when it comes to roof leaks, here are key scenarios you should consider:

Roof leak resulting from a covered peril

Typically, homeowners policy covers roof leaks and repair costs, including damaged belongings. However, you should familiarize yourself with your policy to determine covered perils. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to notice the roof leak and notify your insurance company. A standard homeowner’s policy has an open peril list. An open peril list refers to a list of events covered by the policy. Therefore, if a roof leak results from one of these perils, unless it is not included, the insurer may cover the losses incurred. Open perils include:

• Falling objects, for example, trees 
• Fire and smoke, including wildfires
• Lightning strikes
• Wind
• Damage from vehicles
• Damage from aircrafts 
• Volcanic eruptions
• Explosion
• Theft or vandalism 
• Riots
• Hail
• The excess weight caused by snow or ice
• Sudden or accidental damage caused by an electrical surge

If you fail to notice water damage signs for months, the insurer might deny liability and fail to compensate for the damages. Knowing your coverages is very important, having a Broker makes this process much easier, call us today!

Roof Leak Resulting From Poor Maintenance

Homeowners are obligated to maintain their property. Therefore, if a roof leak results from poor maintenance, the insurance company has the right to deny the claim. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the roof is in perfect condition. However, if you hire an incompetent roofer only to worsen the problem, there is a high possibility that the insurance company will not cover the damages. Remember, failure to notify your insurer about a roof leak is deemed negligence. Therefore, the insurer can refuse to pay for repairs because they are within their legal right to deny claims. Be that as it may, each situation is different, and you might have a legitimate reason for not noticing the leak or reporting it. 

Roof Leaks Resulting From Non-Covered Perils

A homeowner’s policy does not cover roof leaks caused by non-covered events. Common non-covered events include:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Poor maintenance
• Wear and tear

Do not expect your insurance company to cover damage costs related to these events. 

Roof Leak Resulting From Poor Workmanship 

Imagine hiring a roofer to repair, maintain or replace your roof only to do substandard work! Most insurers do not cover roof leaks caused by poor workmanship. However, if the roofer has liability insurance, you can file a claim for damages incurred. Always hire competent roofers from reputable roofing companies. Ensure they are insured, licensed, and bonded to avoid potential losses. 

How to Find a Roof Leak

Spotting a roof leak early minimizes damage and gives you peace of mind knowing the problem is fixed. However, finding a roof leak is challenging, especially if you are not an experienced roofing contractor. Firstly, check for possible entry points, for example, missing shingles, misplaced gutters, raised nails, or a crack at the base of the chimney. You can use binoculars or a ladder to spot any entry points. However, do not climb on the roof to avoid worsening the leak or injuring yourself. Secondly, you can check water leaks or damage signs in your home. Water stains on the ceiling or drywall, discolored walls, mold, and musty odors indicate a possible roof leak. Consider contacting a professional roofer to fix the problem instead of doing it yourself. 

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Damages Caused by Roof Leaks

Yes. If a covered event causes the initial cause of the roof leak, homeowners’ insurance will cover the damage. Your dwelling coverage will cover damages to your home, while your personal property insurance will cover damaged personal items. It is important to note that the insurer may cover roof repair or replacement depending on the extent of the damage. 

Keep in mind that if your roof is old, the insurance company may cover the actual cash value instead of the replacement cost. If you don’t know whether you should file a claim for roof damage or incur the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, consult an insurance agent. Finally, remember that filing a claim could affect your premiums in the long run. Therefore, consider paying the repair costs if you are well off financially.Let us become your Broker, as we can guide you if your claim will be covered or not!

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