Know if Your Homeowner Insurance Covers Roof Leaks and Repairs
Roof damage and leaks can be expensive to fix. If the damage is significant or you have an older roof, you may end up needing re-roofing services or a full roof replacement. If you have homeowners insurance, it may cover some or all of the damage, depending on your policy and the cause of the damage. It’s best to be familiar with the terms of your policy and know who to call if you need costly repairs. If your roof suffers from storm damage or leaks, contact your insurance company to document the damage and find out if it is covered. Here is your guide to finding out if your homeowners insurance covers roof leaks and repairs.
When Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Whether your homeowners insurance policy covers roof leak repairs depends on the cause of your leak, the age of your roof, and your provider and policy. If your roof leaks in heavy rain or due to a major weather event, you may be more likely to have your claim approved. Some common situations where your insurance may cover leaks include:
- Sudden and accidental damage to the roof
- Leaks caused by high winds, hail, fire, lightning, falling objects, and snow and ice
- Water damage due to a massive storm
- Electrical fires that damage the roof
- Storm damage
When Are Roof Leaks Not Covered?
It’s equally important to understand what your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover. This information can help you better protect your roof and take proactive measures to avoid roof leaks. Roof leaks are often not covered if they are due to:
- Aging roofing materials
- Normal wear and tear
- Improper installation or low-quality materials
- Failure to comply with the terms of your homeowners insurance policy
- Negligence
- Failure to maintain your roof or complete timely roof repairs
- Vandalism or a break-in
- Earthquakes
- Animal, bird, or insect damage
- Damage caused by fungi like mold and mildew or by moss and algae
- Intentional damage
- Flooding
Filing a Roof Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step
The process for filing an insurance claim for a roof leak or other emergency roof repairs doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. It’s best to talk to an adjuster or representative at your agency before damage occurs so that you already understand the process you need to follow. While it may vary from provider to provider, the general steps for filing a roof insurance claim include:
- Documenting the Damage – Before contacting your insurance company, take photos and video of the damage to your roof. This will help support your claim and provide important information about the cause and extent of the damage to your roof.
- Contacting Your Insurance Company – Next, contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. They will let you know what types of damage are covered and what documentation they need from you to process your claim. They can also provide you with a list of preferred roofing contractors, although you are not required to use someone from this list.
- Scheduling a Professional Roof Inspection – Then, schedule a professional roof inspection. A roofing contractor will evaluate every area of the interior and exterior, taking note of all of their findings. They will also document the damage as they go. When they’re done, they will give you a report of their findings and recommendations.
- Getting a Detailed Estimate for the Cost of Repairs – The roofing company will also give you a detailed estimate for the cost of roof leak repairs. This is important as you will need to provide it to your insurance company.
- Working With a Trusted Roofing Contractor – You should only hire an experienced, qualified, and licensed roofing contractor when dealing with a roof leak. Your claim is more likely to be denied if you aren’t willing to work with a professional or if you try to DIY roof leak repairs.
Tips to Ensure Coverage Isn’t Denied
A denial of your claim can be inconvenient, costly, and stressful. It’s best to maintain your roof and be proactive about scheduling necessary repairs so that if a major covered event does happen, you know what to do. Some ways you can reduce the risk of having your roof insurance claim denied are:
- Maintaining your roof with regular inspections and timely repairs
- Replacing old, damaged, or outdated roofing materials before they fail
- Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and ensuring proper drainage
- Removing overhanging tree limbs that could fall on your roof
- Keeping detailed records of roof maintenance and upgrades
- Only hiring a qualified roofing contractor for installation, maintenance, and to fix a leaking roof or perform other repairs
Request an Estimate for Commercial Roof Leak Repair
Gresham Roofing has 57 years of experience in commercial leak repair in Gresham, OR. We work with home and business owners to maintain the safety of their roofs and reduce their risk of leaks and damage. If you need assistance fixing a leaking roof, we can provide a thorough inspection and a detailed report with documentation of the damage and our estimate for repairs. We will work closely with you and your insurance company throughout the process to make it as efficient and stress-free as possible. Call us now or contact us online to request an estimate for leak repair, roof inspections, and more
