Yes, homeowners insurance covers roof leaks if they occur accidentally and suddenly by a covered peril like a storm with high winds or hail. Slow leaks, or leaks caused by a lack of maintenance, are not typically covered by home insurance.
It is important to read the policy to determine if something like a ceiling leak is covered by homeowners insurance. Most standard home insurance policies offer the same types of claims coverage, but there can be exceptions to the rule.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- A named peril covers roof or ceiling leaks when caused accidentally or suddenly.
- Claims made under a standard homeowners insurance policy are covered on an open perils basis, meaning if coverage for roof leaks is not excluded, it is included.
- Damage caused by lack of maintenance, a gradual leak over time, intentional acts or pest damage are typically not covered by homeowners insurance.
- Finding and repairing a ceiling or roof leak as soon as it is discovered can help avoid costly home and property damage, or a potential homeowners claim.
Home insurance for covering roof leaks
If your roof or ceiling leaks due to a covered peril, the associated damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Most home insurance policies have an open perils claims basis, which means unless coverage is specifically excluded, then it is included.
For example, if a storm comes through and wind blows some of your roof shingles away causing rain to leak into your ceiling, you would likely have coverage under your homeowners insurance. But if there is a slow leak due to deteriorated or incorrectly installed chimney flashing, for example, any ensuing damage may not be covered by your policy.
Under most standard homeowners insurance policies, the following perils are commonly excluded from coverage:
- Ground movement caused by earthquakes, landslides or sinkholes (unless you opt for a specific endorsement to be added to your policy)
- Floods
- Mold
- Normal wear and tear
- Infestations of any kind – bedbugs, termites, mice, etc.
- Nuclear accidents
- Pet damage
- Government action
- Settling of the foundation
- Theft if the dwelling is under construction
- Vandalism if the property is vacant
- Certain dog breeds
- Intentional loss or neglect
- Broken or frozen pipe burst in a vacant home
- Foundation or pavement damage caused by the weight of ice or snow
Will homeowners insurance cover the water damage if my roof leaks?
The initial cause of the roof leak will determine if your homeowners insurance will cover the water damage. Typically, if the initial cause of loss is a covered peril, then it will be covered by home insurance. The dwelling coverage will pay to fix the damage to the structure of the home while personal property coverage will pay if your belongings are damaged.
Video: New Jersey Business Owners Hope Financial Assistance Will Help Them Get Back On Their Feet (CBS New York)
New Jersey Business Owners Hope Financial Assistance Will Help Them Get Back On Their Feet
What to watch next
- Vaccine Hesitancy Forces Closure Of Emergency Room At Long Beach HospitalCBS New York
- High School Football Coach Kyle Moodt Has Life-Saving Brain Surgery Days Before Winning ChampionshipCBS New York
- Connecticut Desperately Trying To Hire Snow Plow DriversCBS New York
- Pandemic Food Insecurity Means Holiday Giveaways Needed This Year More Than EverCBS New York
- Federal Cash Help Protect School Districts From Cyberattacks, RansomwareCBS New York
- Statue Of Thomas Jefferson Removed From City Council ChamberCBS New York
- Department Of Social Services Head Steven Banks To ResignCBS New York
- Faith Leaders Call On Newark Residents To Be Vigilant In Face Of Recent Spike In ShootingsCBS New York
- Longtime Employees Say Roosevelt Hotel Remains Shut DownCBS New York
- Village Of Ossining Awarded $10 Million As Part Of Downtown Revitalization InitiativeCBS New York
- How To Gather For Thanksgiving SafelyCBS New York
- 5 Hospitalized After Building Fire Near Times SquareCBS New York
- Dump Truck Slams Into A New Jersey HomeCBS New York
- Closing Arguments In Trial Of 3 Men Accused Of Murdering Ahmaud ArberyCBS New York
- Man Inside Yankee Stadium Hit By Stray BulletCBS New York
- Assembly Report Into Cuomo’s Behavior As Governor Outlines Fresh AllegationsCBS New York
- Vaccine Hesitancy Forces Closure Of Emergency Room At Long Beach HospitalCBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff has the story. CBS New York
- High School Football Coach Kyle Moodt Has Life-Saving Brain Surgery Days Before Winning ChampionshipLife-saving surgery on Long Island returned a father to his family and a coach to the field just in time for a championship game. CBS2’s Vanessa Murdock reports. CBS New York
- Connecticut Desperately Trying To Hire Snow Plow DriversThe state is looking to hire about 140 drivers to address a 13% shortage. CBS New York
Depending on the extent of the roof damage, your homeowners insurance may pay for a roof repair or replacement. If you have an old roof, there is a chance your home insurance company will only pay actual cash value rather than replacement cost. Mold may be covered, in some circumstances, depending on your home insurance policy, the time passed since the initial cause of loss, how quickly your claim is resolved and repairs are able to be completed, as well as any specific endorsements you may have.
How do I find a roof leak?
It is best to find a roof or ceiling leak as soon as possible to minimize the water damage caused and increase your chances of having it covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Experts recommend several steps to take to find a roof leak:
- Find the source of the leak: If you notice water marks on your ceiling or mold along the walls, there is a good chance of a leak somewhere. If the ceiling is leaking, check the room above for potential causes, soft flooring or other indicators of water damage. If the roof is leaking, search for points of entry, such as missing, damaged or cracked shingles, vent pipe or chimney cracks and missing gutters. You can also check your attic for signs of water damage or mold, especially on a rainy day. Rotted wood and moldy insulation are common signs of water leaks.
- Make repairs right away: Once you find the source of the leak, it is important to make repairs right away to minimize damage. You may be able to DIY some repairs while others will require a professional. If you have to file a claim, then document the process closely before making any changes.
- Check your roof regularly: Make sure your roof is in good working order by checking it regularly. Check if there are any cracked, damaged or missing shingles and replace them promptly. Ensure the chimney and vent pipes are not damaged and the flashing is still tacked in place.
- Watch your top floor ceiling: By inspecting your ceiling on the top floor of your home regularly, you can catch small leaks before they become a big problem. If there is any damage to your highest ceiling, check the attic and roof for damage right away.
Should I file a claim for a leaky roof?
If the cause of your leaky roof is sudden and accidental, there is a good chance it is covered under homeowners insurance. However, if the roof leak has been there for some time or is caused by wear and tear, the insurance company will likely deny the claim. Damage caused by an excluded peril will not be covered, so you may want to read your home insurance policy before deciding whether to file a claim.
Also, consider the age of your roof. If it is old and needs repairs, there is a chance the claim will be denied. If this happens, you may get a remediation letter from your homeowners insurance company requiring your roof be repaired or replaced, or your insurance policy could be canceled or nonrenewed.
Any claim you file with your home insurance company has the potential to raise your rates, even if nothing has been paid out. Each insurance company has its own rules on how home claims impact rates and how often you can file a claim without it affecting your policy. If you are unsure about filing a claim, you may want to call a roofing inspector to assess the damage to help you determine the initial cause so you can decide.
Frequently asked questions
Will a new roof lower my insurance premiums?
Some insurance companies offer discounts for replacing your roof, especially if you use impact-resistant shingles or environmentally friendly products. If you are considering replacing your roof, ask your insurance agent about discounts.
Do you have to pay a deductible for roof replacement?
If your roof is being replaced under a homeowners insurance claim, yes you will likely have to pay a deductible. The amount will be determined by the cause of the damage and the deductible amount you selected on your home insurance policy.
Do I pay the roofer my deductible?
Generally speaking, you will pay the roofer or the person doing the work your deductible and the insurance company pays the rest. To be sure, ask your claims adjuster who to pay and the best process to pay your deductible.
