Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

Repairing or replacing a roof after an accident can be incredibly expensive, especially if it is not covered by home insurance. While most home insurance policies should cover repairs to your roof, there are exclusions and limitations to keep an eye on. 

The Cause of The Damage Matters 

Home insurance doesn't pay for your roof repair if it caves in due to regular wear and tear. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to maintain your home to ensure its insurability. Therefore, neglecting your roof makes the roof ineligible for insurance claims. 

Covered incidents typically include fallen trees, hail, ice and snow damage — as well as lightning strikes. If a covered peril causes roof damage, your insurance company pays for the repairs over and above the deductible. 

Where In Your Policy Are Roofs Covered? 

When you buy home insurance with an all-perils option, you get roof replacement coverage for acts of nature. It doesn't matter how old the roof is. However, if the roof is past its intended lifespan, it may fall under the general maintenance category. This means you would be responsible for paying to replace it. 

What About Water Damage? 

Home insurance doesn't cover flood repairs. It does take care of other water damage, however. From a hole in the roof to structural problems, you're covered — so long as a hurricane or other natural disaster caused it. If there is water damage, check with insurance agent about what is covered. 

What's Excluded? 

For owners who don't keep up the maintenance on their roofs, the insurance company may deny the claim. Intentional loss, neglect, acts of war and general power failure are also examples of excluded perils. 

Protect Your Property 

If a hazard damages your roof and forces you out of your home, once it's safe to go back in, secure your property and do what you can to prevent further damage. Cover the roof and windows with plastic or plywood as a temporary fix. Most insurance companies specify that you may forfeit coverage if you don't attempt to make reasonable repairs to prevent further damage. 

In order to receive reimbursement for the cost of protecting your property, save your receipts for the materials you buy for that purpose. Avoid contractors that encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. 

Speak with an insurance agent if you have any questions about what is and isn’t covered under your home insurance policy regarding your roof.