Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks? A Detailed Guide

You spot a dark ring of water damage on your ceiling. Your heart sinks. Is this going to be a $500 fix or a $15,000 claim?

Roof claims are the #1 source of litigation in the insurance industry. Understanding why is key to getting yours approved.

The Golden Rule: Sudden vs. Gradual

The Repair vs. The Damage

This is where it gets confusing. Even if the cause of the leak was maintenance (e.g., old flashing), the resulting damage to your interior might be covered.

Example: Your roof flashing fails because it's old (Not Covered). Rain gets in and ruins your drywall and hardwood floors (Covered).
In this case, you pay for the roof repair out of pocket, but the insurance pays to fix the room below (subject to your deductible).

Replacement Cost vs. ACV

Check your policy declarations page. Do you have "Replacement Cost" on your roof?

Many insurers are moving roofs to "Actual Cash Value" (ACV) schedules. This means if your roof is 15 years old, they deduct 75% for depreciation before paying you. You might get a check for $2,000 on a $10,000 roof job.

Conclusion

Don't ignore a leak. A small drip today is a $50,000 mold claim next month. If the leak is small, fix it yourself to avoid a claim on your record. If a storm ripped your roof off, call your agent immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions