Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Under the wrong circumstances, the sound of dripping water is one of the worst things a homeowner can hear. If it’s a roof leak that’s the culprit, you may be wondering whether the damage will be paid for by insurance. The answer to that question will depend on the cause of the damage. Water claims can get tricky, so Bankrate’s team of insurance experts created this guide on what you need to know about roof leaks and home insurance.

Does home insurance cover roof leaks?

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Does insurance cover roof leaks?”, you’re not alone. Water damage and freezing accounted for 27.6 percent of claims filed by homeowners in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Home insurance will usually cover a roof leak if it was caused by a covered policy peril. Typically, covered perils are sudden and accidental.

For example, if a storm comes through and its winds blow some of your roof shingles away, causing rain to leak into your ceiling, the associated roof leak would most likely be covered by your home insurance.

Your home insurance policy also covers roof leaks in these scenarios:

• Hail damages roof shingles, causing water to enter when it melts
• A strong storm blows a tree onto your roof  
• A fire ignites on the upper level of your home, damaging the roof and allowing water in

Your roof falls under the dwelling (Coverage A) part of your home insurance policy. If you have an HO-3 or HO-5 policy, your roof is covered on an “open-peril” basis. This means that your roof is covered from all kinds of losses, except the ones that are specifically excluded from your policy, which include: 

• Ground movement caused by earthquakes, landslides or sinkholes (unless you have earthquake insurance or another policy endorsement)
• Floods (unless you have a separate flood insurance policy)
• Nuclear accidents
• Damage from pests, birds and other bugs
• Fungus, mold and mildew
• Government action
• Settling or cracking of a home’s foundation
• Intentional damage
• Neglect
• Regular wear and tear 

When you file a claim for a leaky roof, your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to your home to check out the damage and determine what caused the leak. If the adjuster finds that the leak was caused by something not covered by your policy, your claim will likely be denied. Importantly, general wear and tear and neglect aren’t covered by a home insurance policy. So, if you suffer a loss to your roof and your insurer determines your roof was not well-maintained, your entire claim could be denied, meaning you’d have to pay out of pocket for the repairs.

Will home insurance cover water damage from a roof leak?

Water dripping from your roof can cause damage to your home’s interior walls, ceilings, floors and your personal belongings.   

Typically, if the leak was caused by a covered peril, then it will be covered by your home insurance. The dwelling coverage portion of your homeowners insurance policy should pay to fix the damage to the structure of the home while the personal property coverage portion pays to replace or repair damaged belongings, up to your coverage limits.

Although mold is a common policy exclusion, it may be covered if the mold was caused by something covered in your home insurance policy. If mold grows in a naturally damp shed, the damage to that shed won’t be covered by your policy. But, if mold grows as a result of a covered roof leak, your insurance company may help with the cost of remediation.  

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:

• Pinpoint the source of the leak: If you notice water marks on your ceiling or mold along the walls, there may be a leak somewhere nearby. 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 may 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. Additionally, it’s important to work with a licensed professional to inspect your roof annually, especially in states or areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.
• Watch your top-floor ceiling: By inspecting your ceiling on the top floor of your home regularly, you might 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?

Just because your home insurance company covers a roof claim doesn’t mean you have to file a claim. In fact, it’s possible that filling a claim can cost you more in the long run.

First, consider your home insurance claims history. When you file a home insurance claim, your insurance provider will likely raise your rate when your policy renews. It could take several review cycles to get your rate back down, so you could be left paying for the damage for years to come.

It’s important not to overlook your deductible when filing a roof leak claim. Your deductible is the amount of money you are financially responsible for when you file a claim on your home insurance policy. Home insurance deductibles can be anywhere from $500 up to $5,000, depending on your policy. Roof damage could fall under a windstorm or wind/hail deductible in coastal states that are prone to hurricanes as well as tornado-prone states.

In general, most insurance experts recommend only filing a claim if the damage estimate is significantly higher than your deductible. That way, you can avoid a premium surcharge. Any claim you file with your home insurance company has the potential to raise your rates, even if nothing has been paid out.

Should I repair or replace a leaky roof?

It depends on the extent of the damage, how old your roof is and your budget. Some repairs may be very minor, and the total repair costs may be below your home insurance deductible. In that case, it may be worthwhile to either fix the repair yourself or hire a roofer. However, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a DIY roofing project before taking a trip to the hardware store:

Pros

• Can be cheaper
• Greater control over project costs
• Learn how to do basic repairs yourself

Cons

• May not work for larger projects
• Could pose safety risks
• Poorly done DIY repairs could void your home insurance policy

If you have an older roof, you may want to consider a full roof replacement. It won’t be cheap, but it may be more worthwhile in the long term. According to Angi.com, a full roof replacement can cost anywhere from more than $5,800 to over $13,000. A partial replacement may be a good compromise for homeowners with tighter budgets. But even a partial replacement can be a costly expense as you’ll still need to pay for permits and removal of old roofing material, and the cost per square foot for materials may be more than you would pay with a full roof replacement.

Bottom line

It’s not unusual to face a roof leak over the course of owning a home. Understanding what types of roof leaks are covered by your policy is the first step to addressing the issue. But it’s also important to consider when it makes sense to file a claim with your insurance carrier and when doing so will ultimately cost you more. Knowing whether a minor repair is required or the entire roof needs to be replaced can help you determine how best to proceed with an insurance claim.

Frequently asked questions

• Will a new roof lower my insurance premiums?

  It depends. In some cases, your insurance company may offer a premium discount if you replace your roof, especially if you use certain materials, like impact-resistant shingles or specific green or environmentally friendly materials. If you want to know whether your specific policy will be cheaper after replacing your roof, it may benefit you to ask your insurance agent about any eligible discounts prior to getting the work done.

• Do you have to pay a deductible for roof replacement?

  If you’re replacing your roof as part of a covered homeowners insurance claim, you will almost certainly have to pay your deductible. The total amount you owe for your deductible is typically determined by what caused the damage and the deductible amount you chose when you purchased your homeowners insurance policy. If the damage is caused by a hurricane windstorm, your claim may be subject to your hurricane windstorm deductible, rather than your standard policy deductible.

• Does homeowners insurance cover ceiling leaks?

  When considering the question whether homeowners insurance covers roof leaks, you may also  be wondering whether ceiling leaks fall within that coverage. Ceiling leaks may or may not be caused by roof leaks. Many plumbing issues may affect your ceiling but leave your roof unharmed. Just like with roof leaks, if your ceiling leak is caused by a covered peril, it will likely be covered by your home insurance. However, plumbing backups are not typically covered by home insurance, so you would need a sewage backup endorsement to cover a plumbing leak in your ceiling. Reading through your home insurance policy or consulting your insurance agent may be the best way to find out what your specific home policy covers.

• How can I prevent roof leaks?

  The best way to prevent a roof leak is by regularly checking and performing maintenance on your roof. Schedule regular roof inspections, clear out your gutters, trim trees so they’re away from your roof and check your attic for mold.

• How does depreciation factor into coverage for my roof?

  Depending on your state and the way your policy is written, coverage for roof damage could be subject to a depreciation sliding schedule. A two-year-old roof, for example, that is damaged by a covered peril would likely be covered at a much higher level than a 10-year-old roof sustaining the same damage.