Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

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Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?It depends on the situation. If the damage to your home’s roof is caused by a covered loss, like the weight of snow or ice, your homeowners insurance policy will typically help cover costs. However, if the roof leak is caused by general wear and tear or poor maintenance, your insurance company likely won’t cover the damages.
 
The AARP® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford1 can help protect your home and belongings from the unexpected. To learn more about the coverages and savings available to you, call 877-422-2345 or get a quote online.
 

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Roof leaks are typically covered by homeowners insurance when they are caused by a covered peril that is sudden and accidental. For example, your homeowners insurance coverage through the AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford covers damage from events like:
 
  • Windstorms
  • Hail
  • Falling objects
  • Weight of ice, snow or sleet
After a covered loss occurs, your insurance company will assess the damage to your roof and help cover any repair or replacement costs.
 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

If your roof gets damaged by a covered peril, your insurance company can help pay for a roof replacement if it’s needed. To pay the claim, your insurer will first pay the Actual Cash Value (ACV) for your damaged roof, minus your deductible. If you have replacement cost coverage on your policy, your insurance company will pay that additional amount after you’ve repaired or replaced your roof. The difference between your ACV and replacement cost is known as recoverable depreciation, which you are able to recover once you provide proof that repairs have been completed.
 
It's important to review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage. If you have questions about your coverage, you can call The Hartford’s specialists at 800-423-0567.
 

When Does Homeowner Insurance Not Cover Roof Leaks?

Your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover roof leaks in certain weather-related scenarios. For example, specifically excluded events from homeowners insurance coverage include damage from:
 
  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Landslides or mudslides
To be covered in these situations, you’ll need to purchase separate insurance policies, like earthquake or flood insurance.
 
Your homeowners insurance policy also likely won’t help cover costs to repair or replace your roof if it’s damaged by:
 
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Insect infestation
  • Pet damage
  • Smog, rust or corrosion

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage From a Leaking Roof?

If your roof begins leaking after it’s damaged by a covered loss, your dwelling coverage can help pay for damages to your home and its attached structures. If the leaking roof damages your personal belongings, personal property insurance can help cover the costs to repair or replace your items.
 

What to Do When You Find a Roof Leak

Identifying a roof leak as early as possible can help mitigate water damage to your home. If you notice your roof is leaking, you can use a bucket to catch any extra water or add a tarp to your roof to help prevent further damage. Then, document the damage with photos.
 

When to File a Claim With Your Homeowners Insurance for a Roof Leak

homeowners insurance roof leakThe cost to fix your roof can be affected by different factors, like the extent of the damage, your roof’s construction materials and more. To help pay for roof repair or replacement costs, you may consider filing a claim with your home insurance company. Standard homeowners insurance can help cover damages if they result from covered events.
 
Before you file a claim, you may consider your insurance deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurer covers a claim. If the estimated cost to repair your roof is less than your deductible, you may consider paying for the repairs out of pocket. However, if the repair cost is higher than your deductible, you may consider filing a claim to help pay for the expenses.
 
The Hartford makes it easy for customers to file a claim. Our specialists are available 24/7 at 877-805-9918 to answer any questions and assist you through the claims process.
 

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

Some ways you can help reduce the likelihood of roof leaks include:
 
  • Having your roof regularly inspected
  • Trimming trees around your home
  • Clearing your gutters
  • Checking your attic for signs of leaks
Even if the unexpected happens, The Hartford will be there when you need us most. Through the AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford, you can get the peace of mind you deserve knowing your home is protected. Get a quote today to learn more.
 
 
Last Updated: June 23, 2023
 
Additional disclosures below.
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
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