Do you hear water dripping from your roof? Then, immediate action is required. This is because roof leaks can cause a lot of damage to your personal belongings and household items. But if you have a home insurance policy, why not save money? However, before considering your quote, you need to find out, “Does home insurance cover roof leaks?”.
This is a very important factor to consider when you find yourself in such a situation. With this in mind, it is time to explore more information and answers in this content.
Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Typically, not all home insurance policies cover roof leaks. It all depends on the type of coverage your quote offers. In other words, your homeowner insurance can cover leaking roofs and offer protection in most cases. Moreover, whether or not your policy covers this situation depends on the origin and cause of the leak.
For instance, if your roof is leaking due to negligence or a lack of maintenance practice, your home insurance will not cover it. Nevertheless, if you want to find out if your insurance company will cover a leaking roof, you can go through your fine print and check the agreement between you and your insurance provider. In addition to this, anything that is not part of your policy will not be covered.
What Else Does Home Insurance Cover?
Apart from the general wear and tear offered by some companies, there are some other coverage options that you can enjoy when you have a policy. Here is what else a standard home insurance policy covers:
- Theft
- Explosions
- Damage due to riots
- Fire and smoke
- Hail and windstorms
- Accidental and sudden damage caused by electric surge
- Damage caused by vehicle
- Vandalism
- Damage caused by aircraft
- Lightning
- Falling objects
As well as the interior and exterior parts of your property, including assets, personal belongings, and properties. Sometimes, roof replacements, dog bites, air conditioning units, and many others are covered.
What Coverage Are Excluded?
There are some events and issues that are not covered by your home insurance. But this also depends on the insurance company and the agreement between you two. Nevertheless, here are some exclusions in home insurance coverage:
- Damage due to infestation of insects and animals
- Rust and corrosion
- Earthquakes, mudslides, and landslides
- Nuclear accidents
- War
- Cracking in your home’s foundation
- Floods
- Wear and tear due to negligence
- Vandalism if the home is vacant
But if fungus and mold are caused by a covered incident, your home insurance policy can still cover them.
How Do Insurers Handle Roof Damage?
You may be wondering how your insurance company will cover roof damage. Well, here is the information you are looking for. When your roof is leaking, you need to get in touch with the insurance provider first. Then, after you have filed a claim, the insurer will send an insurance adjuster to analyze the damages and calculate how much it will cost to repair them.
You may not need to change or renovate the whole roof, depending on the present situation. To find out, call a contractor for help. If your claim has been reviewed and approved, you will get the settlement after you pay your deductibles. Lastly, ask the contractor to help with the repairs.
Should I File a Claim for a Leaking Roof?
You can only know whether or not you should file a claim for a leaking roof when you go through the fine print of your insurance quote. Inspect the situation and find out whether it is part of the coverage option offered. If it is, then you can go ahead and file a claim for a leaky roof. Moreover, you can include videos and photos to show your insurer or insurance provider.
However, there is another thing you have to know. If you notice your roof is leaking, do not inspect it yourself. Instead, call the attention of a professional to avoid more damage.
How to File a Claim for Roof Leaks
If you have a home insurance policy that covers roof leaks, filing a claim will be very easy. Sometimes, policyholders can perform this process on the phone or online. But first, here is what you need to do:
- Access the damage.
- Get in touch with the insurance provider.
- File a claim.
- Wait patiently for the insurance adjuster.
- Get your insurance payout and repairs.
However, if your claim is declined, you can call your insurer and ask for an explanation for why your claim was denied in a written letter.
Why Won’t Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
A lot of insurance providers do not offer roof leak coverage because it is due to wear and tear. This means that it is the duty and responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and take care of their roofs. But roof coverage due to deterioration and aging is an add-on, and you can pay more for its premium.
