Does home insurance cover roof leaks?

Discovering a leak in your roof can be alarming and stressful. Many homeowners wonder whether their insurance will cover the damages. Let’s delve into the complexities of home insurance coverage for roof leaks and provide clarity on commonly asked questions.

Exploring the causes of roof leaks

Understanding the root causes of roof leaks, whether due to aging shingles, severe weather events, or poor workmanship during construction is crucial. A leaking roof is not just an inconvenience; it can lead to structural damage and compromise the integrity of your home.

The impact of weather events on insurance claims

As the frequency of severe weather events increases, so does the damage and cost of storms. According to the ABI (Association of British Insurers) reported in April 2022; The damage caused by Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin that hit much of the UK during February 2022 are expected to lead to insurers paying out nearly £500 million in dealing with 177,000 insurance claims, according to figures out today from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This overall payout figure compares to the estimated £543 million paid in storm and flood claims following Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge in February 2020.

Navigating Insurance Coverage for Roof Leaks

Most of us would imagine that making a claim for a leaky roof would be a straightforward insurance claim, but sadly many people can find themselves out of pocket when insurers decline claims for leaky roofs. The position insurers take on storm damage is not always clear because their definitions of storm damage often differ, and it can sometimes be difficult to confirm if damage was caused by the storm or general wear and tear. 

In this article we look at whether a leaky roof is covered by your insurance, what might be included as well as what isn’t and how to make a claim for a leaky roof. 

When a leaking roof is (and isn’t) covered by home insurance

In general, most home insurance policies will cover a leaking roof if the damage was caused by storm damage, fire, theft, or lightning, which is usually included under the buildings section of your insurance policy.  However, it is important to note that if the damage was caused by general wear and tear, or your failure to maintain the roof then it is unlikely to be covered by your home insurance policy. 

If there aren’t any obvious signs of damage and there hasn’t been a storm, it is more likely that part of the roof has worn out and is letting in water, which means your insurer will decline your claim due to wear and tear and you’ll have to cover the cost of the repairs. If you have work done to your roof it is a good idea to keep the receipts, which can help if you need to make a claim in the future. 

When a roof leak causes damage to belongings inside the property

A water leak is likely to cause damage to not only the roof but also to your belongings inside the property. If you have buildings and contents insurance, the buildings insurance will cover the repairs to the structure of the building and contents insurance will cover the damage to your belongings. Your insurance policy may also provide you with alternative accommodation if you must leave your home during the repairs. 

How to file a home insurance claim for a leaking roof

If your roof is leaking, whether it’s a minor issue like a few slipped tiles or a more serious problem, we’ll guide you through the process of making an insurance claim, step by step:

1. Prioritise safety measures by engaging a professional contractor to turn off utilities and board up windows where necessary. 
2. Before contacting your insurance company, thoroughly document the damage. Take clear photographs and make a list of affected areas and belongings. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence during the claims process.
3. Notify your broker or the insurance company. Their details should be in your policy documents.
4. If your insurer appoints a Loss adjuster, then you should appoint a Loss Assessor such as Morgan Clark, to facilitate the process and represent your interests. A Loss Assessor can help arrange alternative accommodation and manage the claim on your behalf.
5. If necessary, seek emergency accommodation if you need to leave the property during repairs.
6. Get repair estimates from qualified contractors. Share these with your insurance adjuster to ensure an accurate assessment of the damage.
7. Meet with the Loss Adjuster to discuss your claim and policy cover. Preparation is crucial and will impact on the outcome of your claim (link to blog)

What can I do if my roof leak claim is rejected?

Discovering that your roof leak claim has been rejected can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to view it as a temporary setback rather than a roadblock. In this section, we’ll explore actionable steps to navigate a rejected roof leak claim and work towards a resolution that aligns with your needs.

1. Find out why. If your insurance claim is rejected it is important to know why the insurer doesn’t think you have a valid claim. If the rejection reasons are unclear or ambiguous, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance company for clarification.
2. Get a second opinion. If your insurance company has rejected your claim on technical grounds, for example over a dispute on the cause of the damage, it may help to get a specialist opinion. This is something that a Loss Assessor, such as Morgan Clark, can help with and handle on your behalf.
3. Make a complaint. You can follow your insurer’s complaints procedure. If you are unhappy with their final response, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
4. Reapply with Adjustments. After addressing the issues that led to the rejection, consider re-submitting the claim. Ensure that all necessary adjustments have been made and provide the insurance company with the updated and comprehensive information required for a fair reassessment.

Additionally, we encourage readers to review their insurance policies, schedule roof inspections, or seek professional assistance if they encounter roof leaks. Feel free to reach out to Morgan Clark for expert assistance with your insurance claims.