What kind of roof damage does homeowners insurance cover?

The dwelling coverage in a homeowners insurance policy typically helps protect your home's structure, including the roof, from certain perils, or causes of damage. Commonly covered perils include fire, wind and hail damage. So, if your roof needs repairs after it is damaged by hail or by a tree that topples onto it during a windstorm, you may find that your dwelling coverage helps cover the cost. If the contents of your home are ruined as the result of a covered roof claim, personal property coverage may help pay to repair or replace them.

Meanwhile, the roof of an unattached structure on your property, such as a shed or detached garage, may be covered by the other structures protection in a homeowners insurance policy if the damage is caused by a covered peril.

It's important to keep in mind that you will likely need to pay a deductible before homeowners insurance will help pay to repair a damaged roof, and your coverage limit will apply. Read your policy to learn what your deductible and coverage limits are, or contact your insurance provider for help adjusting them to fit your needs.

Note that some homeowners insurance policies may have windstorm and hail exclusions, which means damage caused by those perils would not be covered. Read your policy to learn whether yours lists any exclusions.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Homeowners insurance may cover a roof leak if it is caused by a covered peril. Suppose your roof is damaged by fire, hail or wind. which results in a leak. In those cases, your homeowners policy may help pay to repair the roof leak (unless your policy has a wind or hail exclusion).

However, homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance or wear and tear. Instead, it typically helps pay to repair sudden, accidental damage. So if its age or an unresolved maintenance issue are to blame for your leaking roof, homeowners insurance likely won't pay to repair the leak or the resulting damage. That's one reason why you may want to conduct regular roof inspections. If you're planning to buy a new home, you may want to learn about the roof's age and condition, too.