Roof leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, but they are always an unwelcome surprise when they appear.
Understanding how your insurance works concerning roof leakage may help ease the blow if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Luckily, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover some extent of leak damage, but it depends on the nature of the leak.
Examples of Covered Perils
Home insurance covers roof leaks if the damage is caused by a covered peril. A peril is an incident that causes property damage or loss. Here are some examples of covered perils that are commonly named in insurance policies:
- Fires
- Lightning
- Wind or hailstorms
- Explosions
- Vandalism or theft
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Freezing
Perils that Are Excluded
Each insurance policy names certain perils that will not be covered. Here are some common exclusions that might cause a roof leak:
- Neglect
- Mold or rot
- Normal wear and tear
- Settling, shrinking, bulging, or expansion
- Pets, birds, rodents, and insects
As long as the roof damage did not occur as a result of an excluded peril, you should have coverage under your insurance plan.
The same roof coverages and exclusions also apply to any other damages to your home that were caused by the leak.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
- Take photos.
Not only should you take pictures of the leak origin, but we recommend documenting any other relevant property damage as well. For example, if the leak is a result of a storm, taking pictures of any fallen trees, toppled chairs, or other casualties of the storm will help make a claim more valid.
- Hire a roofing contractor.
Even if you feel confident in your DIY abilities, consulting a knowledgeable roofing contractor is wise when it comes to roof leakage. The Roof Doctor will make sure that nothing is overlooked so that you have the strongest claim possible.
We will also provide you with an estimate so that you can determine whether or not it is advantageous to file a claim. If your deductible is larger than the repair cost, you should consider the value of pursuing a claim.
- Contact your insurance provider.
If the value of the destruction is greater than your deductible, reach out to your insurance agent to start the claims process. They will review your documents and arrange an inspection by an adjuster. The Roof Doctor prefers to be on-site for this process so that the adjuster is properly noting all roof damage.
Need to Repair Your Leaky Roof? Contact The Roof Doctor
Roof leaks are a hassle, but with The Roof Doctor, they don’t have to be. Contact us today to coordinate a roof inspection with your insurer’s claims adjuster.
We are proud to provide quality roof installations and repairs throughout Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between in Utah.