Will Homeowners insurance cover roof leaks and water damage?

Almost everyone has been in a situation where a leaky roof has caused them to quickly run to the nearest bucket, trash can, or other container to stop water from dripping onto the floor, counters, or practically anywhere else. Yet when it stops raining and the leak temporarily stops, we have a tendency to forget all about it, which can be a big mistake.

For some people, maybe it’s because they’re not sure if a leaky roof is covered by homeowner’s insurance. It’s a fair question, so we thought it’d be a good idea to go over some basic information about roof leak insurance, the dangers of not fixing the problem, and other related details.

The Dangers of Potential Roof Leaks in Florida

Many parts of Florida get hammered every year by storms and hurricanes, especially the areas that are susceptible to flooding. Although roof leaks might not seem like a huge deal at the time, it’s very common for these small problems to result in severe water damage. This can harm your furniture, walls, floors, and random items in your home, leading to expensive repair or replacement work. Another potential danger is the accumulation of mold and mildew, which could be a detriment to your household’s health.

Common Causes of Harmful Roof Leaks

As you’re well aware, your home is extremely resilient to damage, and that includes your roof. Unfortunately, there are many situations where you may spring a leak. This could be due to heavy rain, wear and tear, fire damage, vandalism, falling objects, and a variety of other situations. Whether or not these damages to your roof that cause leaks are covered by your homeowner’s insurance is determined by the source of the problem.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

The good news is that in many situations, your leaky roof will be covered by homeowner’s insurance. There are quite a few specific types of incidents that cause roof leaks where you’d definitely want to consider taking the time to file a claim, but here are the most common:

• Lightning
• Fire and smoke
• Hail and wind storms
• Vandalism
• Electrical surge
• Explosions

 When You Won’t Be Covered for Roof Leaks

Homeowners insurance covers roof leaks in a wide variety of situations, but there are also quite a few that specifically exclude coverage. You should always check with your insurance agency to find out exactly what isn’t covered, but here are some of them:

• General wear and tear
• Negligence
• Issues with the house’s foundation
• Pet damage
• Floods
• Landslides and mudslides

How to Locate a Roof Leak

In order to avoid severe water damage, it’s important you locate a roof leak in your home as soon as possible. Early detection also means that you’ll have a better chance of avoiding a mold or mildew problem. Locating a roof leak can sometimes be difficult, however, because the leak may originate from one area of your roof but then trickle down to a lower spot.

The most likely culprits are often a misaligned shingle, misplaced gutter, raised nail, or cracks near your vent pipes. If none of those seem to be the source, check your attic for any mold or moisture. You can also spray water on your roof to help identify the source. If all else fails, it’s probably time to call a professional.

Should You File a Roof Leak Insurance Claim?

Whether or not you should file a claim for a leaky roof depends on your specific coverage. First, you want to make sure that the cause of the leak is covered by your policy, as discussed above. Next, reach out to a roofing company and get a cost estimate of both roofing materials and labor.

Once you have your estimate, compare the total amount to your homeowners insurance deductible. It’s ultimately up to you to decide, but if the repair costs are below or possibly just above your deductible, it might not be worth it to file a claim. With a significant difference, though, filing a claim would be a no-brainer.

Contact Coleman Insurance Agency for Roof Leak Insurance Coverage

As the most trusted Clearwater and Palm Harbor insurance agency, the Coleman Insurance Agency is always standing by to help you with all of your coverage needs. From homeowners and auto insurance to hurricane and life insurance, we can ensure that you’re always ready for life’s mishaps. If you have any questions or would like to receive a free, no-obligation policy quote, call us at (727) 441-9911.