Are roof leaks a covered loss?
Like many things, whether or not a leaky roof is covered by your insurance policy depends mostly on what caused the leak. A standard policy will cover repairs to your roof if a named peril causes the roof to crack and leak, like if shingles or tiles are ripped off your roof during a windstorm, or if a tree branch crashes into your roof and causes a leak. Leaks that develop over time due to lack of maintenance or a failure to fix damage you already knew about wouldn’t be covered. BUT, a sudden leak, even if caused by lack of maintenance, may be a covered loss for the interior damages resulting from the leak but not the roof itself.
To help determine if you have coverage for your damages and type of loss, you may contact our office to discuss your policy and claim. If you would like to discuss your matter further with us, please contact us to schedule a free consultation by calling (786) 362-6252 or by emailing richard@middaghlaw.com.
When will insurance cover a roof claim?
Property insurance covers roofs when the damage is caused by a covered peril. If a windstorm causes a tree to fall on your home and rainwater gets in through a crack in your roof, your dwelling coverage would pay to repair your roof and the damage to your home. Your personal belongings would also be covered up to your personal property coverage limits. Additional living expenses incurred when living outside of your home after your loss or during the repairs may also be covered under your policy. If you have a commercial policy, you may also have a loss of business or loss of income claim.
Wind, hail, and lightning
Property insurance typically covers both wind and hail damage, so if a hailstorm creates a crack in your roof and rainwater gets in, the damage to your home would be covered. Lightning is also a covered peril, so if lightning strikes your home and you notice your roof leaking soon after, that damage would likely be covered. Additionally, if lightning strikes a tree and damages it or kills it, you may have coverage that removes and replaces that tree—in some policies, without a deductible.
How to find a roof leak
There are a number of steps you can take to get ahead of roof leaks and avoid the resulting water damage they can cause. Try the following:
· Follow evidence of the leak - If you notice water stains on your ceiling or mold in the corners of your home, then chances are there’s a leak somewhere and it’s bound to cause further damage to your home. Trace all physical signs of damage or associated odors to their highest point to pinpoint the source of the leak
· Check your roof regularly - Make sure your roof is in good condition meaning the panels are properly installed and no part of your roof is cracked, damaged or broken
· Keep an eye on your highest floor - Even if you don’t suspect a leak, you can inspect the ceilings of your highest floor just to be sure. If your roof is leaking, you'll see damage on your top floor first
· Make all necessary repairs promptly - Once you can pinpoint the source of your leaky roof, make the repairs yourself or hire a professional to prevent more damages. Remember, you always have a duty to mitigate all losses and damages to your property. Keep all receipts for any mitigation repairs after a loss since such can be reimbursed when you have a covered loss.
If you believe you have roof damage or a leaky roof is damaging your interior, you may contact us to discuss your options under your policy. If you would like to discuss your matter further with us, please contact us to schedule a free consultation by calling (786) 362-6252 or by emailing richard@middaghlaw.com.
