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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

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Homeowners insurance has been created to cover all types of damages. The insurance also covers roof damages and leaks, depending on what caused the damage. Thus, the policy will cover the damage unless a specific cause has been excluded from the policy. In situations where roof leaks are taking place because of carelessness on your part, the insurance policy will not cover the damage. In such cases, you have to pay out of your pocket.

An Overview

There are different coverages for insurance policies related to houses. One such coverage is the dwelling coverage which provides protection if the house structure has been damaged due to a covered peril. These covered perils usually include wind and fire. The dwelling coverage will help you rebuild or repair your home.

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In some cases, there are structure protection policies that are applied when damages are caused to structures that are not attached to your house such as a shed. This policy will pay for related damages.

You need to remember that the deductible and coverage limit policy will apply. The deductible is the amount that you will have to pay out of your pocket, while the coverage limit is the maximum amount that will be paid by the home insurer. To learn more about deductibles, read our article Home Insurance Deductibles.

What is covered?

The insurance policy, as discussed earlier, covers the damages that are caused by a covered peril. These mainly include natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes.

Though these damages are covered by the insurance policy, sometimes the insurance provider may investigate the claim. They may investigate the condition of your roof to see whether it was properly maintained. Only after having done a complete inspection will they approve or deny a claim.

Damages caused by water in case of roof leaks are also covered by this policy. Water leaks can mess up the interior of the house and result in more damage. The insurance policy considers this as well.

Depending on the cause, homeowners insurance policies will cover roof damages and leaks.

What is not covered?

Insurance policies exclude wear and tear. They expect homeowners to take care of the roof and maintain it. Maintenance and repair are your own responsibility. If you are neglecting these aspects and it results in roof leaks, the insurance company cannot be held responsible for covering the damages.

Mold caused by water damage will also not be covered by the insurance policy. There are other insurance policies that can be opted for in these situations.

Check with professionals to manage your roof settings and deal with water damage. Replace worn-out material to prevent further damage from taking place. If there are trees surrounding your house that can cause damage, have them cut down.

If you want insurance coverage for these damages, you may want to contact your insurance provider. They have multiple insurance policies that cater to different needs.

How can your insurance company help?

Insurance companies provide the contact information of qualified contractors. If you get repairs done through insurance companies, you will be sure that it will be completed on time and properly.

How can a roof leak be spotted?

The earlier you spot a roof leak, the better. However, it isn’t as easy as it seems since you can have trouble identifying a roof leak. The process isn’t straightforward and requires alertness. Normally, roofs are sloped, so water can enter from one part of the roof and trickle down at another. Thus, the leaks you notice on the wall can come from multiple parts of the house.

The first step requires you to identify the source of the leak. Give your roof a proper checkup by seeing what is causing the leak. Is there a fault in the interior or the attic? Check with these sources and have the leak fixed timely. Identifying the roof leak early can allow you to have it fixed before it results in major losses.

Insurance providers will investigate your roof to see if it was properly maintained when a claim is filed.

If you ignore the leak in the initial stage, it will eventually result in the growth of mold. Mold damages are expensive to fix and can lead to other damages. Steps should be taken that can prevent such damages from arising.

How much does fixing a roof leak cost?

The cost of fixing the leak depends on the size of the leak. If the leak is minor, it will cost you slightly less than $100 to fix it. If the leak is big, a larger sum will be involved. Additional costs may also apply if the leak is complicated.

Although leaks can be fixed on your own, it is recommended that professional assistance is sought to prevent damages in the future. At times, when you claim insurance and they find out you have tried to fix the leak yourself, they may hold you responsible. It is better to have things fixed the right way so that future mishaps can be avoided.

Should you make a claim for a roof leak?

Your decision about filing a claim depends on the size of the leak. If the crisis is minor and can be dealt with in another way, it is better that you avoid making the claim. Another factor to consider is the size of your deductible and whether you have opted for a claim previously. If the damages incurred cost $300 for repair and you have a $600 deductible, you can skip making the claim.

Opt for a claim only when you think the damage is significant. If the repair costs are higher than the deductible, it will cost you less in the long run.

Conclusion

Your insurance policy will only provide you with coverage for roof leaks if the damage is significant. In minor damages, you will be required to pay out of your pocket. Before contacting the insurance company, inspect whether the leak is minor or major.

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