When you start to notice the signs of a leaky roof, a hundred questions may run through your mind. Where is it coming from? What caused it? How bad is it? How much is it going to cost to fix? When it comes to financing the repair of your roof, the first thing you’ll likely want to know if your home insurance covers roof leaks. Of course, just like anything regarding home maintenance and house insurance, your answer depends on a few variables.
Does house insurance cover roof leaks? Let’s take a look:
What Caused The Leak?
The good news is that most home insurance policies do cover roof leaks. The not-so-good news is that the coverage is dependent on what caused the roof leak. Before you call your insurance company, try to determine what caused the leak. If it was any of the following, chances are your insurance plan won’t cover it:
- Neglect
- Wear, tear and deterioration
- Wet Rot
- Settling, expanding, bulging or shrinking
- Birds/pests
These are common exclusions that a majority of home insurance plans include. Your plan may consist of more, so read the details of your policy that covers roof repair and replacement. Basically, most insurance plans won’t cover leaks that are considered maintenance issues but will cover acts of nature or damage that are accidental and unexpected. Common causes of roof leaks that are usually covered by insurance include:
- Vandalism
- Falling objects / tree limbs
- Weight of hail / snow / ice
- Wind and storm damage
The #1 Question To Ask
If you’re not sure if your roof leak repair will be covered by insurance, ask yourself “Did this happen suddenly?” If the answer is no and the leaks are caused by something breaking down over time, insurance probably won’t cover it. If the answer is yes and a recent, unexpected incident out of your control caused the leaks, chances are your insurance will cover it.
Since all plans and policies are different, however, it is important to talk to your insurer to understand what is covered and what isn’t.
Understanding Your Policy
Your home insurance policy may put roof coverage in a different category than other home repair coverage. Your roof will likely be covered for its actual cash value, which decreases over time. If your roof is 20 years into its 30-year life expectancy, for instance, your insurance plan will cover repairs according to the current value of the roof. If you have an older roof, your insurer may not cover the full price to repair or replace the roof.
Homewerx Offers Roof Repair Financing Alternatives
It’s important to repair a roof leak right away to prevent further damage, but we understand that financing can be difficult. At Homewerx, we’ve got your back whether your home insurance covers your roof leak or not. We are proud to offer a variety of financing options to help make your necessary roof repairs more affordable. Some perks of our financing options include:
- No money down programs
- 100% financing options
- Access to down payment loans through insured loan companies
- Assistance with approval process
Get The Repairs You Need
Don’t let money keep you from repairing roof leaks and getting your roof back in peak condition. Whether your insurance takes care of it or you utilize our flexible financing options, you can trust Homewerx in Charleston, SC to quickly and professionally repair roof.