Last Updated February 2026
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Home insurance may cover roof leak damage when it’s caused by a sudden, accidental event your policy covers, like wind or hail.
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Leaks tied to wear and tear, aging materials, poor maintenance or long-term seepage typically aren’t covered.
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Coverage can depend on the cause of the loss, your deductible and what the policy pays for (e.g., roof repairs vs. interior water damage).
Home insurance may cover roof leak damage when a sudden, accidental event that’s covered in your policy, like storm damage or a fallen tree, causes the leak. Leaks resulting from wear and tear, poor maintenance or gradual damage typically aren’t covered.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety estimates that roof-related damage accounts for 70% to 90% of insurance claims tied to major weather damage to homes. When a roof is compromised, water can get in and damage other parts of the home. That’s why insurers generally focus on what caused the roof damage.
Understanding homeowners insurance coverage for roof leaks
In insurance terms, a “roof leak” typically isn’t treated as its own covered event, meaning something that happens that’s covered by your policy. Instead, it is considered a water intrusion that happens after a roof is damaged. If the roof damage was caused by a covered event, such as a tree puncturing your roof during a storm, insurance can help pay for repairs and replacing such items as water-damaged furniture or flooring.
Whether you’re covered often depends on these factors:
- The cause of the loss. Whether or not a claim is paid often comes down to why and how the water got in. If the roof was damaged by a sudden, accidental event your policy covers, the resulting water damage may be covered.
- Timing and roof condition. If the leak appears to be the result of long-term seepage, aging materials or a maintenance issue, it typically is not covered.
- What was damaged. Some claims focus on repairing the part of the roof that let water in, while others focus on the interior water damage that followed. Coverage may depend on whether the damage is to the roof itself, the inside of the home or both.
When does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
Homeowners insurance may cover roof leak damage when the leak is tied to a covered, sudden event and the damage is addressed promptly.
A roof leak is more likely to be covered when:
- A sudden event damages the roof (for example, wind, hail or a falling object)
- Water enters through the damaged area and causes interior damage
- The homeowner takes immediate and reasonable steps to prevent further damage
A roof leak is less likely to be covered when:
- The roof is near the end of its life and materials have worn out
- The leak happens gradually over time
- The damage worsens because repairs were delayed or maintenance was neglected
| Type of Damage | Typically Covered? |
|---|---|
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Yes. Sudden and accidental if the wind damage is a covered event |
| Hail damages roofing materials, and water enters during the storm | Yes. Sudden and accidental |
| A fallen branch punctures the roof and water damages drywall | Yes. Sudden and accidental |
| Flashing fails from age, or the roof deteriorates over time | No. Often considered wear and tear or a maintenance issue |
| A slow leak continues for weeks and causes rot or mold | No. Damage is the result of long-term seepage, delayed repairs or ongoing conditions |
This is general guidance. Your policy’s terms, limits, deductibles and endorsements apply, and coverage can vary by state.
If you discover a roof leak, the Insurance Information Institute recommends that you report it promptly to your insurer. Taking reasonable steps early can help support your claim and may prevent additional damage.
How to file a claim for roof leak damage
If you think your roof leak was caused by a covered event, these steps can help you document the loss and keep a roof leak insurance claim moving.
- Focus on safety first. If there’s water near electrical fixtures or the ceiling is sagging, keep people out of the area.
- Limit further damage. If it’s safe, move valuables away from the leak, use containers to catch dripping water and put down towels to protect floors. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs, like tarping the roof.
- Document what happened and what was damaged. Write down when you noticed the leak and any recent weather events that may be connected. Take clear photos or video of:
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Interior damage (ceilings, walls, flooring, furniture)
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Any visible roof damage from the ground
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The area where water entered, if safely visible
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- Report the damage. Contact your insurer and be ready to describe what happened, when you first noticed the leak and what areas were affected.
Preventing roof leaks: Maintenance tips
You can take a few practical steps that may reduce the likelihood of damage that could turn into a major repair:
- Inspect your roof regularly, looking for missing shingles or damaged flashing
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water drains away from the roofline
- Trim overhanging branches to reduce puncture risk and debris buildup
- Make small repairs quickly before leaks become bigger
- Understand your deductible so you’re not surprised by out-of-pocket costs if you need repairs
If you want help spotting water issues early, leak detection tools such as humidity sensors that detect moisture can help you identify problems sooner.
For more coverage questions, visit our home insurance FAQs. And if you’re exploring coverage options, learn more about homeowners insurance.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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