Once the rain starts pouring, you realize the condition of your house, especially the roof. So, what’s your next course of action once you notice that the roof is leaking? It goes without saying that you will consider fixing the roof as much as possible. After all, roof leaks pose a danger to the house itself and everything else in it. Deciding to fix the roof and facilitating it are two different things. It can be expensive to do it, no doubt. If you have a home insurance plan, you can’t help but wonder if not wish that the policy would cover the damage. However, is that possible? There is only one way to find out. Keep reading as we discuss this important topic. Will a homeowner insurance plan compensate for roof leaks? Here lies your answer, no doubt.

So, Will a Homeowner Insurance Plan Compensate for Roof Leaks?

The answer to this question isn’t a straightforward yes or no. After all, an insurance policy is bound by what the insurance provider and the beneficiary of that plan agreed on. Therefore, the first determinant of the answer to that question is your homeowner insurance plan. Nevertheless, you need not worry because most standard homeowner insurance policies compensate for roof leaks. That said and done, it is rare to find a typical home insurance plan that compensates for all roof leaks. So again, the answer to the question also depends on what caused the roof leak. We will unveil the causes of roof leaks covered by homeowners’ insurance plans and what’s excluded.

When Will a Homeowner Insurance Plan Compensate Roof Leaks?

We have already identified that whether your homeowner insurance plan compensates for roof leaks depends on the policy and the cause of the leak. We will discuss these aspects in detail to understand when a homeowners’ insurance plan will compensate for roof leaks and when you will have to do so from your pocket.

  1. Type of Insurance Policy

The perils that insurance plans cover differ from one policy to the other. As a matter of fact, even how it covers the damage changes from one insurance provider to the other. Fortunately, it is easy to know what the policy covers since most people choose to list what they cover or what they don’t cover. Several perils could lead to roof leaks, including windstorms, falling objects, hail, lightning, fire, explosions, snow, sleet, and heavy ice. The two common policies are HO-3 and HO-2. Each type of policy determines whether your homeowner insurance plan compensates for roof leaks.

HO-3 Policy: If you have this type of policy, expect the plan to compensate your home for all perils except those excluded in that particular contract. As for your belongings, they will be compensated if the peril is listed on your insurance policy.

HO-2 policy: These plans have a dwelling coverage that’s less than that of their HO-2 counterpart. Your dwelling and belongings are only compensated if the perils are specifically named in the homeowner insurance policy.

 

  1. Nature of the Property Loss

Yes, roof leaks cause property loss, but most home insurance providers will analyze the nature of the damage before deciding whether to compensate. In most cases, the compensation is only an effort if the damage is sudden. Under such circumstances, the insurer will compensate for all the property loss as long as it is included in the cover. However, if the damage results from roof leaks but over a long period, the damaged property may not be compensated.

  1. Hard to Notice Roof Damage

Some insects and animals often do damage that leads to roof leaks. The same case applies to decay, cheap materials, and construction that leaves a lot to be desired. If one of them is your scenario at any one time, there are high chances that you won’t notice until it is already too late. Lucky for you, home insurance providers understand such situations and hence won’t hesitate to compensate for such damage.

  1. The Aftermath of Downed Trees

It is important to note that insurers will compensate losses resulting from downed trees regardless of who owns the tree. So, whether the downed tree that damaged your roof belongs to you or your neighbor, file a claim. Your homeowner insurance plan will compensate for roof leaks in both cases. Remember that you don’t need to use your neighbor’s insurance plan to cover the losses simply because it is their tree that damaged your roof. Your plan is enough regardless of the owner of the tree.

Unfortunately, if a dead tree falls on the roof leading to leaks, don’t even bother filing a claim. Your insurance provider will deny it in a heartbeat. It is your responsibility to clear the sick and the dead trees within your compound.

  1. Unattached Structure

Excellent examples are separate sheds and garages. If they have roof leaks, your homeowner insurance plan will chip in. Yes, it is important to note that the insurer will not pay the entire amount needed for the roof repair of an unattached structure. It is often a percentage of one’s dwelling coverage. Equally important, you shouldn’t be using the structure commercially.

When Will a Homeowner Insurance Plan Not Compensate Roof Leaks?

Will a homeowner insurance plan compensate for roof leaks? The answer will be a resounding no under certain circumstances. If your homeowner insurance provider senses a degree of negligence, it will deny your claim. If the damage was easy to notice, but you failed to see it regardless, the insurer won’t sympathize with you. The company expects you to also play a part in avoiding severe roof damages. It believes that a stitch in time saves nine. Some damages are preventable if you do repairs as soon as their need arises. So, do your part to avoid inconvenience when the problem becomes extremely big.

Final Words

Will a homeowner insurance plan compensate for roof leaks? The answer can either be a yes or a no. Fortunately, the discussion above informs you on when it is a yes and when to expect a no. It also guides you in avoiding a case of your insurer denying your claim. Don’t forget that the insurance policy determines whether the insurer will compensate. Therefore, be keen when choosing one. You can always go to FindMyQuotes because it is one of the easiest ways of choosing great insurance plans and homeowner policies are no exception.