Does House Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

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Last updated: 31/07/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Many of us know that sinking feeling when we hear the drip-drip-drip of rainwater landing on indoor floors, or glance up to see a damp patch oozing through the ceiling plaster. A leaking roof isn’t just inconvenient — it can lead to serious structural damage and expensive repairs. Will your home insurance cover the cost?

The short answer? Sometimes. The full answer involves understanding what your policy covers, where the leak came from, and how well you’ve looked after your roof. Let’s break it down.

In This Guide:

What types of house insurance cover roof leaks?

Let's begin with an overview of buildings insurance and what it typically covers:

Standard cover: what’s typically included

Most standard buildings insurance policies will cover sudden, unexpected roof leaks caused by things like storms, fallen trees, or accidental damage. If the leak causes structural issues (such as damaged ceilings, flooring, or electrics), it will often (but not always) cover these too.

Contents insurance may also help if the leak damages fixtures or furnishings, for example, if it wrecks your sofa or soaks your TV. However, policies differ a lot in this respect, so always check the small print.

Exclusions and limitations to be aware of

Unfortunately, not every drip from the ceiling is claim-worthy. Home insurance is generally there to protect against unpredictable events, not to cover general wear and tear. Common exclusions include:

  • Gradual deterioration over time
  • Age-related damage
  • Negligence or poor maintenance

For example, if your roofing felt has been crumbling for years and you haven't attempted to fix it, don’t expect a payout. Insurers expect homeowners to keep their property in reasonable condition.

Accidental damage add-ons — when do they help?

Some policies offer accidental damage cover as an add-on, which protects against sudden, unintentional physical damage. But do be aware that accidental really does mean accidental. It doesn't cover issues due to gradual deterioration like rot or weathering over time.

When does house insurance not cover roof leaks?

Your home insurance might not help in the following situations or circumstances:

Gradual wear and tear

This is one of the most common reasons for a rejected claim. If the insurer concludes that your leak is due to slow deterioration (for example, through cracked tiles or perished flashing), it’s considered a maintenance issue.

Lack of maintenance or negligence

If moss is taking over your roof, or your gutters are full of last autumn’s leaves, insurers might argue you haven’t taken reasonable care of your property. A home insurance claim might also be refused if you've ignored early signs of damage, such as damp patches or sagging ceilings.

Pre-existing damage and known issues

What if your house had a roof leak when you bought it? Unfortunately, unless the leaking roof was disclosed and resolved early on, your home insurance may not cover it. Similarly, if you’ve claimed for the same issue before and didn’t carry out the recommended repairs, your home insurance may not pay out.

Situations where roof leaks are usually covered

So, that's the bad news. Now, what about the good news? When can you rely on your home insurance to cover a roof leak?

Storm damage (wind, rain, falling trees)

If high winds rip off tiles or a tree falls through your roof, that’s a clear case of insured damage. Each insurer has its own criteria when it comes to judging what counts as storm damage. However, most policies define a storm by wind speeds or weather alerts, so it's a good idea to look back at the forecast for the day of the damage when making a home insurance claim.

Sudden and unexpected events

Roof leaks caused by sudden events (for example, a heavy branch falling or damage from a neighbouring property) are typically covered by home insurance. Again, the keyword here is sudden. Gradual or ongoing damage isn't typically covered.

Fire or vandalism-related damage

If your roof suffers damage due to a fire or vandalism, you’re highly likely to be covered. Just make sure you file a police report if criminal damage is involved. Your insurer may well want the crime number to help process your claim.

Does house insurance cover leaks in a flat?

Whether roof leaks are covered by home insurance in a flat depends on your particular circumstances. Let's take a look:

If you're the flat owner

Whether or not you're covered for roof leaks depends on the structure of your ownership. If you own the leasehold and there’s a building management company, the freeholder’s buildings insurance should cover structural roof repairs. You’ll usually contribute through your service charge.

Check your lease agreement to see who is responsible for roof repairs — in a shared building, it’s often a shared responsibility.

If you're a tenant

If you are a tenant, it is your landlord's responsibility to maintain and insure the roof. So, your landlord’s buildings insurance should cover the roof itself. However, if your personal belongings are damaged in the leak, you'll need to turn to your own contents insurance.

It’s a good idea to inform both parties (your insurer and your landlord) of a leaking roof in a rented property as soon as possible.

How to make a successful claim for a roof leak

What about the claim itself? What is the claims process for a leaking roof?

Evidence and documentation needed

The more detail you can provide, the better. Insurers usually want:

  • Photos of the damage (including inside and out)
  • A clear timeline of events
  • Any weather reports (if applicable)
  • A builder or roofer’s inspection report

Keep records of any communication with insurers or third parties, as you never know what could become important.

Using a loss adjuster

For larger, more complicated claims, the insurer may send a loss adjuster to inspect the damage and assess whether your claim is valid. However, this won’t happen in every case. They’ll consider:

  • The cause of the leak
  • Whether it could have been prevented
  • The extent of the resulting damage

If you disagree with the loss adjuster's findings, you can get your own independent report done.

Steps to follow when discovering a leak

Acting promptly and documenting the issue can make a big difference to the success or otherwise of a claim for a leaking roof. Here are some steps to follow when you find a roof leak:

  1. Take photos and make the area safe
  2. Stop further damage (e.g. with buckets, tarpaulin, etc.)
  3. Contact your insurer as soon as possible
  4. Arrange temporary repairs if necessary
  5. Don’t throw away damaged items unless advised to do so

How insurers assess roof leak claims

Knowing how insurers assess roof leak claims can help you to take the right steps when claiming:

Property inspection and assessment

Insurers often send someone to inspect your home. They’ll assess both the interior damage and the roof’s condition to determine the cause of the leak, and whether or not it's covered by your home insurance.

Age and condition of the roof

Older roofs can still be covered, but insurers expect them to be in a serviceable state. If your roof is 30 years or more old and you’ve never maintained it, your home insurance claim may be denied.

Professional roofing reports

A roofer’s report can help validate your claim. It should confirm the cause, suggest repairs, and ideally rule out neglect. Professional roofing reports can carry a lot of weight with insurers, so it's a good idea to get one — it could be the difference between a payout and a polite refusal.

How to prevent roof leaks and avoid claim refusals

Maintenance is key both in preventing leaks and in helping your cause if your roof is damaged.

Regular maintenance tips

  • Check for broken or missing tiles twice a year
  • Clear gutters and downpipes of debris
  • Look for signs of damp or water inside the roof
  • Trim back overhanging trees

Importance of roof inspections

Annual inspections (especially after major storms) can help catch problems early. Keep receipts and reports from any inspections or repair work.

Keeping records of upkeep

A well-documented maintenance trail can be vital for a successful home insurance claim. If you can show you’ve looked after your roof, your insurer is more likely to pay out.

Know your cover before the storm hits

Roof leaks are a grey area for many homeowners, but they don’t have to be. The best way to protect yourself is to:

  • Understand your policy
  • Maintain your roof
  • Act quickly when a problem arises

Review your policy documents or speak to your insurer if you’re 

If you’re unsure what your home insurance covers, or want to compare policies, get a quote, check your cover, and make sure your roof (and your wallet) are protected before the next storm rolls in.

FAQs

Does home insurance cover a leaking flat roof?

Yes, but it depends on the cause. If the leak results from storm damage or another insured event, it’s usually covered. But, flat roofs often have stricter maintenance clauses, so If it’s due to age or lack of maintenance, your home insurance likely won't cover it.

Will my premium go up if I claim for roof repairs?

It’s possible, but doesn’t always happen. Any claim can affect your home insurance premium at renewal, especially if it’s substantial. Always weigh the cost of repairs against potential increases.

Can I claim for water damage caused by a roof leak?

Yes, if the cause of the leak is covered in your home insurance policy. Your buildings insurance should pay for structural damage, while contents insurance may cover damaged belongings.

Will my house insurance cover damage to contents as well as the roof repair?

Yes, if you have both buildings and contents cover, but make sure to thoroughly check your policy. Buildings insurance deals with the roof and structure while contents cover handles your possessions.

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