Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover roofs. Although, there are policies that include specific causes of roof damage, and in those cases, your claim will be denied or partially covered. For example, cosmetic damage from hail is usually not covered, but structural roof damage is covered.
Causes of Roof Damage& Home Insurance Coverage
Here is a list of other common causes of roof damage if whether standard home insurance covers them:
Hail
Structural damage such as broken tiles, cracks, or anything putting your home at risk for water damage or structural integrity is covered by home insurance. That means if large hailstones cause a water leak, it is covered.
But you must notify your insurer and file a claim immediately. If you do not, and mold damages your roof and interior from the water leak, your insurer will not cover the mold damage. They will consider the mold a lack of maintenance and neglect. If you notify them first, then mold grows, they will pay for mold remediation. They might even deny your roof claim if you wait too long as they could claim it was wear and tear.
Insurance carriers might deny your claim if the hail damage is only cosmetic. Cosmetic damage is not covered.
The best roofs for hail roof damage are metal roofs. Most are impact-resistant, and your insurance company might give home insurance discounts for impact-resistant roofs.
Wind
Your homeowners insurance company probably covers roof damage caused by wind, including tornados. Some carriers exclude wind damage. For example, if your homestead is in a tornado-prone area, your carrier may exclude wind. In this case, you can buy a separate endorsement for wind coverage.
Wind and Hail Deductibles
Keep in mind that some policies have a separate wind and hail deductible. So, if your claim is from a hurricane, wind damage claims have one deductible — for your roof that blew off as an example. The water damage deductible would be part of your home insurance dwelling coverage or flood insurance policy. In essence, you will have to pay two deductibles for the same storm.
Fallen Trees
If the wind knocks down a tree and it falls on your roof, your insurer will cover that roof damage.
However, your claim could get denied if that 200-year-old dead tree that loomed over your house fell onto your roof and damaged it. Your insurer might say it needed to be cut down, or maybe they previously told you to cut it down. In this case, your insurer may deem that a negligence or low maintenance issue.
Your Roof Collapses from the Weight of Snow, Ice, or Sleet
If your roof falls into your home due to heavy snow or ice, or sleet, you are probably not covered. Your insurer deems this a negligence or low maintenance issue since you could have removed the snow, and the roof should have the strength to handle snow.
Roof Sun Damage and Fading
A roof’s color that fades from the piercing UV rays is cosmetic. Insurance companies do not pay for cosmetic damages.
Tree Sap
If your beautiful maple tree is dripping sap onto your roof, you are expected to clean it regularly. It is considered a maintenance issue, which is not covered by home insurance.
Santa Clause Slipped and Fell
If Santa or his reindeer slip and fall or damage your roof or chimney in any way, your insurance company will cover the roof damage. The same goes for anyone else who may fall on your roof.
However, if a hired maintenance person falls and damages your roof, you are better off filing a claim on their business insurance since claims on your policy will increase your premiums.
Summary
If you are unsure if you are at risk for roof damage, we recommend getting an inspection. You could get a wind mitigation roof inspection or a 4-point inspection. Roof inspections cost a few hundred dollars and could save you thousands in the end.
