Flat roof insurance

Why is flat roof more expensive to insure?

Flat roofs offer less protection against storms and high levels of rainfall. If water – or storm debris – is allowed to remain on the roof, it will cause it to deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of you making an insurance claim.

Flat roofs also offer easier access to burglars, which could push your contents insurance premiums up too.

Does flat roof home insurance cover roof leaks?

Flat roof home insurance will usually pay out if your roof starts leaking after being damaged due to a one-off event, such as a storm. However, to make a successful claim, you’ll have to prove the problem was not caused by wear and tear. If you’re unable to do this – for example by providing photos of damage such as torn-off tiles – you may have to foot the bill for the repairs yourself.

Does flat roof home insurance cover roof repairs?

Flat roof home insurance will generally cover the full cost of roof repairs if you can prove your roof was in good condition prior to being damaged. However, general maintenance and repairs are not covered, and the amount you can claim for any damage will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The age of the roof
• The condition of the roof
• The cause and severity of the damage

How should I maintain a flat roof?

Flat roofs need to be checked and maintained regularly to avoid any problems. You can check the state of your flat roof by climbing up to have a look (taking the necessary safety precautions) or paying a roofer or roof inspection company to do it for you. You can also monitor the condition of your roof by looking out for:

• Leaks or sagging in the attic
• Dark patches that could indicate rot
• Blocked drains or gutters
• Moss growing on your roof

But even if you prefer to check your roof yourself, it’s sensible to get it professionally inspected every few years, as this will allow you to prove it was in good condition should you need to make an insurance claim. Some home insurance providers require you to do this to get cover.

How can I cut the cost of flat roof home insurance?

The steps you can take to reduce the cost of flat roof insurance generally involve making the roof as safe and watertight as possible. These include:

• Waterproofing the roof
• Putting in a good guttering system to facilitate water drainage
• Installing a layer of insulating material such as fibreglass or polystyrene above the decking
• Upgrading your security to avoid thieves taking advantage of your flat roof

As with all insurance policies, you can also save money by shopping around for the best deal and by agreeing to pay a higher excess towards any claim. Just make sure the excess remains at a level you would be able to pay if you need to make a home insurance claim.

Compare flat roof home insurance

It’s easy to compare home insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket. Just answer a few questions about yourself and your home – including whether or not it has a flat roof – and we’ll show you a list of policies that suit your needs.

You can compare the policies available by the level and amount of cover they offer, the minimum excess you’ll need to pay, as well as inclusions and extras, customer ratings and reviews, and the price of the policy itself.