Does home insurance cover roof repairs?

Key takeaways

• Roof leaks caused by unforeseen events like falling trees or heavy rain from storms tend to be covered but leaks due to poor maintenance or existing damage generally aren’t

• Before an insurance payout you will normally need to provide evidence of storm damage or proof the roof was in good condition before the leak

• If you are renting, you only need contents insurance as the landlord handles building maintenance and insurance

Does my home insurance cover roof leaks? 

Home buildings insurance will generally cover roof leaks if an unforeseen event caused the damage. Examples include:

• Storm damage such as heavy rain, severe hail and high winds

• Trees falling

• Fire

• Vandalism

But your home insurance policy probably won’t pay out if the leak results from a lack of maintenance or failure to repair existing damage such as broken or cracked roof tiles.

💡 Top tip: Check your policy wording to be certain what situations are considered unforeseen as insurers’ definitions may vary. You should also see if there is a clause about the age of your roof as any damage to a roof more than 10 years old might be considered wear and tear.

Does my home insurance cover damage to my contents caused by roof leaks? 

Yes, your home contents insurance, either as a standalone policy or combined with your buildings insurance, should cover any water damage caused by roof leaks.

But, like buildings insurance, it depends whether it was an unforeseen event. If the leak was caused by negligence or wear and tear, you’ll likely find your policy won’t cover you. 

Does my home insurance cover leaking roofs if I live in a flat? 

Yes, home insurance should cover a leaking roof if you live in a flat.

The cover you’ll need will depend on your living situation: 

When is my insurer likely to pay out on a roof damage claim? 

Your insurance company is more likely to pay out on a roof damage claim if:

• There are signs of storm damage. Proof of storm damage could be fallen trees or numerous missing tiles rather than just one or two around the area of the leak.

• There is evidence that the roof was in good condition prior to the leak

• Unexpected events like vandalism, fire or an explosion led to roof damage

Will my insurer pay the entire cost of a replacement roof?

Not necessarily. Your insurer may only pay for partial repairs or they may cover the entire cost (once you’ve paid your insurance excess). Check your policy documents to be certain what you’re covered for.

When is my insurer likely to refuse roof damage claim? 

Insurers might refuse a roof damage claims if:

There’s a lack of maintenance or poor workmanship: Homeowners are expected to undertake basic upkeep of their homes. This means it’s your responsibility to spot wear and tear and take action to resolve it (such as hiring roofers), otherwise you won’t be covered if it leads to a leaky roof. This is particularly important in winter months when bad weather is more common.

You don’t have the right kind of insurance. Various types of roof, such as a thatched roof or slate roof, require specialist cover due to use of specialist roofing materials. Flat roof and fibreglass roof repairs will usually cost more than roof repair services to a gable or dual pitch roof - so you might need to pay more for cover.

💡 Top tip: If you add a conservatory to your home, make sure you tell your insurer about the extension, to be sure your conservatory roof is covered.

How do I find a roof leak? 

Finding the source of a leak in your roof is a crucial step in getting it fixed and making a successful claim. Here’s what you should do: 

• Look for signs of moisture and mould. The leak is likely to be nearby 

• If you’re in the loft, turn the lights off and look for cracks of daylight as this could be where the damage is 

• Identify drips falling on a rainy day  

• Direct a hosepipe on the roof on a dry day to see if there is a leak 

• Check the roof for missing tiles  

• If it’s flat, check the seams and surface for cracks 

• Mark the damage with a pencil or chalk so you remember where it is  

If it’s not obvious where the leak is coming from, you should contact a professional roofer for help.

How can I prevent roof leaks? 

• Regularly inspect your roof tiles or flat roof, as well as your loft, for damage and take care of issues before they become significant

• Keep your guttering clear so water doesn’t build up where it shouldn’t, and ensure weeds, moss, and tree branches aren’t affecting the structure of your roof

• Watch out for a sagging roof - when a roof has a curved or wavy appearance as opposed to a straight one - as this can indicate a serious structural issue

Taking a preventative approach could save you money in the long run and mean that if a roof leak does occur it’s less likely to be considered wear and tear by your insurer.

Types of roof repairs

It’s not just roof tiles that might need replacing or repairing, but other parts of the roof too. Here are some common types of roof repairs:

How much does a new roof cost in the UK? 

According to Checkatrade, the average cost of a roof installation in 2025 was roughly £7,000.

Roof replacement in the UK will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The size of your roof

• Your roof’s structure

• The material

• The cost of labour

Checkatrade says that average costs by roof type are:

• £9,250 - £18,000 for a new hip roof

• £7,000 - £16,250 for a new gable roof

• £2,800 to £7,500 for a new flat roof

A good way to find a reliable roofing company is via word of mouth, while you can also find roofing contractors on sites such as Checkatrade.

But be sure to check with different roofers, roofing specialists and tradespeople and compare quotes to find the best deal on roof repair costs.

📌 Remember, your insurer will need to approve your re-roofing before you carry it out if you hope to claim for the cost, unless it’s an emergency.  

What should I do if my roof is leaking? 

If you find a leak in your roof, you should take quick action to prevent further damage: 

1. Collect the water in a container or bucket to stop water from spreading 

2. Move your belongings out of the way before they get damaged and add to your home insurance claim 

3. Gather evidence of the damage, including photos and videos of weather conditions, which you may need to provide to your insurer

4. Contact a roofing expert or repairer if the damage is severe and compromises your home’s structure, but make sure you keep a receipt for your insurance claim

5. Call your insurer to file a claim. If the damage isn’t severe, it’s usually best to contact your insurer for approval before getting your roof repaired

How do I file a claim for a damaged roof? 

Filing a home insurance claim for a damaged roof is similar to any other home insurance claim - you’ll usually need to do the following: 

1. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible before the damage gets worse 

2. If it’s an emergency that needs fixing as soon as possible, you should arrange this, but if the repairs aren’t urgent you should wait for your insurer to agree to it first. In an emergency, insurers will generally understand that immediate action was required and will still pay out for your claim 

3. Give them as much information as possible about the leak and the cause of the damage - remember to be honest 

4. Take photographs and gather receipts for repair or roof maintenance work if you have it to demonstrate the roof is otherwise in good condition 

5. If the damage was caused by a storm, it can be useful to have weather reports or videos as evidence  

It could take anything from a few weeks to several months for your claim to be settled, depending on the circumstances.

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