TL;DR
Does home insurance cover roof leaks? It can – but only under certain conditions. If your roof leak is caused specifically by hail damage (and you can prove it was sudden and not due to neglect), you may be able to claim.
Noticing water stains or peeling paint in your home? These could be early warning signs of a serious roofing problem – and your insurance may (or may not) apply if the leak is linked to hail damage. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about leaks, roof inspections, and insurance coverage before the next storm hits.
Signs your roof may be leaking
The most common indicator that a roof has been compromised is noticing a leaking roof from the ceiling inside the home. This can come in the form of discoloured patches to the ceiling or walls, or noticing water entry. This might show up as wet patches on the ceiling or walls, mould growth, leaks during rainfall, or peeling paint inside the home or on external fascia, which can lead to internal repairs. Roof leaks may also cause structural issues if not repaired early.
What to do when you notice a leak
Once homeowners have noticed any of these things, their next decision is very important. Do they wait until it gets worse to start worrying about it? Who do they even call out to take a look at these problems? Can they just paint over it?
We’ll break down the next steps below, including necessary repairs so you’ll know exactly what to do if it ever happens to you.
When you notice signs of a leaky roof, this means that sadly your roof is no longer effectively keeping water out. You should call a credible roofer or plumber to assess the damages. Here at Metro Hail, we offer free roof inspections for metal, decramastic and asbestos roofs for this reason. Once a professional has assessed your roof damage and the water intrusion, they will explain their findings and outline roof repair options.
Sometimes they will be able to silicone up any very minor water entry points on your roof to stop immediate leaking, or they may perform a “makesafe”. A “makesafe” is put in place as a temporary fix to ensure no further damage can occur until you can address the root of the problem.
If your roof damage is caused by storm or hail, your storm claim may be successful – especially if you act quickly and document everything. So, does insurance cover roof leaks in every case? Not quite – but storm-related roof repair is typically covered and generally included under many home insurance policies.
Note: Metro Hail specialises in metal, decramastic and asbestos roofs. Unfortunately, we do not inspect or service tiled roofs.
How home insurance responds to storm damage
Homeowners are provided a PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) when receiving any home insurance cover. This PDS will tell the homeowner everything that is included – and excluded – from your home insurance policy. This document is important because it explains what emergencies are covered perils, and which are not.
When it comes to hail-related roof insurance claims, insurers will generally not cover the following damages:
- Any pre-existing damage
- Signs of poor roof maintenance
- Wear and tear damage
- Roof maintenance issues or faulty installation
Understanding hail damage
“How does hail cause leaks to my roof?” is an important question.
A few dents alone might not seem like much – but during a severe hailstorm, your roofing material can be bombarded by hundreds of hailstones. This kind of impact can cause significant hidden damage: indentations, warped flashings, microcracks in solar panels, and added stress on your roof structure that can lead to buckling.
If large hail dents are left unchecked, they can trap sediment and begin to rust. Over time, that rust weakens the structural integrity of your roof. This is exactly why insurance cover often includes hail events – it’s serious and often not immediately visible.
However, insurers may decline insurance claims if the damage is left unattended for too long, interpreting it as poor maintenance. That’s why we offer free roof inspections – so you can catch damage early, stay ahead of seasonal wear and tear, and cover your home before small problems become costly ones.
The process: Filing an insurance claim for a roof leak
Storm claims can be relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps:
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas.
- Contact your insurance provider immediately.
- Get a roofer’s report: Metro Hail provides detailed inspection reports outlining the cause of damage.
- File your home insurance claim: Either online or via your insurance company directly.
- Keep receipts and repair records: Including any makesafe or temporary work.
“We always tell homeowners not to wait for visible leaks. If there’s been a major hailstorm in your area, even minor roof damage can escalate fast. A quick roof inspection now can mean the difference between a small fix and a denied claim later.”
What insurers look for
- Date and cause of the damage (e.g. storm events or hail on a certain date)
- Evidence that the roof was well maintained (e.g. past inspections, no long-term neglect)
- Professional assessment confirming the damage source
- Whether the issue stems from blocked gutters, falling trees, or normal wear
Claim approval and payout
Most insurance companies will approve roof leak insurance cover if the damage is sudden, storm-related, and not caused by neglect. However:
- If the damage is preventable, your homeowner’s insurance may not pay out
- Your insurance policy deductible may be high
- Some insurers only cover damage visible from inside the home
Common exclusions in home insurance policies
Not all policies are created equal. Are roof leaks covered by insurance? It depends on the exclusions and a few factors :
- Neglect or lack of maintenance
- Structural damage not storm-related
- DIY or non-professional repairs
- Damage from wear and tear or long-term issues
Roofing and maintenance tips to ensure coverage
Stay eligible for roof leak insurance by:
- Booking annual roof inspections (we recommend pre-storm season)
- Cleaning blocked gutters regularly
- Fixing cracked roof tiles, flashing or ridge capping early
- Keeping written records of all roof maintenance
The cost of roof leaks and insurance coverage
Roof repairs can cost anywhere from $250 for minor patches to $10,000+ for full roof replacement. Your home insurance company can help offset those costs, but only if your insurance claims are approved. Metro Hail may also help reduce out-of-pocket expenses by covering up to $1,000 of your excess, depending on your claim.
Tip: If your excess is $1,000 and the repair is $1,500, you might choose to pay out of pocket instead of claiming. This is why understanding how home insurance covers roof leaks is so important for most homeowners when comparing policies.
Choosing the right insurance for roof coverage
Choosing the right home insurance matters. Look for:
- Storm and hail inclusion (not just fire and theft)
- Realistic excess amounts
- No unreasonable exclusions
- Optional extras for older homes, flat roofs, or high-risk areas
Pro tip: Ask your insurer how they define “storm damage” and whether partial damage (e.g. cracked solar panels or rusted screws) is covered. Not all roof leaks are treated equally, so clarity is key, especially when considering coverage for severe weather.
Why waiting is risky
“Why would I bother worrying? My roof isn’t leaking yet.” We get this question a lot – and it’s a fair one.
This mindset is exactly why we see so many minor issues turn into major, costly roof repairs. By the time a leaking roof starts causing water damage, the damage has usually already spread, affecting a much larger area. Our inspections are designed to catch early signs of weakness before they develop into leaks, rot, or significant damage. That’s why a proactive inspection now can save you thousands later – and give you peace of mind knowing your home is storm-ready before the damage even begins.
If you’ve spotted any of these warning signs – or just want added peace of mind before major storms – book your free roof inspection with Metro Hail today. It’s fast, no-obligation, and could save you thousands before the next storm rolls in.
Please note: our inspections are available only for metal, decramastic and asbestos roofs.
FAQs
Does home insurance cover roof leaks caused by storms?
Yes, in most cases – but you’ll need evidence it was sudden and storm-related. That’s why it’s important to check – does home insurance cover roof leaks, and how to claim roof repairs under your specific policy.
What if I don’t notice the leak right away?
Insurers may deny your roof leak insurance claim if the damage looks old or neglected.
Do I need maintenance records to make a claim?
It helps. Most insurance claims require proof that the roof was in good condition before the event.
Does home insurance cover roof leaks from clogged gutters?
Usually not. That’s considered a lack of maintenance and is often excluded. So, when wondering does insurance cover roof leaks, it’s best to double-check the fine print.
How long does a home insurance claim take?
Anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity and your insurance provider.
What should I look for in a home insurance policy?
Storm/hail damage coverage, reasonable excess, and minimal exclusions. Make sure your insurance covers the types of events most relevant to your home.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage varies between policies and providers. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult your insurance provider or review your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Metro Hail does not make representations on behalf of any insurance company. Metro Hail can only assist with insurance claims where damage is caused by hail events.