Is a Leaking Roof Covered by Insurance UK?

Home insurance in the UK provides financial protection for your property, but coverage for a leaking roof is not always straightforward. It largely depends on the specific circumstances and the cause of the damage, as policies typically cover the incident that led to the leak, not just the leak itself.

Understanding Policy Coverage for Leaks

Building insurance, a standard UK home insurance policy, generally covers roof leaks if they result from sudden and accidental damage. Events typically covered include those caused by severe weather conditions, such as storms with high winds (gusts of at least 55mph or rainfall of 25mm per hour) that might lift or tear off tiles, or heavy rain that causes water ingress. Damage from falling trees, vandalism, fire, or explosions are also usually included within standard buildings insurance. These instances are considered “insured perils” because they are unexpected and beyond the homeowner’s control.

However, many common causes of roof leaks are typically excluded from coverage. Policies generally do not cover damage arising from gradual deterioration, general wear and tear, or a lack of maintenance. For example, if a roof is aged or in poor condition due to neglect, leaks that develop are unlikely to be covered. Insurers expect homeowners to maintain their property in good order, and failure to do so can lead to a rejected claim.

Leaks caused by faulty workmanship or do-it-yourself repairs are also usually not covered, as these are the homeowner’s responsibility to address with the contractor or rectify themselves. Similarly, policies typically exclude pre-existing issues discovered after the policy inception.

Actions to Take After Discovering a Leak

Discovering a roof leak requires immediate action to mitigate further damage and ensure a smoother insurance claim process. Your primary concern should be safety, so if the leak is substantial or involves electrical systems, turn off the electricity at the mains if it is safe to do so. Next, take steps to contain the water; place buckets or containers under the leak and move furniture, electronics, and other valuable belongings away from the affected area to prevent them from becoming damaged.

Thorough documentation of the damage is important before any significant repairs are made. Take clear photographs and videos of the leak itself, the water entering your home, and all affected areas, including ceilings, walls, and any damaged possessions. Document the date and time the leak was discovered and note any relevant weather conditions. It is advisable to perform only temporary repairs, such as covering the area with a tarp or plastic sheeting, to prevent additional water ingress. Avoid undertaking permanent repairs until your insurer has assessed the damage or provided approval.

Making an Insurance Claim

Once you have taken immediate steps to mitigate damage and documented the situation, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the leak. You will need to provide your policy number, the date of the incident, and a detailed description of the damage and its suspected cause. Provide all the evidence you gathered, including photographs and videos.

After you submit your claim, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster. A loss adjuster is an independent professional who investigates the claim on behalf of the insurance company to assess the damage, determine the cause, and confirm that the incident is covered by your policy. They will examine the extent of the damage and may request repair quotes.

During this process, you will typically need to pay an “excess,” which is your pre-agreed contribution towards the cost of the claim. This excess can be compulsory, set by the insurer, and potentially a voluntary amount you chose to reduce your premium. The insurer will then deduct this excess from any payout.