Does Your Home Warranty Cover Roof Leaks?

October 15, 2023

leaking roof

A home warranty is a service contract that covers specific items, like home appliances and home systems, in case they break down due to normal wear and tear. It differs from homeowners insurance, which covers your home and personal property from damage caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, or liability claims.

Having a home warranty can save you money and hassle when something goes wrong with your home. It can also increase the value and appeal of your home if you decide to sell it. However, not all home warranties are created equal. Some may cover more items than others, and some may have more restrictions and exclusions than others.

One of the most important items to consider when choosing a home warranty is your roof.

Your roof is one of the most expensive and essential parts of your home. It protects you from the elements, keeps you comfortable, and enhances your curb appeal. A roof leak can cause serious damage to your home and belongings, as well as health risks from mold and mildew.

But does your home warranty cover roof leaks? The answer is: it depends.

A home warranty may cover some kinds of roof leaks, but not a full roof replacement. Roof leaks are usually covered only if they are caused by regular wear and tear, not by external forces or incorrect use.

For example, if your roof leaks because of old age, faulty installation, or defective materials, your home warranty may cover the repair cost. However, if your roof leaks because of a storm, a fallen tree, or vandalism, your home warranty will not cover it. In that case, you will need to rely on your homeowners insurance or pay out of pocket.

Also, keep in mind that roof coverage may not be included in the basic policy of your home warranty. You may need to purchase an add-on or a limit for roof coverage.

An add-on is an extra fee that you pay to cover specific items that are not part of the standard plan. A limit is a maximum amount that your home warranty will pay for a certain item or category.

Some home warranty companies may charge you an extra $100 per year for roof coverage as an add-on. Others may include roof coverage in their standard plan, but only up to $500 per year as a limit. If your roof repair costs more than that, you will have to pay the difference yourself.

Therefore, it is very important to read your contract carefully before signing up for a home warranty.

Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not, how much you have to pay for add-ons or limits, and what are the terms and conditions of your coverage.

How to Add Roof Coverage to Your Home Warranty Plan

If you want to add roof coverage to your home warranty plan, you will need to do some research and comparison shopping. Not all home warranty companies offer roof coverage, and those that do may have different prices and features.

Here are some tips on how to find the best deal and what to look for in a reputable provider:

  • Compare multiple quotes from different companies.Visit HomeWarrantyReviews.com or ConsumerAffairs.com to find reviews and ratings of various home warranty providers.
  • Check the reputation and accreditation of the company.Use Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot to see if the company has any complaints or lawsuits against them. You can also check to see if they have seals of approval from organizations like the National Home Service Contract Association.
  • Read the fine print of the contract.Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not, how much you have to pay for add-ons or limits, and what are the terms and conditions of your coverage. Look for any hidden fees, exclusions, or loopholes that may affect your claim.
  • Ask questions and negotiate.Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have about the contract. You can also try to negotiate a better deal or ask for discounts or incentives. For example, you may be able to get a lower price if you pay annually instead of monthly, or if you bundle your home warranty with other services like pest control or lawn care.

How Homeowners Insurance Complements Your Home Warranty in Case of Roof Damage

While a home warranty may cover some kinds of roof leaks, it will not cover a full roof replacement or damage that exceeds the warranty limit. In that case, you may need to rely on your homeowners insurance to cover the cost.

Homeowners insurance serves as a protective shield for your residence and personal belongings, safeguarding them from potential harms such as natural calamities, theft, vandalism, or legal liabilities. Among the various protection layers it offers for roofs, it includes:

  • Wind Damage: Covers the damage caused by fierce weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes, or even strong gusts that might tear away roof shingles or tiles.
  • Hail Damage: Covers the dents or cracks formed as a result of the impact of hailstones on your roof.
  • Fire Damage: Covers the damage caused by fire incidents that burns or melts your roofing materials.
  • Water Damage: Covers the damage caused as a consequence of leaks or the formation of ice dams, leading to unwanted moisture penetration through the roof.

However, homeowners insurance may not cover all types of roof damage. Some of the factors that may affect your insurance claim and premium are:

  • The age and condition of your roof: If your roof is old or poorly maintained, your insurance company may deny your claim or pay less than the full replacement cost. They may also charge you a higher premium or require you to upgrade your roof before renewing your policy.
  • The cause and extent of the damage: If the damage is caused by negligence, improper installation, or lack of maintenance, your insurance company may deny your claim or pay less than the full replacement cost. This may result in the insurance company to charge a higher deductible or limit your coverage.
  • The type and amount of coverage: Depending on the type of policy you have, your insurance company may pay for the actual cash value or the replacement cost of your roof. The actual cash value is the depreciated value of your roof at the time of the loss. The replacement cost is the amount it would cost to rebuild your roof with similar materials and quality. The replacement cost is usually higher than the actual cash value, but it may also require a higher premium.

Therefore, it is important to review your homeowners insurance policy regularly and make sure you have adequate coverage for your roof. You should also keep receipts and records of any repairs or maintenance you do on your roof. This will help you prove the value and condition of your roof in case of a claim.

Final Thoughts

A home warranty can be a valuable investment for homeowners who want to protect their home appliances and systems from breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. However, it may not cover all types of roof leaks or damage. Therefore, it is important to read the contract carefully and understand what is covered and what is not.

If you want to add roof coverage to your home warranty plan, you will need to compare different companies and plans and look for the best deal and features.

You should also consider complementing your home warranty with homeowners insurance in case of major roof damage that exceeds the warranty limit.

Additional Home Warranty Resources