Roof Leaks
Roof Insurance Claims: What to Know
Buildings insurance typically covers sudden storm damage but not gradual wear and tear. Photograph damage promptly, report it quickly, and get a written professional assessment from a roofer — this is usually central to a smooth claim.
Making a buildings insurance claim after roof damage can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never had to do it before. The process itself is usually more straightforward than people expect, provided the damage genuinely fits what insurance is designed to cover.
What’s typically covered
Buildings insurance generally covers sudden, identifiable damage — storm damage, a falling tree or branch, fire, or similar one-off events.
What’s typically not covered
Gradual wear and tear. A roof that’s simply reached the end of its natural lifespan is considered a maintenance responsibility, not an insurable event.
Lack of maintenance. If an insurer’s assessor finds damage resulted from longstanding lack of maintenance, this can affect or invalidate a claim.
How to give yourself the best chance of a smooth claim
Document everything, promptly. Photograph the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so, ideally dated.
Report promptly. Most policies expect damage to be reported within a reasonable timeframe.
Get a written assessment from a roofer. Insurers generally want a professional report describing the damage and, often, a repair quote.
Avoid unnecessary further damage. Reasonable emergency measures (a tarpaulin over an exposed area) are generally expected and can often be claimed separately.
Don’t commit to full repair work before the claim is assessed, unless it’s a genuine emergency measure to prevent further damage.
The role of a roofer’s report
A clear, professional assessment — describing what’s damaged, the likely cause, and an itemised repair quote — is usually central to a smooth claim.
We can provide the clear, professional written assessment your insurer will likely want — describing the damage, likely cause, and an itemised repair quote.
Need an assessment for a claim?
We offer free surveys across Merseyside. We go up, take photos, show you what we find and give you an honest recommendation. No pressure, no obligation.