Does home insurance cover ceiling damage?
Short answer. Home insurance covers ceiling damage when a sudden covered event caused it, such as rain entering through storm damage, a burst pipe, or a tree coming through the roof. It usually does not cover stains from slow leaks, cracks from settling, or damage from condensation.
Usually covered causes
- Wind or hail opened the roof and rain came through.
- A supply line or pipe in the attic or upstairs burst suddenly.
- A tree or limb punctured the roof.
- Fire, smoke or the weight of ice or snow, depending on your policy.
Usually not covered
- Brown rings that grew slowly from a long term leak.
- Hairline cracks and nail pops from settling or seasonal movement.
- Stains from condensation, a sweating duct or a bathroom without proper ventilation.
- Sagging from a roof leak the homeowner knew about and did not fix.
What a covered ceiling repair includes
A proper estimate usually includes removing and replacing wet drywall, replacing soaked insulation above it, matching the texture, stain blocking primer and paint. Paint is often written for the full ceiling, and sometimes the walls, because a patch rarely blends. Drying equipment and any damaged light fixtures or belongings belong on the claim too.
Protect the claim
- Photograph the ceiling and the attic above it before cleanup.
- Stop the water at its source. If the roof is open, tarp it. See your duty to mitigate.
- Dry the area quickly to prevent mold, which many policies limit.
- Report the claim with the storm date.
For roof related interior claims, read interior water damage coverage.