Does home insurance cover roof issues?
Short answer. Home insurance covers roof issues caused by sudden events such as hail, wind, falling trees and fire, minus your deductible. It does not cover problems from age, wear, poor installation or neglect, which is why many leaks and worn out roofs are denied.
Issue by issue
- Hail bruises or fractures: usually covered, unless a cosmetic damage exclusion applies to that kind of damage.
- Wind lifted, creased or missing shingles: usually covered.
- Tree or limb through the roof: covered when a covered peril brought it down; tree removal has its own limits.
- Leak with no storm: the roof repair is often treated as wear, but sudden interior water damage may still be covered.
- Granule loss and curling from age: not covered.
- Failed flashing or bad installation: not an insurance matter; look to the contractor's workmanship warranty.
- Animal damage: damage by birds, rodents and insects is commonly excluded; larger animals may be treated differently, so read your policy.
- Ice dams: resulting water damage is often covered on standard forms, though ice dams are rare in North Georgia.
- Algae streaks and moss: maintenance, not covered.
Policy terms that change the answer
An actual cash value roof endorsement, a roof payment schedule, a cosmetic damage exclusion or a percentage wind and hail deductible can each limit what you receive even when the issue itself is covered.
Proving it was a storm
The cause decides coverage. Pin down the storm date, photograph damage from the ground, and get an inspection before the adjuster visits. See wear and tear vs hail damage, when insurance covers a replacement and interior water damage coverage.