Will insurance fix a leaking roof?

How the fix actually happens

1. Stop the water. A tarp or temporary patch protects the house. Keep receipts and photos.
2. Report the claim. Give the storm date and describe what you see.
3. Adjuster inspection. The insurer's adjuster inspects the roof and interior. Having your roofer there helps.
4. Estimate. The insurer writes an estimate for the repair or replacement and the interior damage.
5. You hire the roofer. Payment goes to you, and to your mortgage company if it is named on the check.
6. Final payment. On a replacement cost policy, withheld depreciation is released after the work is done.

Do you have to use the insurer's contractor?

Generally no. Some insurers offer preferred contractor or managed repair programs. They can be convenient, but read the terms: who guarantees the work, who decides the scope, and what happens if you disagree. You can almost always choose your own roofer.

Temporary vs permanent repairs

Make temporary repairs right away; your policy requires it. Hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage, unless waiting would cause more harm. If you must repair first, photograph every step and keep the damaged materials.

If the leak is not covered

Leaks from cracked pipe boots, worn flashing or aging shingles are maintenance. Insurance will not fix them, but most are inexpensive compared with the interior damage they cause when ignored.

More: emergency tarping and mitigation and whether to call the insurer or a roofer first. Robust Roofing also explains whether you have to use your insurer's contractor.