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Roof Damage Cover | Landlord Home Emergency Cover
Roof & Buildings Protection

Roof Damage Cover
What Is Covered, What Is Not, and How to Protect Your Claim

A damaged roof is urgent. A rejected insurance claim on top of that is worse. Know what's covered before something goes wrong.

UK homeowners spend £150–£3,000 on roof repairs. A full replacement runs £5,000–£15,000. The right cover — and the right evidence — saves you thousands.

£850avg moderate repair
£15,000full replacement
19%of all UK claims
55mphstorm threshold
Get a Quote Call 01772 702000
Coverage Overview

What Does Buildings Insurance Cover?

Buildings insurance covers sudden, unexpected damage — not gradual wear. Here's exactly what's in and out.

Typically Covered

Storm damage — high winds, heavy rain, hail, or snow
Falling trees or branches causing roof damage
Fire and explosion damage to the roof structure
Vandalism or malicious damage
Accidental damage (if your policy includes it)

Not Covered

Wear and tear — slowly rotting roof, corroding flashing
Poor upkeep — missing tiles, blocked gutters, known leaks
Pre-existing damage before your policy started
Design flaws or faulty workmanship during installation
Moss and algae build-up — signals neglect to insurers
⚠ Poor upkeep is one of the most common claim rejection reasons. If you haven't replaced missing tiles, cleared gutters, or fixed a known leak, insurers will argue the damage was preventable.
ABI Definition

What Does "Storm" Actually Mean Under UK Insurance?

This is where many claims fail. Insurers use a specific definition based on ABI guidance. If conditions don't meet these thresholds, your insurer can reject the claim.

55mph+

Wind Speed

Sustained wind speeds must exceed 55mph to qualify as a storm event.

25mm/hr

Rainfall

At least 25mm of rainfall within a single hour — not just heavy rain.

Hard Surface

Hail Damage

Hail intense enough to visibly damage hard surfaces like concrete or slate.

Structural

Snow Loading

Snowfall heavy enough to cause structural damage from weight loading.

ⓘ Pro tip: Always download Met Office weather data for your area on the date of damage. This is your strongest evidence when the insurer questions storm thresholds.
Legal Obligations

Landlords — Your Roof Repair Duties Under the Law

Section 11 — Landlord & Tenant Act 1985

Landlords must keep in repair all installations including heating, water, and the structure of the property. The roof is part of the structure. If it leaks, you must fix it.

Tenants can report you to the local council. Environmental health can issue an improvement notice. In serious cases, tenants can take you to court and claim compensation.

For leaseholders: check your lease. In most cases the freeholder is responsible for the roof and buildings insurance. If you are the freeholder, the obligation falls on you.

Structural Responsibility

The roof is part of the property structure. A leaking roof is a Section 11 repair obligation — you cannot ignore it.

Council Reporting

Tenants can report unresolved roof damage to the local council. Environmental health can issue formal improvement notices.

Court Action & Compensation

In serious cases tenants can take you to court and claim compensation for the period the property was uninhabitable.

Landlord Buildings Insurance

Standard home insurance does not cover tenanted properties. You need dedicated landlord buildings insurance for rental properties.

Immediate Action

What to Do Immediately After Roof Damage

Act the same day. Every hour of delay can weaken your claim.

1

Photograph Everything

Take photos and video of all visible damage from ground level. Time-stamp everything — date and time matter to insurers.

Do Not Climb the Roof

Never climb onto a damaged roof. It is dangerous and could invalidate your claim if you cause further damage.

2

Arrange Temporary Repairs

Stop further water ingress with emergency temporary repairs. Keep every receipt — these are claimable costs.

3

Contact Insurer Same Day

Formally log the claim on the day of damage. Delays can give insurers grounds to question the timeline.

4

Get a Roofer's Report

A written inspection report from a qualified roofer supports your case before the loss adjuster visits.

Wait for Loss Adjuster

Do not start permanent repairs until the loss adjuster has completed their visit. Starting early can void your payout.

⚠ Download Met Office data for your postcode on the date of damage — this is your strongest evidence if the insurer disputes storm thresholds.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a leaking roof covered by home insurance?

It depends on the cause. A storm-damaged roof is usually covered. A roof leaking due to wear, tear, or neglect is not — maintenance is your responsibility.

What if my claim is rejected?

Ask for the rejection reason in writing. Get a second roofer's report. Make a formal complaint to your insurer. After their final response, you have six months to take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Do landlords need separate roof damage cover?

Yes. Landlord buildings insurance covers your rental property's structure including the roof. Standard home insurance does not cover tenanted properties.

How often should I inspect my roof?

At least once a year — and always after severe storms. Keep a written record of every inspection and repair. This log is valuable evidence if a claim is ever disputed.