Does Buildings Insurance Cover Roof Repairs​?

If your roof starts leaking or tiles come loose after bad weather, one of the first questions most homeowners ask is simple: does buildings insurance cover roof repairs?

The short answer is yes, sometimes. The longer answer is where people get caught out. Insurance companies will usually cover roof damage caused by sudden events, but they are ruthless when it comes to wear, neglect, or slow deterioration.

This guide explains exactly what is covered, what is not, and how to avoid having your claim rejected.

What Is Buildings Insurance?

Buildings insurance is designed to protect the structure of your property, not the contents inside it. This includes permanent features such as:

• The roof and roof structure
• Walls and foundations
• Windows and doors
• Gutters, fascias, and soffits
• Garages and permanent outbuildings

If something damages the structure of your home, buildings insurance is meant to help pay for repairs or rebuilding, depending on the policy.

When Roof Repairs Are Usually Covered?

Buildings insurance will normally cover roof repairs only when the damage is sudden and unexpected. Common examples include:

Storm Damage

High winds, heavy rain, or hail that cause tiles to lift, crack, or blow off are usually covered. Storm damage is one of the most common accepted roof claims in the UK.

Falling Objects

If a tree, branch, or other debris falls onto your roof during bad weather and causes damage, this is typically covered.

Fire or Explosion

Damage caused by fire, lightning strikes, or explosions will almost always fall under buildings insurance.

Impact Damage

In rare cases, damage caused by vehicles, scaffolding collapse, or other accidental impacts may be covered.

In all of these cases, insurers expect the roof to have been in reasonable condition beforehand.

When Roof Repairs Are NOT Covered

This is where most claims fail.

Wear and Tear

Insurance does not cover roofs that fail due to age. Cracked tiles, worn felt, thinning membranes, or corroded fixings are classed as gradual deterioration.

Poor Maintenance

Blocked gutters, moss buildup, loose flashing, or slipped tiles that were left unfixed will almost always invalidate a claim. Insurers will argue the damage could have been prevented.

Long-Term Leaks

If a leak has been developing over months or years, insurers will usually reject the claim, even if the damage is now severe.

Faulty Workmanship

Problems caused by poor installation or substandard repairs are not covered. This includes cheap patch jobs that fail later.

Roof Upgrades

Insurance will not pay to replace an old roof just because it has reached the end of its lifespan.

Why Roof Maintenance Matters So Much

Most buildings insurance policies include a clause requiring homeowners to maintain the property. If you cannot show that your roof has been looked after, insurers will use that against you.

Basic maintenance includes:

• Clearing gutters and outlets
• Replacing broken or missing tiles
• Securing loose ridge tiles
• Checking flashing and roof junctions
• Dealing with moss and debris buildup

If you ignore these issues and damage occurs, insurers will say the claim is invalid.

How to Improve Your Chances of a Successful Claim

If you need to make a roof insurance claim, do the following:

Act Immediately

Report the damage as soon as you notice it. Delays raise red flags.

Take Photos

Photograph the damage from multiple angles, especially straight after the event.

Get a Professional Report

A written assessment from a qualified roofing contractor helps prove the damage was sudden and not ongoing.

Prevent Further Damage

Temporary protection such as tarpaulins or emergency repairs shows you took reasonable steps to limit the damage.

Keep Maintenance Records

Invoices, inspection reports, or photos from previous work can make the difference between approval and rejection.

Flat Roofs and Insurance Claims

Flat roofs are more likely to be scrutinised by insurers. Issues like ponding water, cracked membranes, or sagging decks are often blamed on design or maintenance rather than sudden events.

Storm damage to flat roofs can be covered, but only if the roof was in good condition beforehand and maintained properly.

Do You Always Need Insurance to Pay?

In many cases, smaller roof repairs are quicker and cheaper to handle privately. Making a claim can increase premiums or affect future cover.

Insurance is best reserved for major damage, not minor fixes.

Final Word

Buildings insurance can cover roof repairs, but only under strict conditions. If the damage was sudden and unavoidable, you have a strong case. If the issue built up over time, insurers will almost certainly walk away.

The smartest move is simple: maintain your roof properly and deal with problems early. It costs far less than arguing with an insurance company after the damage is done.

If you’re unsure whether your roof damage would be covered, or you need a professional inspection, Alliance Roofing can help.

We carry out honest roof inspections, emergency repairs, and written assessments to support insurance claims.
No shortcuts, no pressure, just clear advice from experienced roofers.

Get in touch with Alliance Roofing today and deal with the problem properly, before it gets worse.