Is storm damage to my roof covered by home insurance?
Home insurance can cover sudden storm damage, but coverage depends on the policy wording and the cause of the damage. Insurers commonly distinguish a genuine insured event from deterioration caused by age, poor maintenance or normal wear and tear.
How insurers look at storm damage
Policies typically cover sudden damage caused by a storm event, and insurers usually consider the weather conditions at the time alongside the condition of the roof beforehand.
Damage arising from wear, deterioration or lack of maintenance is generally treated differently from damage caused by a single event, which is where many disputes begin.
Evidence that helps a claim
Dated photographs, a written report describing what failed, and any record of the roof's previous condition all strengthen a claim.
Your policy wording is the authority on what is covered — read it, and ask your insurer to confirm requirements before work beyond making the property safe is carried out.