Insurance is not a maintenance plan. A sudden event such as wind or hail can be treated very differently from a roof that has gradually worn out. The insurer — not BC Quote or the roofer — decides coverage under your specific policy.
Start by preventing further damage safely
If water is entering the home, protect belongings and interior finishes where it is safe to do so. Avoid climbing onto a wet or storm-damaged roof. Take reasonable steps to reduce further loss without putting yourself at risk.
Photograph and document the damage
Take photos or video of interior staining, active water entry and visible exterior damage that can be safely photographed from the ground. Record when you first noticed the problem and what weather event, if any, occurred beforehand.
Contact your insurer or broker early
The Province of British Columbia recommends understanding the hazards covered by your policy and contacting your insurance representative about limits, deductibles and exclusions. If you think the damage may be insured, ask what documentation or emergency work they want before permanent repairs begin.
Roof leak coverage is not the same as paying for an old roof
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says interior water damage caused by water entering through a roof leak may be covered, while damage to the roof itself may not be covered when the cause is wear and tear or poor maintenance. Wind and hail damage are commonly covered perils, but exact coverage varies by policy.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Is the suspected cause covered under my policy?
- What is my deductible?
- Do you need an adjuster to inspect before permanent repairs?
- Can I authorize emergency temporary protection now?
- What photos, invoices or contractor reports should I keep?
- Are interior damage and roof-system damage treated differently?
Questions to ask the roofer
- What appears to have caused the damage?
- Is temporary weather protection needed?
- Can the contractor separate emergency work from permanent repairs on the quote?
- Can they provide photos and a written scope for your records?
Need a roofer after a leak or storm?
BC Quote can connect your request with one local roofer. Tell us the city, roofing issue and urgency so the request can be routed appropriately.
Request a Free Roofing Quote