What Happens If You Damage Your Roof Accidentally?
What accidental roof damage means for your home, your insurance, and what to do next.
Accidentally damaging your roof, whether during DIY work, a fall from a ladder, or something landing on it, needs to be dealt with quickly. Even minor damage can let in water and lead to much larger problems if left. Here’s what to expect and what to do.
At a glance
- Accidental roof damage can lead to leaks, structural issues, and costly secondary damage if not addressed
- Standard buildings insurance does not automatically include accidental damage cover. Check your policy to confirm whether it’s included
- Wear and tear, neglect, and poorly maintained roofs are excluded from most policies
- Document the damage with photos before any repairs begin and contact your insurer as soon as possible
- Temporary measures like a tarpaulin can limit further damage while you wait for a professional assessment
What happens if you damage your roof?
Even a small amount of damage to a roof, a cracked tile, a punctured membrane, or a dislodged flashing, can have significant consequences if it’s not dealt with quickly. Water that gets in through a damaged roof can affect ceilings, walls, insulation, and electrical systems. Left unaddressed, what starts as a minor repair can become a much larger and more expensive problem.
If you’ve caused accidental damage, the priority is to act fast, limit further exposure, and get a professional assessment as soon as possible.
Does insurance cover accidental roof damage?
Accidental damage cover is not included in a standard buildings insurance policy as default. It’s an optional add-on, and without it, unintentional damage to your roof, such as dropping something on it during DIY or breaking a tile while cleaning gutters, is unlikely to be covered.
If you have added accidental damage cover, sudden and unintentional incidents should be included. Check your policy documents to confirm whether it’s part of your cover, and what the specific conditions are.
What is typically excluded, even with accidental damage cover:
- Wear and tear: Tiles that have deteriorated through age or been loosened over time are not covered.
- Poor maintenance: Damage resulting from neglected gutters, flashing, or roof structure is unlikely to be covered.
- DIY repairs gone wrong: If previous DIY work on the roof has caused or contributed to the damage, insurers may decline the claim.
- Gradual deterioration: Any damage that has developed slowly rather than from a sudden event will typically be excluded.
What to do after accidentally damaging your roof?
Act quickly and work through these steps:
1. Make the area safe. If there’s debris, fallen tiles, or broken material around the property, clear it safely if you can do so without risk. Don’t go onto the roof unless you have the right equipment and are confident it’s safe to do so.
2. Limit further damage. Cover any exposed areas with a tarpaulin to prevent water getting in while you wait for a professional assessment. This is a temporary measure, not a permanent fix, but it can significantly reduce secondary damage.
3. Document everything. Photograph and video the damage from multiple angles before any repairs begin. This is essential for your insurance claim.
4. Contact your insurer. Let your insurer know about the damage as soon as possible. Give them a clear description of what happened, when it happened, and what the visible damage is. They’ll guide you through the claims process and may ask for a quote from a qualified roofer.
5. Get a professional inspection. Arrange for a qualified roofer to inspect the damage. Most insurers will require a professional assessment and quote before approving a claim. Our guide on how much does it cost to repair a roof gives a breakdown of typical repair costs.
6. Keep all receipts and correspondence. Hold onto any receipts, quotes, or written communication related to the damage and repairs. These will support your claim and may be needed if there’s a dispute about costs.
How much will roof repairs cost?
Repair costs vary depending on the extent of the damage:
| Repair type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Replacing a few tiles | £150–£500 |
| Fixing a leak or damaged flashing | £250–£750 |
| Significant structural repairs | £1,500–£3,000+ |
| Full roof replacement | £5,000–£12,000 |
If your insurer approves your claim, you’ll need to pay your policy excess before they cover the remainder up to your sum insured. It’s also worth knowing that making a claim can affect your renewal premium, so for lower-value repairs it may be worth comparing the claim amount against the potential increase.
How to prevent accidental roof damage
A few regular habits reduce the risk significantly:
- Inspect your roof annually. Check for cracked, loose, or missing tiles, particularly after periods of bad weather. Our guide on what to do if your roof tiles fall off covers what to look for.
- Keep gutters clear. Blocked gutters cause water to back up and pool, increasing the risk of leaks and water penetration.
- Trim overhanging branches. Branches that overhang your roof pose a real risk in high winds.
- Be careful with roof access. If you need to access the roof for any reason, use the right equipment and take appropriate precautions. For significant work, hire a qualified professional rather than attempting it yourself.
- Check your insurance covers accidental damage. If you don’t already have accidental damage cover as part of your buildings policy, it’s worth adding before you need it.
Before we go
Accidental roof damage needs prompt attention. Secure the area, limit further exposure, document the damage thoroughly, and contact your insurer before any permanent repairs begin. If you don’t have accidental damage cover as part of your buildings policy, it’s worth reviewing before you need it.
With Lemonade’s buildings insurance, you can add accidental damage cover to protect your home against unexpected incidents.
Accidental roof damage FAQs
Will my insurance cover a roof damaged during a DIY project?
Only if you have accidental damage cover as part of your buildings policy. Without it, unintentional damage caused during DIY is unlikely to be covered. Even with accidental damage cover, if the damage resulted from unsafe practices or previous DIY work that compromised the roof, your insurer may decline the claim. Check your policy wording to understand exactly what’s included.
How do I check if my insurance covers accidental damage?
Check your policy documents, specifically the schedule and summary of cover. If accidental damage is included, it will be listed there. If you’re unsure, contact your insurer directly and ask them to confirm in writing.
Will my premium increase after making a claim?
In most cases, yes. Making a claim is recorded on your insurance history and can result in a higher premium at renewal. For lower-value repairs, it may be worth calculating whether the claim amount outweighs the potential increase in future premiums before proceeding.
Can I fix a broken roof tile myself?
For a single, easily accessible tile on a low-pitched roof, a competent DIYer may be able to carry out a repair safely. For anything more complex, at height, or requiring structural assessment, a qualified roofer is strongly recommended. Poorly executed repairs can void insurance cover and cause further damage.
How much does it cost to add accidental damage to my home insurance?
The cost varies by insurer, property type, and location, but accidental damage cover typically adds a modest amount to your annual premium. Given the potential cost of roof repairs without it, it’s generally considered a worthwhile addition for most homeowners. Contact your insurer or check when getting a new quote to see what the additional cost would be.
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