Making an insurance claim for anything can be a headache, but if your RV roof is leaking then you want to know where you stand before it gets worse. It’s important that you are familiar with your RV insurance policy and know exactly what it covers before you try to make a claim.
Does RV Insurance Cover Roof Leaks? Most RV insurance policies will cover roof leaks. However, there are caveats to this. If your RV roof leak is down to lack of maintenance then your insurance will not cover it. If your RV roof is leaking because of an accident then you can probably claim insurance for the damage.
This article will explore whether or not RV Insurance covers roof leaks. There are instances where the insurance companies may cover the cost to make repairs, but if it’s a preexisting condition and it’s due to age, they may deny coverage because the policy may only cover structural damage to the RV that was caused by an accident or natural disaster. When purchasing an RV, there are specific types of insurance that should be considered.
Does RV Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
There are three main reasons why your RV roof is leaking, let’s have a look at each one and I’ll explain if your insurance will cover it.
Accidental damage
Many people are unaware that their RV’s roof is more fragile than they would think. The material used in most roofs, like fiberglass and lightweight aluminum, can dent when impacted by an object. This is due to the roof’s design of using a membrane that has a foam core. When the roof is impacted with enough force, the foam displaces and pushes through the membrane forming a hole in the roof.
If you damage your roof because of an accident like a low hanging sign, hail/storm damage, or a falling object which then causes a roof leak your insurance will likely cover the damage.
Manufacturer’s Defect
If you are unlucky enough to have a roof leak due to a manufacture defect then you will have to claim on your warranty with the manufacturer rather than your insurance. If you buy new or from a dealer make sure that you check the warranty.
It’s also worthwhile to test out how watertight your RV is as soon as you can, even if this means you have to hose it down for half an hour in your drive. Get your RV thoroughly wet and check every nook and seal for water ingress. Best to do this in the first week than wait and find out a day after your warranty expires that it’s not watertight.
Lack of Roof Maintenance
The last likely reason for roof leaks is because of a lack of maintenance to your roof. If the seals on your roof are old and damaged then your RV roof can leak. If this is the case then your insurance will not pay out, as it’s down to you to maintain the roof.
Make sure that you maintain your RV roof regularly and apply new sealant when needed. Sealing your roof is a simple process and I have reviewed the best RV caulks on the market to make the job even easier.
Is My RV’s Roof Covered Through Insurance?
As described above your RVs roof is covered by insurance for accidental damage like a tree falling on it. However maintenance issues will not be covered as this is your responsibility. Let’s run through a few scenarios where your RV roof could get damaged.
Storm or Hail Damage
Storm and hail can damage your RV roof, whether a storm brings down a tree onto your roof or hail punctures through insurance should cover you if this happens.
If a storm brings debris onto your roof that ends up damaging it then this is classed as accidental damage.
Hail is probably more common especially as some hailstones can be the size of golf balls, they can puncture the lightweight fibreglass roof on your RV.
Luckily your comprehensive RV insurance will cover hail and storm damage to your RV roof. However you will have to read the fine print as some insurers don’t cover the same thing twice, so if hail was to damage your newly repaired roof you may be on your own.
Roof Maintenance and Wear and Tear
The maintenance of your RV roof is down to you, if your roof leaks due to bad maintenance from normal wear and tear then insurance will not cover it.
Make sure that you regularly maintain your roof and keep an eye out for any leaks or mildew and mold caused by water ingress. If you see any signs of leaks then make sure you repair it, the longer it’s left untreated the worse it will get.
Accidental Damage
If you have a collision with another vehicle or a low hanging object and your RV roof is damaged then this will be covered by your insurance.
Water Damage
If the water damage is caused by accidental damage to your RV roof and water has penetrated through, then this will be covered on your insurance.
If the water damage is the result of poor maintenance then you will not be covered by your insurance. Make sure that you keep your maintenance records for evidence that this is not the case.
Snow and Ice
Damage from snow and ice will be harder to claim for, most policies will not cover this. If you roof collapses because of snow accumulation then it could be argued that you were not maintaining the roof by providing cover or clearing the snow.
Manufacturer Defects
A faulty roof as a result of a manufacturer’s defect will have to be claimed from the warranty, insurance is unlikely to pay out for this.
Does RV Insurance Cover Roof Leaks? – Final Thoughts
It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance policy that you get out and to know what you can and can not claim for, if you are unsure about the right policy for you I have written a comprehensive guide about RV insurance.
If your RV roof is leaking because of an accident, whether that be storm, hail or collision then you will most likely be covered through your comprehensive insurance. I your roof is leaking because of a lack of maintenance or due to manufacturers defects then you will not be able to make a claim through your insurance.
Keep regular maintenance records for your RV roof, and make sure that you note down any repairs and caulking that you perform on the roof. This will show the insurers that you take regular care of your RV and will help you make a claim for accidental damage.
