The Best Home Warranties for Roof Coverage of 2024

Repairs to roof leaks can be some of the most expensive a homeowner will undertake. Water damage is a serious issue under any circumstances, but a roof leak can be particularly harmful to several areas of the home. Roof leaks can compromise the home’s structural integrity, produce mold, saturate insulation, short out electrical wiring, and even seep down into the foundation if left unchecked.

Homeowners may wonder if there’s some sort of warranty or insurance they can buy to protect themselves from these types of issues. So, do home warranties cover roof leaks? Although home warranties don’t cover water damage in many situations, roof leaks can be an exception, with some companies helping to shoulder the cost of repairs. Home warranty roof coverage is typically offered as an add-on service, but it may also be available as part of a standard home warranty, depending on the provider. In either case, a home warranty with roof coverage may allow homeowners to save money on their out-of-pocket expenses for certain roof repairs.

Home warranties with roof coverage can also help homeowners quickly schedule a technician to inspect any damage and start work on repairs quickly. The availability and extent of roof coverage can vary from company to company, so it’s a good idea for a homeowner to review different options to find the best home warranties for roof coverage.

1. BEST OVERALL: American Home Shield
2. RUNNER-UP: Choice Home Warranty
3. BEST FOR LOW SERVICE FEES: Liberty Home Guard
4. ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage

Shopping around for the best home warranties for roof coverage can be relatively easy at times since many warranty companies offer quotes online. Homeowners can select a warranty plan, policy add-ons, technician fees, and other service options to see what a home warranty might cost on an annual or monthly basis. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to put together a list of must-have coverage options, including roof-leak protection, when vetting the best home warranty companies. Homeowners may also want to start their search with a monthly budget in mind so they can find the right coverage in their price range—especially considering that many companies offer roof coverage as an add-on rather than as part of a standard policy.

Service Area

Home warranties are often widely available across the country, but it’s also common for companies to have coverage gaps. Even home warranty companies with large footprints may not sell policies in particular states, or even in specific ZIP codes. In addition, it’s possible that warranty providers may limit the availability of certain coverage options, like roof-leak repairs, to specific states or areas. With that in mind, homeowners will want to check that any home warranty company they are considering actually offers roof coverage in their location. Warranty providers may list exclusions in the fine print, so it may be worthwhile for a homeowner to call and speak with a representative to be absolutely certain that roof coverage is available in their specific area.

Roof Coverage Terms

The actual coverage that a roof-leak policy offers can vary quite a bit across different home warranty companies. Some offer fairly limited protection, only agreeing to pay for specific types of repairs such as patching a roof. In some cases, roof-leak coverage may only apply to a small number of repair jobs, which can significantly limit the policy’s usefulness. On the other hand, policies from some of the best home warranty companies that offer roof coverage may help pay for a wide variety of repairs, giving customers more value with their policy.

In addition, warranties may only pay to repair or replace certain types of materials. Many home warranty companies offer a warranty on roof shingles, for instance, but they may be less likely to cover repairs to metal roofs. It’s also worth homeowners noting that more extensive repair work is unlikely to be included in a home warranty policy. For instance, policyholders will probably need to turn to their homeowners insurance to cover the costs of a full or partial roof replacement, as home warranties typically exclude such jobs from coverage.

Roof Coverage Amount

Coverage limits on a home warranty determine how much money policyholders could receive to help pay for any repair work they schedule. If the cost of repairs exceeds that limit, then homeowners will need to pay the difference out of pocket. Warranty providers often set specific coverage limits for different types of repairs—appliances, home systems, and add-ons such as a roof repair warranty may all have their own set maximum coverage amounts. Homeowners will want to pay close attention to these coverage limits when vetting the best home warranties for roofs as some companies may provide much higher coverage amounts than others, which can greatly impact the value and usefulness of any home warranty. With roof protection, in particular, necessary repairs could be somewhat expensive at times, so homeowners may want to opt for a higher coverage amount, if available.

Standard With Policy vs. Add-On

Although some home warranty companies will include roof-leak protection as part of their standard coverage, many—if not most—providers offer roof coverage as an optional add-on. In some cases, companies may build roof coverage into their premium or high-tier protection plans while offering it as an add-on with their other policies. When considering the costs of roof coverage across different home warranties, homeowners may want to take into account how purchasing add-on policies could impact the total cost of a warranty compared with a policy that already includes roof protection.

Policies and Plans

When searching for the best home warranty for roof coverage, homeowners will likely want to look for a policy that offers additional protection for many other home systems and appliances. With that in mind, it’s worth homeowners considering the full extent of coverage available from each company. Warranty providers may offer multiple policies and plans to choose from, as well as various add-on options that can be purchased at an additional cost. With so many options to consider, it may be important for a homeowner to look at the full scope of coverage offered with each company and individual policy to find the best fit for their needs.

Average Monthly Rate

Comparing the total cost of home warranties can be tricky because companies often offer multiple policies at different price points. Trying to factor in the cost of add-on coverage, such as roof-leak protection, can further muddy the waters. As such, an easier way to compare home warranty costs is to look at each provider’s average monthly rate. Using the average monthly rate can help homeowners gauge the affordability of different companies before they look at more specific terms that could influence the total cost of coverage. It’s not exact by any means, but looking at the average monthly rate can be a good starting point for homeowners when they’re considering how expensive home warranties may be. Once homeowners have narrowed their choices down to a handful of policies, they can compare those plans more directly and look at the monthly or annual rates of each one with the exact options they need.

Discounts

Home warranty companies frequently offer discounts to customers that can help lower the cost of coverage. For instance, companies may give lower initial rates to new customers to entice them to switch home warranty providers. Policyholders could also qualify for discounts if they buy home warranties for multiple properties or purchase a plan that runs for more than 1 year. In some cases, home warranty companies may offer free coverage for a set amount of time or add an extra month’s worth of coverage to a policy. The availability and value of discounts will depend on the home warranty company, so it’s worth it for homeowners to check what opportunities may be available to reduce the total cost of coverage.

Service Fee

Although the purpose of a home warranty is to help homeowners cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems, policyholders will still pay some out-of-pocket expenses when the time comes to submit a claim. Every home warranty policy has a service fee that needs to be paid when a homeowner schedules a technician appointment. Many home warranty companies offer a range of technician fees for customers to choose from, depending on the exact warranty terms they select, but others may set a flat fee for every policy no matter what. It’s important for homeowners to factor in the service fee when weighing the cost of buying one of the best home warranties with roof coverage.

Claims Process

Any issues with a roof need to be addressed as quickly as possible since even small leaks can lead to more serious—and more expensive—problems. With that in mind, homeowners may want to consider the claims process when vetting the best home warranties for roof coverage. Many companies allow customers to submit a repair request online at any time and have representatives standing by to process claims around the clock. Some homeowners may prefer to speak directly with an agent, however, so they can explain exactly what issue they’re experiencing and receive more hands-on support. Another factor for homeowners to consider when submitting a claim is the turnaround time, as some companies may be faster than others to respond to a repair request and schedule a service appointment.

Workmanship Guarantee

It’s possible for problems to re-emerge after a technician has completed repairs, which can cause headaches for homeowners. Home warranty companies often include workmanship guarantees with their policies so customers can schedule additional repair work for the same issue without needing to pay additional service fees. The length of these guarantees will vary across different home warranty companies—sometimes significantly so. Workmanship guarantees can run anywhere from a single month to the entire length of the policy. Homeowners who want greater peace of mind regarding any repairs that are done on their roof may want to consider home warranties that offer longer workmanship guarantees.

Our Top Picks

When picking the best home warranty for roof coverage, it’s important for homeowners to find a warranty provider that offers the right combination of terms, options, guarantees, and other benefits—and all at the right price point.

Best Overall

American Home Shield

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Why It Made the Cut:

American Home Shield offers a high coverage amount for a wide variety of roof repair jobs. Customers can also get roof coverage included as a standard policy when they buy a PlatinumShield plan.

American Home Shield’s roof coverage options stand out for the extensive number of repair jobs that are included with this policy. In addition to shingle replacement, a roof warranty from American Home Shield will also cover repair jobs to fix issues related to flashing, nail pops, underlayment, and vinyl membrane. Customers can get more value from their warranty by using it to pay for a wide variety of roof work. Although repairs are only guaranteed for 30 days with the included workmanship guarantee, the company’s roof-leak policy will pay for up to $1,500 worth of repairs and maintenance. With such a high coverage limit, policyholders may not need to pay out of pocket for any repair work they schedule aside from the technician fee.

Customers who opt for the PlatinumShield plan will receive roof-leak protection as part of their standard coverage, while other homeowners can still purchase this coverage as a separate add-on. All American Home Shield customers have the option to take advantage of the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee if they have second thoughts about their policy or decide they would rather use a different home warranty company.

• Learn more with our American Home Shield review

Specs

• Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
• Roof coverage amount: $1,500
• Standard with policy vs. add-on: Standard with PlatinumShield; add-on for other plans
• Service fee: $75 to $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 30 days

Pros

• Wide range of types of roof repairs covered
• High $1,500 coverage amount
• Roof coverage included with Platinum Shield plans
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee

Runner-Up

Choice Home Warranty

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Why It Made the Cut:

Choice Home Warranty offers long workmanship guarantees, quick responses to repair requests, and potentially low rates for roof-leak coverage, making it a solid choice for many homeowners.

Choice Home Warranty may be a good option for homeowners looking for affordable roof coverage. The company’s rates, even with a roof-leak add-on option, are relatively inexpensive, so it may be easier for a homeowner to fit a Choice Home Warranty policy into their budget. It’s worth noting that the company’s roof-leak protection specifically excludes flashing repairs, but Choice does offer a relatively lengthy workmanship guarantee—60 days for labor and 90 days for materials—so homeowners can feel confident about any repair work that is completed. If a leak reappears within that time frame, policyholders can schedule follow-up inspections and repairs without paying another technician fee.

Those service fees are fixed at $85 regardless of which policy option a customer chooses. When it comes time to submit a repair request, homeowners may feel more at ease knowing that the home warranty company will respond within 4 hours to start scheduling a service appointment. In addition, homeowners who already have a warranty in place and want to switch to Choice from another provider can have their waiting period waived. This way, they won’t experience any coverage gaps when buying a new policy.

• Learn more with our Choice Home Warranty review

Specs

• Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
• Roof coverage amount: $500
• Standard with policy vs. add-on: Add-on
• Service fee: $85
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor, 90 days materials

Pros

• Relatively low monthly rates with roof-leak coverage
• Quick response within 4 hours of service request
• Relatively long workmanship guarantee (60 days for labor; 90 days for materials)
• Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty

Cons

• Roof flashing not covered
• No service fee flexibility

Best for Low Service Fees

Liberty Home Guard

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Why It Made the Cut:

Homeowners who buy a warranty with roof coverage from Liberty Home Guard may benefit from the company’s low service fee options as well as the availability of additional gutter cleaning coverage.

Liberty Home Guard makes a strong first impression with its user-friendly online quote process. Potential customers can tailor their quote to their exact needs, picking from a wide variety of add-on options to expand their policy’s coverage. The online quote system is very transparent as well, showing customers precisely how much each add-on will cost on a monthly basis, which can make it easier to shop around and compare rates.

It’s less clear what specific types of repairs Liberty’s roof-leak protection covers, but customers can add gutter cleaning coverage to their home warranty. This policy will pay for the policyholder’s gutters to be professionally cleaned once a year, helping to clear debris and prevent leaks and other roof issues.

New customers may want to be aware that their waiting period could run as long as 60 days, but exact time frames vary, and it’s possible there may be coverage much sooner than that. When considering the total cost of coverage, homeowners may find Liberty’s $60 minimum service fee options particularly appealing, as it could lower any out-of-pocket costs that need to be paid when scheduling a repair.

• Learn more with our Liberty Home Guard review

Specs

• Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
• Roof coverage amount: $500
• Standard with policy vs. add-on: Add-on
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

• Low $60 minimum service fee
• Gutter cleaning coverage available
• Transparent and customizable quote process

Cons

• Unclear roof leak coverage terms
• Possible relatively long 60-day waiting period

Also Consider

Select Home Warranty

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• Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Roof coverage amount: $200
• Standard with policy vs. add-on: Standard
• Service fee: $75 to $100
• Claims process: Online, email
• Workmanship guarantee: 30 days

Pros

• Nationwide availability
• Free limited roof coverage with every policy
• 2 months free coverage

Cons

• Low $200 roof coverage amount
• Extremely limited range of types of roof repairs covered
• Relatively short 30-day workmanship warranty

Why It Made the Cut: With a nationwide footprint and roof-leak coverage included in every policy, Select Home Warranty may be a good option for many homeowners across the country. Select Home Warranty stands by providing customers with roof coverage regardless of what type of policy they purchase. Policyholders do not need to buy a separate add-on to receive roof-leak protection. This coverage may be somewhat limited, however, as it exclusively applies to patching roof leaks. Select’s roof coverage limit is also capped at $200, but that amount may be enough to cover the cost to have a technician patch a roof leak, depending on the scope of the job. Any repair work that is completed is guaranteed for 30 days, which is a fairly short period of time for a workmanship guarantee. That being said, Select offers 2 months of free coverage with every policy, which may help make roof-leak protection more affordable for homeowners. In addition, Select Home Warranty offers roof coverage in every state, so homeowners can purchase a plan no matter where in the country they live.

Our Verdict

Our choice for Best Overall goes to American Home Shield on account of the numerous types of roof repairs that can be paid for with its home warranty as well as the high coverage amount included with each roof-leak policy. Choice Home Warranty gets the nod for Runner-Up due to the low rates that customers may qualify for, the lengthy workmanship guarantees on both materials and labor, and the company’s speedy turnaround time on repair requests.

How We Chose the Best Home Warranties for Roof Coverage

We started our research by identifying some of the leading home warranty companies that cover roof leaks, as such coverage is not always available with every provider. We also considered the size of each company’s service area and the availability of roof coverage for homeowners across the country. Specific policy terms, including the types of roof repair jobs covered by a home warranty and the maximum amount providers will spend on repair work, factored into our decision as well. Cost was another important consideration that was weighed when determining the best home warranties for roof coverage. We reviewed the rates, discounts, service fees, and add-on costs from each company to better gauge the total cost of coverage for a homeowner looking for a roof-leak protection policy.

Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage

Home warranties with roof coverage will not pay for every type of roof repair, so homeowners will want to consider the terms of these policies before signing up for a plan. Although the scope of coverage will likely vary, many roof protection policies focus exclusively on repairing leaks while excluding more extensive work. In particular, homeowners may wonder, “Does a home warranty cover roof replacement?” It’s very unlikely that any home warranty would help pay for a full or partial roof replacement. Policies may also only apply to particular styles of roofs. Metal roofs, for example, may not be covered by a home warranty since they are often more expensive to maintain and repair compared with shingle roofs.

In cases where a roof is not eligible for home warranty coverage—or the particular type of repair work is not included—homeowners may want to check the terms of their homeowners insurance. The best homeowners insurance companies can help pay the costs of more extensive roof repairs following covered events. Homeowners may also want to check if their roof is covered under an existing warranty. Builders often offer a roof warranty on new homes, which can cover issues such as defective roof materials or poor workmanship.

Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranties for Roof Coverage

Roof-leak protection is often offered as an add-on option, which may raise the price of a home warranty. While some companies may include standard roof coverage with their premium policies, paying for a higher-tier policy could be just as expensive as purchasing a separate add-on. Homeowners will also want to factor in the service fee on their home warranty policy, as they will need to pay that expense on their own if they want to schedule a technician appointment and have repairs done on their roof. When comparing the costs of the best home warranty companies for roof coverage, homeowners may also want to consider any available discounts that can help reduce their monthly or annual rates.

The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage

A home warranty with roof coverage can help pay for roof repairs that could otherwise be very expensive for homeowners. Combined with the other types of repair work that are covered in a home warranty—such as for various appliances and home systems—a policy with roof-leak protection could be a very shrewd financial decision. This type of home warranty may also be advantageous when homeowners need to hire a professional to look at their roof as soon as possible, as home warranty companies can quickly schedule work with one of their preferred technicians. The best home warranties for roof coverage can offer plenty of other benefits to homeowners, including:

• Coverage for a wide variety of roofing work, such as flashing and seam repair;
• Substantial workmanship guarantees to ensure the quality of repair work; and
• Quick turnaround times when a homeowner submits a repair request and schedules a technician appointment.

FAQs

Finding a home warranty to cover roof repairs can be tricky, as availability may depend on the company’s service options, the homeowner’s location, and the specific policy terms selected. The extent of coverage may vary quite a bit from company to company as well, making it all the more important to vet the best home warranties for roof coverage to find the right fit for every scenario. Addressing some of the most common questions regarding this type of home warranty can help homeowners better understand how roof-leak protection works and what to look for in an ideal policy.

Q. Do home warranties cover roofs?

Standard home warranty policies may not always include coverage for roof leaks and other roof repairs, but it’s often available as an add-on option. Not all home warranty companies offer roof coverage in any capacity, however. As such, there’s no clear-cut answer to the question “Do home warranties cover roofs?” that will apply to every scenario, making it important to check availability when vetting the best home warranties for roof coverage.

Q. What does home warranty roof coverage include?

Many home warranties that offer roof coverage will help pay for repairs to fix leaks, but some policies may be more limited than others. Roof patching is among the most common repair work covered by roof-leak protection policies, but warranties may also provide funds to pay for flashing, seam, and underlayment repairs, among other jobs. It’s a good idea to check coverage details to verify exactly what’s included in home warranty roof coverage.

Q. What types of roof repairs are not included with a home warranty?

Home warranties will not typically pay for full or partial roof replacements, but a policyholder’s homeowners insurance policy might cover those larger projects. In addition, any roof protection included in a home warranty will often only apply to occupied parts of the home, so detached garage roofs would likely be excluded. When considering home warranty vs. homeowners insurance coverage, homeowners may want to purchase both types of policies to protect the home’s structure and its contents to the fullest extent possible.

Q. How long does home warranty roof coverage last?

Home warranty providers often provide different policy lengths for customers to choose from, but annual plans are extremely common. Multiyear policies are frequently available as well and may provide discounted rates to customers who decide to purchase multiple years of coverage up front.

Q. How do I request service on my roof with a home warranty?

In most cases, customers can submit a repair request online through their home warranty provider’s website. They may also be able to file a claim over the phone by speaking with a representative. Once a claim has been submitted, the home warranty provider will reach out to a technician and schedule a service call for the customer.

Q. How long is a roof warranty on a new home?

A roof warranty on a new home can last for several years—sometimes even decades—particularly for shingle roofs. Manufacturers’ warranties on roofs tend to run for much longer than workmanship warranties, and they can protect homeowners in the event that there is a serious defect with the construction of their new home’s roof. To avoid paying for overlapping policies, it’s important for homeowners to check for any existing roof warranties that may already be in effect when deciding whether they need a home warranty with roof-leak protection.

Q. Is home warranty roof protection worth it?

To decide if a home warranty is worth it, homeowners will want to consider the full extent of the coverage included. Home warranties can help pay for all kinds of repair jobs beyond roof leaks, including fixing HVAC systems and replacing broken appliances. Under the right circumstances, a home warranty can save policyholders a lot of money on home repairs.