Skylight leak coverage

Skylight leak coverage is a subset of homeowners insurance that may pay for water damage caused by sudden and accidental leaks from skylights, provided the cause is covered under your policy. Most standard HO-3 policies exclude wear-and-tear or maintenance issues, so insurers like State Farm and Allstate typically deny claims if the leak results from poor installation or aging materials.

Insurers require proof of direct physical loss–such as storm damage–for claim approval; for example, a hailstorm breaking the skylight glass qualifies but gradual deterioration does not. Policyholders must document damages with photos and repair estimates to support their claim, as adjusters often request evidence during inspection.

Deductibles apply before coverage activates; for instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and repairs cost $2,500, you receive $1,500 from your insurer. Some carriers offer endorsements that expand water damage protection to include more causes of skylight leaks; Travelers provides such riders at an average annual increase of $50–$100 in premium.

Claims history affects future premiums because multiple water-related claims can raise rates by 20% or more according to Insurance.Com’s 2023 survey data. Exclusions commonly listed are pre-existing conditions and mold resulting from unresolved leaks unless you purchase specific mold remediation coverage, YourInsurance.info reports.