# CL-H-01: My roof is leaking after a storm. Can I get someone to fix it now, or do I need to talk to my insurer first?

Collected 11 October 2026

[Home and contents insurance study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/insurance/home-contents-insurance)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: 782b2cd0-f848-4a50-a4e3-4fa0ce9f7238

You can usually get someone to make your roof safe and stop the leak straight away — you generally don’t need to wait for your insurer’s permission to arrange urgent temporary repairs. In New Zealand, the best approach is to contact your insurer as soon as possible while taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

## What to do right now

1. Make the area safe

Keep away from sagging ceilings, water near electrical fittings, and any unstable roof areas. Don't climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof.

2. Take photos and videos

Photograph the leak, water damage, and anything visibly damaged by the storm before moving or repairing things, provided it's safe to do so.

3. Call your insurer's emergency claims line

Tell them the roof is leaking after a storm. Ask whether they have an emergency roofer or preferred repairer and what temporary repairs they will cover. If you can't get through promptly, don't delay essential steps to prevent further damage.

4. Arrange an emergency roofer if needed

Ask for urgent temporary weatherproofing, such as a safe temporary cover or patch, rather than a full roof replacement before the insurer has assessed the damage. Keep invoices and receipts.

## Will insurance pay for the emergency roofer?

It may. If the storm caused sudden damage, your policy may cover eligible repairs, but payment depends on your policy and the insurer's assessment. Don't assume every emergency call-out or repair will be reimbursed. New Zealand's Natural Hazards Commission advises contacting your insurer before urgent work starts and keeping evidence of the work and its cost. [Making urgent repairs :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/making-urgent-repairs/)[Home and contents insurance: How to make a claim](https://www.consumer.org.nz/money/insurance/house-and-contents-insurance/house-and-contents-insurance-what-it-covers-and-how-to-claim)

- Temporary repairs: usually the priority is making the home safe and weathertight and preventing more damage.
- Permanent repairs: wait until the insurer has assessed the damage and explained the next steps.
- If you can't reach your insurer: if water is actively entering, take reasonable, safe steps to limit further damage and document what you do. Don't put yourself at risk.

Official guidance: [Natural Hazards Commission — Making urgent repairs](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/making-urgent-repairs/).

## Let me help you work out your next step

One quick question: Is water actively leaking into your house right now, or has the leak stopped since the storm?

## Gemini

Answer ID: a81538cc-4e04-448a-9438-20a1a544e0f1

When your roof is leaking due to a storm, your immediate priority should be to **prevent further damage (a "make-safe" action)**, but you should also **contact your insurer as soon as possible**. 

You do not necessarily have to wait for a full insurance adjuster site visit before taking emergency action, but you should avoid starting major permanent repairs until your insurer has logged and assessed the damage.

### 1. Take Urgent "Make-Safe" Action Immediately
Under standard New Zealand home insurance policies, you have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate or minimize further loss. If water is actively pouring into your house:
* **Protect your interior:** Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak, and set up buckets or towels to catch water.
* **Safety first:** If water is near electrical fittings or switchboards, turn off the power at the mains. 
* **Temporary emergency repairs:** If it is safe to do so (such as from inside or ground level), you can use a temporary tarp or arrange an emergency call-out from a roofer to patch the hole. 
* **Keep all receipts:** Take photos/videos of the damage first, and keep every receipt for emergency call-outs, tarps, or temporary fixes—these urgent costs are usually covered or reimbursable by your insurer.

### 2. Contact Your Insurer Promptly
Do not delay notifying your insurance company. Most NZ policies require you to report an event that may lead to a claim as soon as practicable. 
* Call your insurer’s claims line or lodge a claim online. 
* Let them know you have an active leak from the storm. They will advise you on whether they want to dispatch their preferred emergency tradespeople or if you can use your own contractor to get a quote.

### 3. What to Avoid Doing Right Now
* **Do not start permanent repairs:** Avoid booking a full roof replacement or permanent structural repairs before your insurer has inspected or approved the scope of work. Doing unauthorized permanent work can complicate or invalidate your claim.
* **Document everything:** Take clear, time-stamped photos and videos of both the exterior roof damage (if safely viewable from the ground) and the interior water damage (ceilings, insulation, walls) before you clean anything up.

**Summary Action Plan:**
1. **Stop the water:** Use buckets, tarps, or call an emergency contractor immediately to prevent interior damage.
2. **Document:** Take extensive photos/videos and save all receipts for temporary fixes.
3. **Notify:** Call your insurer right away to start the claim process and check their preferred procedure for permanent repairs.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: ff477070-0487-46d6-b5a2-04e89199fb03

**You can—and should—arrange immediate temporary repairs to make your home weathertight without waiting for your insurer’s approval.** New Zealand insurance providers (such as AMI, [AA Insurance](https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/blog/natural-hazards/roof-gutter-damage), and [Tower](https://www.tower.co.nz/discover/disaster/what-to-do-in-a-storm/)) explicitly expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your home and belongings.

However, you must **hold off on permanent repairs** until your insurer has assessed the damage and formally approved your claim.

🛠️ What You Should Do Right Now

 * **Call an emergency roofer:** Contact a local professional to perform "make-safe" or temporary work, such as tarping the roof or applying temporary seals to stop active leaking.

 * **Do not climb the roof yourself:** Storm-damaged and wet roofs are incredibly dangerous. Leave the inspection to a qualified tradesperson.

 * **Document everything first:** Before the roofer puts down a tarp or fixes anything, take extensive photos and videos of the damage from ground level, as well as the interior water stains and leaks.

📋 The Insurance Process

To ensure your costs are fully reimbursed, follow these steps while managing the emergency:

Step| Action Required| Why It Matters
---|---|---
**1\. Take Photos**| Capture wide and close-up views of the internal/external damage _before_ any work begins.| Serves as your primary evidence; once a tarp is down, the original damage is hidden.
**2\. Temporary Fix**| Have a professional make the home safe and weathertight. Keep the invoices.| Insurers will generally reimburse reasonable emergency costs to prevent further structural damage.
**3\. Contact Insurer**| Lodge your claim online or via phone as soon as possible. Give them your policy number and details.| This kicks off the formal assessment process and generates your claim number.
**4\. Professional Quote**| Get a detailed written report and quote from the roofer for the permanent repair.| Your insurer or loss adjuster will review this to approve the final payout.

⚠️ Important Warnings

 * **Gradual vs. Sudden Damage:** Insurance covers sudden storm damage (like lifted iron or a fallen branch). It usually **excludes gradual damage** caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or pre-existing rust. The roofer's report will help establish that the storm caused the breach.

 * **Keep All Records:** Retain every text, email, quote, invoice, and receipt from the emergency tradesperson. You will need to submit these to get your out-of-pocket emergency costs back.

If you would like help with the next steps, let me know **what region of New Zealand** you are in so I can recommend emergency roofing services, or tell me **which insurance provider** you use so I can find their direct claims contact details.

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 153c42fb-89b9-443a-8071-53fabcc38d0e

You can—and should—take immediate action to **stop further damage** , but you need to document everything carefully before permanent repairs begin.

 * * **Take immediate photos and video:** Capture wide and close-up shots of the damage inside and outside (only from safe, accessible areas like the ground) before moving anything or starting emergency work.

 * **Arrange urgent/emergency repairs:** You do not have to wait for an insurer's formal sign-off to prevent further destruction (e.g., getting a roofing contractor to put a temporary tarp over a hole or stop an active indoor leak). Insurers expect you to mitigate loss.

 * **Keep all receipts and invoices:** Save every bill, quote, and report from the tradesperson who helps secure your roof.

 * **Contact your insurer promptly:** Notify your private house insurer as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. Let them know if you've already had to hire someone for an emergency temporary fix, provide them with your photos, and ask for their approval before any large-scale or permanent repairs commence.

 *

If you'd like, let me know:

 * **What type of roof** you have (tile, iron, etc.)
 * **Which insurer** your policy is with

I can provide more specific guidance on their typical emergency repair protocols.