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Does Insurance Cover Emergency Tarping Costs?

Last updated October 23, 2026

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The short answer

Defining Emergency Tarping for Insurance

Emergency tarping is a temporary, protective measure taken immediately after a water intrusion event. It involves securing a heavy-duty tarp over a damaged roof or opening to prevent more rain, wind, or debris from entering. This step is common after a sudden storm or roof leak to protect your home's interior from further damage.

Insurance companies view this as a form of emergency mitigation. The key is that the action is reasonable and necessary to stop damage from worsening. It is not a permanent repair. The goal is to stabilize the situation so a full assessment and permanent repairs can be safely scheduled.

When Tarping Is Likely Covered

Coverage often depends on the source of the original damage. If the root cause is a sudden, accidental event listed in your policy, tarping costs are more likely covered. Common covered perils include windstorms, hail, falling trees, or damage from a vehicle. The tarping must be a direct response to that specific, covered incident.

For example, if a severe windstorm tears shingles off your roof, tarping it to prevent rain from soaking your attic is a covered mitigation cost. If you tarp a roof that has been slowly leaking for months due to wear and tear, that is considered maintenance and is typically not covered. The timing and cause are critical factors.

  • Damage from a sudden windstorm or hail.
  • A tree limb puncturing your roof.
  • Vandalism or accidental impact damage.
  • Damage from a fire or lightning strike.
  • Water intrusion from a burst pipe in the attic.
  • Any sudden event listed as a covered peril in your policy.

Steps to Take for Insurance Claims

Your first call after ensuring safety should be to your insurance company to start a claim. Before covering anything, take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. This documentation proves the necessity of the emergency tarping. Next, you can call the pros to perform the tarping safely and effectively.

Keep all receipts and invoices from the professionals who did the work. Submit this documentation to your insurance adjuster as part of your claim file. Detailed records help your adjuster understand the scope of the emergency and the costs incurred. Never proceed with permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the site.

Potential Reasons for Denial

Insurance may not cover tarping if the underlying damage is from an excluded peril. Common exclusions include floods, sewer backups, or general wear and tear. If your policy has a specific exclusion for the cause, the mitigation costs for that cause will also be denied. Always check your policy's exclusions section carefully.

Claims can also be denied if you cannot prove the tarping was necessary. A lack of photos showing the pre-tarp damage is a major hurdle. If you perform the tarping yourself without professional documentation, the insurer may question the cost or necessity. They typically reimburse for reasonable, professional service rates, not do-it-yourself materials.

Working with Water Damage Professionals

The pros are trained in proper emergency tarping techniques. They secure tarps to prevent further water entry and wind uplift. Their work creates a safer environment for the subsequent inspection and drying process. Their detailed invoice also serves as vital proof of the mitigation work for your insurer.

These professionals can often provide a detailed report and photos of the initial damage as part of their service. This professional documentation strongly supports your insurance claim. They can also coordinate the next steps, such as water extraction and structural drying, once the site is secured and your adjuster has given approval to proceed.

  • Secure and waterproof temporary containment.
  • Provide a detailed work invoice for your claim.
  • Document the pre-mitigation damage with photos.
  • Advise on safety hazards like unstable structures.
  • Prepare the site for the insurance adjuster's inspection.
  • Prevent secondary damage like mold growth.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does emergency tarping cost?

Costs vary widely based on roof size, pitch, and damage severity. It often ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. The final price depends on materials, labor, and accessibility. Your insurance may reimburse these costs if the damage is from a covered event.

Should I tarp the roof myself?

It is not recommended. Roof work after a storm is hazardous. Improper tarping can cause more damage and may lead an insurer to deny the cost. The pros have the equipment and training to do it safely and correctly, which supports your claim.

What if I can't get a pro right away?

Take extensive photos and videos of the damage from the ground and, if safe, from inside the attic. Protect interior belongings by moving them away from leaks. Contact your insurer immediately to report the situation and ask for guidance on approved mitigation vendors in your area.

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