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Is Emergency Board-Up Covered by Your Homeowners Policy?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

What Board-Up Coverage Usually Includes

Emergency board-up typically covers the cost of sealing broken windows, doors, or roof openings with plywood or similar materials. This work prevents further damage from weather, animals, or intruders after a covered event like a storm or fire. Your policy may pay for the materials and labor, but often up to a set dollar limit.

That limit might be a few hundred dollars or more, depending on your policy. You might need to pay your deductible first. Some policies treat board-up as part of the broader dwelling coverage, while others have a separate endorsement. Reading your policy declarations page or asking your insurance agent can clarify what applies to your situation.

How to Document the Damage

Before any board-up work begins, take clear photos and videos of the damage. Capture the broken window, the hole in the roof, or the damaged door from several angles. This documentation helps support your claim and shows the condition before temporary repairs were made.

Keep receipts for any materials you buy or work you pay for. If you hire a local handyman to do the boarding, get an itemized invoice. Your insurer may ask for these documents when you file a claim. Store them in a safe place, like a waterproof folder or a digital cloud account.

When to Secure Your Home Right Away

If a storm breaks a window or a fire damages a door, your home becomes vulnerable to rain, wind, and theft. You should take steps to secure the opening as soon as it is safe to do so. Boarding up is a temporary measure to protect your property until permanent repairs can happen.

You can do the work yourself if you have the skills and materials, or you can hire a local handyman. Either way, document what you did and what it cost. For a large opening or a high roof, consider calling a professional to avoid injury. Safety comes first.

Common Exclusions and Limits

Board-up is usually tied to a covered cause of loss, like wind, hail, or fire. If the damage comes from a flood, your homeowners policy may not cover it at all. Flood coverage is often a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies exclude board-up if the damage was caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. Check your policy for specific language about temporary repairs. If you are unsure, ask your insurance agent before you spend money on materials or labor.

Steps to Take After the Storm

After a severe storm, check your home for broken windows, damaged doors, or holes in the roof. If you find any, take photos and then secure the opening with plywood or a heavy tarp. Make sure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand wind and rain.

Keep a list of any temporary repairs you make, along with the cost of materials. If you hire someone, get a written receipt. Then file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will guide you on what documentation they need and what steps come next.

  • Take photos of each damaged area before boarding
  • Use exterior-grade plywood for window and door openings
  • Screw the plywood into the frame, not just the glass
  • Cover roof holes with a tarp secured by wood battens
  • Save every receipt for materials and labor
  • Call your insurance agent to report the loss

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Frequently asked questions

Does board-up coverage pay for a roof tarp?

Often, yes. If a storm damages your roof, a tarp may be considered a temporary repair to prevent water intrusion. Your policy may cover the cost of the tarp and installation, up to your coverage limit. Check your policy or ask your agent to confirm.

What if I board up my own windows?

You can board up your own windows, and your policy may still cover the cost of materials. Keep your receipts and take photos. Your insurer may reimburse you for the plywood and screws, but labor you do yourself is not usually paid.

Is board-up covered if the damage is from a flood?

Flood damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners policies. Board-up after a flood would not be covered under that policy. You would need separate flood insurance. Check your flood policy for details on temporary repairs.

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