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Does Insurance Cover Emergency Tarping and Board-Up?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

What Emergency Tarping and Board-Up Covers

Emergency tarping covers a damaged roof with a heavy plastic sheet to keep rain and wind out. Board-up seals broken windows and doors with plywood to stop intruders and weather from getting inside. Both are temporary measures to protect your home until permanent repairs happen.

These services are usually part of what insurance calls 'emergency mitigation' or 'loss prevention.' If a tree falls on your roof during a storm, or a fire damages a wall, tarping and boarding can prevent worse damage like soaked drywall or mold. The goal is to keep the problem from growing.

When Insurance Typically Pays

Insurance generally pays for tarping and board-up when the damage comes from a covered peril, such as a windstorm, hail, fire, or a sudden water leak. If your roof is torn off by high winds, the cost to tarp it is often part of your claim. But if the damage comes from long-term neglect, like a slowly rotting roof, coverage may be denied.

Your policy language is the final word. Some policies have specific limits for emergency repairs, while others include it under your dwelling coverage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Read your policy or call your agent to confirm what your plan includes.

  • Take photos before any work starts
  • Save all receipts for materials and labor
  • Ask the pro to write a brief description of what they did
  • Keep a copy of your policy handy
  • Notify your insurance company as soon as possible

How to Document the Damage for Your Claim

Documentation makes a claim smoother. Before any tarp or board goes up, photograph the damage from several angles. Include wide shots of the whole roof or wall and close-ups of the broken areas. Write down the date and time, and note any weather events like a storm that caused the problem.

After the emergency work is done, keep every receipt and any written report from the pro who did the job. This shows your insurer what was spent and why. Storm damage can happen in any season, so be ready to document it.

Steps to Take Right After the Damage

Act quickly to protect your home. If your roof is leaking, put a bucket under the drip and move valuables away. Call a local water damage pro to assess the situation and do temporary tarping or boarding. Do not wait, because more water or wind can turn a small repair into a big one.

While the pro works, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. They will ask for details about what happened and when. You do not need to wait for an adjuster to visit before doing emergency work, but check your policy first. Most insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

What Happens After the Emergency Work

Once the tarp or board-up is in place, the pro may recommend a water damage inspection to find hidden moisture. That inspection can guide the next steps, like structural drying or dehumidification. These services help prevent mold and wood rot that can follow a leak or flood.

Your insurance claim will cover the emergency work if it is approved. The cost depends on the size of the area, the materials used, and the complexity of the job. Work with the pro to understand what was done, and keep all documentation for your insurer. Then focus on permanent repairs.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to wait for my insurance adjuster before tarping?

Usually not. Emergency tarping and board-up are meant to prevent further damage, so acting quickly is wise. Take photos first, then have the work done. Your insurer can review the claim after, but you should check your policy to see if pre-approval is required.

What if the tarping costs more than my insurance covers?

The cost depends on the roof size, materials, and labor needed. Your policy may have limits for emergency repairs. If the cost exceeds your coverage, you may pay the difference. Ask the pro for a clear breakdown of charges to share with your insurer.

Can I do the tarping myself to save money?

You can try, but a pro often does it faster and more safely, especially on a steep roof or in bad weather. Improper tarping can blow off and cause more damage. If you do it yourself, keep receipts for materials and take photos before and after.

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