Does homeowners insurance cover a ceiling leak?

Yes, if the leak is sudden and accidental, like wind-driven rain, a busted pipe boot, or a limb through the deck. Coastal South Carolina adds a wrinkle. A leak during a named storm (39 mph winds or more) triggers your named-storm deductible, usually 2 to 5 percent of dwelling coverage. That replaces the $1,000 standard deductible. Beach-plan policies through the South Carolina coastal wind insurer carry a separate wind and hail deductible on top. Roofs older than 15 years often settle on actual cash value, the depreciated payout instead of full replacement. Slow leaks from a worn pipe boot get denied as maintenance. Document with photos, file inside the policy window, and call a roofer before the adjuster shows up.