Claims rejected

As a struggling single mom , I was finally able to buy a house that was registered in November 2016. I obviously had to take out home owners insurance which I did. Buying a home came with challenges, first challenge shortly after I moved in was a leaking roof and damp which was not disclosed , I immediately contacted the Estate agent , and after some confrontation and deliberation, they agreed to pay half to have it repaired. I agreed to this. A year later, after heavy storms in December 2017 and the roof is leaking again. I contacted my insurance - Hollard . They sent out an assessor who said that it was lack of maintenance. I then argued but I have had it repaired and due to the storms this is what happened. They refused to listen and rejected my claim . They would pay for the walls to be repainted where it leaked, however that would be approximately the same price as my excess. How can a struggling individual ever win if the Insurance companies are not there to assist? There is a reason we have these policies in place. I am tired of being taken for a ride!!