Trace and access cover
Never heard of trace and access cover? You’re not the only one. But it could prove vital in an emergency. Here’s what you need to know about this very useful aspect of your home insurance.
Never heard of trace and access cover? You’re not the only one. But it could prove vital in an emergency. Here’s what you need to know about this very useful aspect of your home insurance.
60-second summaryHere’s your one-minute snapshot of trace and access cover:
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What’s trace and access cover?
‘Trace and access’ is the part of a home insurance policy that covers the cost of finding the source of a water leak.
If, for example, you’ve had a pipe freeze and burst somewhere in your home it can be hard to figure out where the water’s coming from. And the longer it goes uncontained, the more damage it can do.
Trace and access cover means you can call your insurance provider and get their help to deal with it right away, knowing the cost of finding the leak is covered.
Does trace and access insurance come as standard?
Not always, no. Some home insurance policies include trace and access cover, others don’t. Check your policy to see if you’re covered.
If you are covered, you may find your policy has a limit of between £5,000 and £10,000.
If you don’t have trace and access cover, you should be able to add it for a fee. So it’s worth weighing up the benefits.
While it could give you peace of mind, remember that the cost of repairing the leak and any damage caused is usually covered by your buildings insurance as standard.
What does trace and access typically cover?
Trace and access insurance covers you for the cost of investigative work to find the source of a leak.
This usually includes escape of water from any appliance or heating system and possibly escape of oil from a domestic oil tank.
It may also cover the costs of repairing any damage caused by the investigation.
What doesn’t trace and access insurance cover?
Trace and access insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost of repairing the leak or any damage caused by ‘escape of water’. This includes the cost of fixing your appliances, tanks or heating systems.
Damage to your property as the result of a leak is usually covered by your home insurance policy.
However, do check any ‘escape of water’ terms and conditions to see exactly what repairs you’re covered for. There may be some exclusions.
For example, if a maintenance issue – such as rising damp from a failed damp-proof course – causes the leak, you might not be covered for damage.
How do I claim on my trace and access insurance if there’s a leak?
If there’s a leak somewhere in your home and you can’t see what’s causing it, here’s what to do:
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Your insurance provider may want to send an approved tradesperson to trace and isolate the leak.
- Keep any evidence, such as photos, in case your insurance provider asks for it.
- If it’s an emergency and you can’t wait for the approved tradesperson to arrive, tell your insurance provider and keep any receipts for work carried out.
Am I responsible for underground water pipes?
You, or you along with your neighbours, are responsible for the supply pipe that delivers water to your home. So it’s up to you to keep it maintained.
If your home shares its supply pipe with one or more properties, you’ll have:
- Joint responsibility with your neighbours for the section (or sections) of water pipe supplying you and your neighbours.
- Sole responsibility for the section of pipe providing water only to your own property.
If there’s a leak in the supply pipe, understanding exactly where it is and whose responsibility it is may be crucial.
If you have a leak on your private underground supply pipe, trace and access cover can help you find the source of the problem.
Your water company is unlikely to help you find and repair it, though it may contribute towards the cost of having it fixed. Contact your water supplier to see what they can do.
If a drain on your property is damaged, check what your trace and access cover says about drains, pipes and cables. It may, for example, cover damage caused by tree roots.
Anna McEntee – Home, travel and pet insurance expert
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Rebecca Goodman – Personal finance expert
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs. Rebecca regularly writes for national newspapers including The Independent and The Mail on Sunday on a wide-range of financial topics. She covers everything from money-saving tips and holiday advice to investigations into how energy efficient appliances can cut the cost of household bills and the impact donating money can have on those in need. Along with features in national papers, Rebecca also writes news stories for websites including Yourmoney.com and The Money Edit.
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