60-second summary
Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know about insurance for burst pipes and water damage:
Most standard home insurance policies cover burst pipes, but there are exclusions to be aware of.
Having 'trace and access' insurance could cover the costs of finding the root cause of a leak.
An ‘escape of water’ excess is typically higher than most other home insurance excesses.
A claim may be rejected if a water leak or burst pipe is due to neglect.
You can help prevent leaks by insulating your pipes and switching off outside taps in winter.
Does buildings or contents insurance cover burst water pipes?
Both buildings and contents insurance can cover you for water damage from within your home (known as 'escape of water'), but in different ways.
Buildings insurance covers damage to the structure of your home (walls, floors, etc) by water leaking from a fixed pipe, tank or appliance.
Contents insurance covers water damage to your belongings, such as sofas and carpets.
What water damage isn’t covered by home insurance?
All insurance policies have exclusions, so you won’t be covered for all types and causes of leaks, for example:
Loss or damage caused while the home is unoccupied – you should consider taking out unoccupied home insurance.
Water damage caused by a slow leak or poor maintenance – insurers may consider this to be something you should have identified and repaired or replaced. Examples can include problems caused by corrosion, rust, or inadequate grout or sealant.
Accidental damage that creates a leak – for example, if you drill into a pipe by mistake, unless you have accidental damage cover.
Forgetting to turn the bath or shower off – problems created by overflowing baths and sinks are not likely to be covered.
Damage caused by a blockage you created or didn’t clear – for example not keeping your gutters clear.
Check the policy details before you buy to see exactly what will and won’t be covered.
Will home emergency insurance cover me?
Home emergency cover can help in a crisis, such as a significant sudden water leak.
This can cover the cost of arranging for a tradesperson to come out to your property to fix your emergency as quickly as possible.
It could pay out for the cost of urgent repairs resulting from things such as:
Plumbing problems
Blocked drains
Boiler/heating system issues such as a sudden and serious leak.
This type of insurance only covers the cost of the initial call-out and repairs. But it won’t pay to fix the root cause of the issue. For that, you may be able to claim on your buildings insurance or contents insurance, depending on what’s been damaged.
Boiler cover can help keep your hot water and central heating systems in good repair – if an annual service is included. Whether leaks are covered will depend on your plan, as some offer much wider cover than others.
See more on home emergency cover and boiler cover.
How do I make a water leak claim?
If you have a burst water pipe or a leak, it can leave you with a lot of expensive damage to your home to deal with. Here’s what to do if you discover a water leak, burst pipe or other escape of water.
1. Minimise leak damage
As soon as you spot a leak, or damage caused by a leak, you should act immediately. If you can see what’s causing it, turn off the water supply. You may also want to turn off your electricity if the leak is near sockets or switches.
Move any belongings such as furniture or clothes out of the way to prevent further damage.
2. Contact your insurance provider
Report the leak to your insurance provider straight away. Many providers operate 24-hour helplines. It will advise on next steps in making a claim and could arrange urgent repairs if you have home emergency cover.
You might need to hold off repairing other damage until it has been inspected by your insurer. Confirm this before you get any work done other than stopping the leak and any essential fixes.
3. Record evidence
Take pictures and videos of the leak, along with any damage it has caused, to support your claim.
When you speak to your provider, ask it what you need to do about recording and keeping any evidence. You may need to keep damaged items until a loss adjuster has inspected them.
4. Book a trace and access service
If it’s not clear where the leak is coming from, you might need a leak detection expert to find the root cause of the problem.
If you have trace and access cover as part of your home insurance, it can cover the cost of this.
However, this won’t cover the cost of repairing the leak or any damage it’s caused.
5. Meet with the loss adjuster
Depending on the size and nature of your claim, your insurance provider may send a loss adjuster to investigate. The loss adjuster will:
Work out the cause of the problem
Decide if you’re fully covered
Calculate the cost of repairs.
Your provider will then evaluate whether it will pay out and, if so, how much to settle for.
You can appoint your own loss assessor if you wish to, for example if you disagree with the insurer's estimate.
6. Complete repairs
If your insurer has agreed to pay your claim, confirm whether you’ll need to use its approved tradespeople or if you can appoint your own. Check the terms and conditions of your policy for more info on this.
Did you know?
Escape of water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claim. Insurers pay out £1.8 million for it every day, according to the Association of British Insurers.
What should I do if my pipes are frozen?
If you find that your pipes are frozen, there are steps you can take to prevent or limit any damage:
Turn the water supply off at the mains
Try thawing the pipes with a hot-water bottle or hairdryer, but never pour boiling water directly onto a frozen pipe as it may cause a crack
If this doesn’t work, call a plumber
Call your insurance provider. Most have a 24-hour helpline, so you can reach them at any time of the day or night.
Acting quickly is the best way to prevent the potential damage caused by a burst pipe. If you don’t know where your stopcock is, locate it now so you know for any future emergencies. It’s usually under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs loo.
What to watch out for with escape of water insurance
If you’re looking for a new home insurance policy, or just want to make sure you’re adequately protected by your existing cover, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Check you’re covered for alternative accommodation, in case you need to move out while repairs are being carried out.
Check you’re covered for the cost of repairing or replacing burst pipes. Some policies only cover the damage caused by the leak.
Trace and access insurance can be extremely useful. This can cover the cost of finding the source of a leak. Find out if it’s included in your home insurance.
Check your excess. Claims for escape of water often have a higher compulsory excess – the amount you pay towards any claim.
How can I prevent burst pipes and leaks?
While burst pipes and leaks are sometimes unavoidable, there are a few ways you might be able to reduce the risk:
Insulate your pipes – all pipes and tanks in loft spaces, and anywhere else that could be liable to freezing, should be fully lagged.
Keep the heating on low – if you’re away during a cold snap, set the heating to come on for an hour a day or turn on the frost setting on your thermostat.
Open your loft hatch – this can help prevent cracked pipes by letting warm air circulate in the loft space if you’re not at home in winter.
Install a leak-detection device – these typically sit on the floor by sinks and washing machines to alert you when they come into contact with water, usually via a mobile app. Other devices will monitor your typical water use and alert you if a leak is suspected.
Check for visual signs of a leak – look under sinks and behind bath panels for any tell-tale cracks, drips or leaks.
Use your stopcock – if your pipes burst, the stopcock allows you to turn off the water and limit the damage.
Isolate outdoor taps – at the end of summer, turn off the water supply to outside taps using the internal shut-off valve.
Turn off the water if you’re going away for any length of time.
What if the burst pipe is a mains water pipe?
If a mains water pipe bursts and cuts off your water supply, the water company must restore your supply within 12 hours. If it’s a strategic main pipe, that time limit extends to 48 hours, but your water provider has certain obligations.
For instance, it must tell you:
Where you can access an alternative water supply
When it will have your supply up and running again
Who to call for more information.
If your water company doesn’t fulfil these obligations, you could be entitled to compensation – £20 for the first 24 hours and £10 for every extra day that you’re without a mains water supply.
FAQs
What causes burst pipes?
Freezing temperatures in winter are the biggest cause of burst pipes. Sub-zero temperatures cause any water that’s sitting in your pipes to freeze and expand – eventually causing a crack or rupture. When the ice melts, the water leaks out.
Your pipes might also burst if they become clogged and the water pressure increases.
What is the difference between a flood and an escape of water?
For insurance purposes, a flood is when water comes into your house from an external source, such as an overflowing river or a burst water main.
An escape of water is when the water comes from a source inside your home, such as a pipe.
Why is an escape of water excess so high?
The compulsory excess for escape of water claims is often higher than for other incidents because repairing water damage can be very costly for insurers. This is especially true in winter when frozen pipes can be a big problem.
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As well as writing for Churchill and Privilege insurance websites, Karen’s CV includes working with M&S, Debenhams, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis. With over 20 years of editorial experience for big household names she leads a talented content team with a focus on simplifying personal finance for everybody.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Rachel’s a self-confessed money nerd who’s been writing about personal finance for more than 20 years. She spent 17 years writing for Moneywise, including a few years as Editor, and likes making complicated subjects like insurance, pensions, investing and tax, easy for people to understand.
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