Escape of water is one of the most frequent and most expensive home insurance claims in the UK, from burst pipes to leaking dishwashers. Knowing what your policy covers and what to do first helps you get the claim paid without unnecessary delay.
What counts as escape of water
Escape of water means water escaping where it should not: a frozen or burst pipe, a failed washing machine hose, a leaking radiator, or water from a neighbour’s flat above. It is distinct from flood, which comes from outside the home, and from gradual damp, which policies usually exclude.
Is it covered
Most standard buildings policies cover the damage caused by escape of water and the cost of tracing and accessing the leak. The item that failed, such as the appliance or the pipe section, is often not covered unless it was damaged by an insured event. Check your wording, and our guide to reading your policy shows where these definitions sit.
What to do first
- Stop the source and turn off the water if you can do so safely.
- Take photographs of the damage before clearing up.
- Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
- Notify your insurer promptly and follow its claims steps.
How the claim is assessed
The insurer or a loss adjuster will assess the cause and the extent of damage. Our guide to making a claim walks through the process, and our explainer on settlements covers how payouts are calculated. Claims are sometimes reduced where the leak was long running and you failed to act, so report problems early.
Reducing the risk
Lag pipes in cold areas, know where your stopcock is, and fix small drips before they spread. Good maintenance also supports a claim, because policies expect you to keep the property in reasonable repair.