Does home insurance cover water leaks?  - Morgan Clark (2024)

A complete guide to water leaks and home insurance

What is water leak insurance?

Water leak insurance, often referred to as ‘escape of water insurance‘, is a cover specifically designed to protect policyholders when they suffer water-related damage. It typically applies when there is a water leak, burst pipe, or overflow in a home or business premises.

Water leak insurance provides cover to repair or replace damage to buildings and/or contents, it also addresses any additional costs incurred as a result of the water leak, such as mould remediation or temporary accommodation

Escape of water is one of the most common types of home insurance claims with insurers paying out £1.8m for it every day.

The aftermath of a burst water pipe or a leak can leave you with a big bill. In this article, we explore how home insurance can safeguard both you and your finances if you have a water leak.

What type of home insurance covers water leaks?

Most home insurance policies will cover later leaks, however, there will be exclusions so you should always check your insurance policy carefully. There are differences between the cover for buildings and contents as we explain here:

Buildings insurance & water leaks

Home building insurance usually provides cover for damage caused to your home by water leaking from any fixed tank, appliance or pipe. This will include damage to the structure of the building i.e. walls, ceilings and floors.

It is important to note that wear and tear is not insured because it is a gradual process that is not caused by a sudden or unexpected event. Insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen losses and wear and tear is not unforeseen. It is something that is expected to happen over time.

For a claim to be insured, it must be caused by a single event. This means that the damage must be sudden and unexpected. For example, if a pipe bursts in your home due to a rapid freeze and thaw caused by extreme temperatures, that would be an insured event. However, if your pipes burst because they were not maintained over time and they eroded naturally causing a leak, that would not be an insured event.

Contents insurance & water leaks

The cover for contents is usually similar in that it provides cover for damage caused to your home contents such as furniture and carpets by water leaking from any fixed tank, appliance or pipe. However, if you have accidental damage as part of your cover you’ll also be covered if you cause a leak yourself, by accidentally drilling into a water pipe for example.

Policy cover can differ significantly, making it essential to review your home insurance documents to precisely understand what’s included in your coverage and, equally importantly, what falls outside its scope.

Home insurance water leak FAQs

Is water damage from plumbing leaks covered by Home Insurance?

Yes, plumbing leaks are generally covered by home insurance. This is usually referred to as an “escape of water” cover. It covers damage to your home and belongings caused by water leaking or overflowing from fixed pipes, tanks, and other equipment. This typically includes leaks from baths, showers, built-in fish tanks, and plumbed-in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.

What type of water leaks are covered by Home Insurance

Escape of water insurance covers damage to your building, contents, or both, caused by water leaking or overflowing from fixed pipes, tanks, and other equipment. This typically includes leaks from baths, showers, and toilets. As long as the damage is caused by a sudden or unexpected event, and not wear and tear.

Does Home Insurance protect against leaks from water tanks?

Yes, leaks from water tanks are generally covered by home insurance. This is usually referred to as an “escape of water” cover. It covers damage to your home and belongings caused by water leaking or overflowing from fixed pipes, tanks, and other equipment.

Can I purchase additional cover for accidental water damage?

Yes, you can usually purchase accidental damage cover, which would protect you from leaks caused by accidentally drilling through a water pipe, for example. Accidental damage cover isn’t normally included as standard on your home or contents insurance, so it is worth checking.

What should I do if I experience a water leak in my home?

If you discover a water leak, it’s essential to act quickly. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their guidance for making a claim. You may need to provide evidence of the damage and take steps to prevent further damage, such as turning off the water supply.

Find out more about how to make a successful water leak insurance claim.

In summary, water leak insurance is an essential element of your home insurance policy. It helps protect your property and belongings from the financial impact of water-related mishaps. While understanding the specifics of your policy and the extent of its protection can help you prepare for unexpected water leak incidents, without the expertise of a professional Loss Assessor by your side, you could find yourself navigating the complexities of an insurance claim alone.

When you work with Morgan Clark, we step in immediately to manage the entire claim process, from overseeing the repair process, drying and cleaning to signing off the final refurbishment.

Our team of experienced Loss Assessors are dedicated to streamlining your insurance claim, reducing your time commitment, and working in your best interests.