Escape of water guide

Our policy booklet defines a flood as “a sudden release or rapid build-up of water, including groundwater, entering the Buildings or Outbuildings from outside”. 

In general, insurers define flooding as water that has come into the home from the outside, whereas an Escape of Water has come from inside the property. 

If your property is at risk of flooding, we may be able to offer Flood Risk Insurance. 

An excess is the amount you pay towards a claim, deducted from the settlement amount. 

A special excess is a higher excess that applies to certain claims like Flood, Escape of Water, Subsidence, Landslip or Heave, because these claims are frequent and often costly. 

This special excess usually applies in addition to your standard excess and may apply separately to buildings and contents. The exact amounts are shown on your policy schedule. 

Yes, certain types of properties are considered higher risk for Escape of Water claims. Examples include: 

– Older properties – Older plumbing systems are more prone to corrosion and pipe deterioration and may also be harder to access to repair. 

– Unoccupied properties – An Escape of Water can go unnoticed for longer, which can lead to more damage. This is the same for Second Homes and Holiday Homes.

– Multi-unit dwellings – Including blocks of flats, where shared pipework can mean one leak may affect multiple properties, especially with more kitchens, bathrooms, and appliances per building. 

– Properties with complex plumbing – Multiple bathrooms, underfloor heating, and water features. 

Escape of Water claims are typically one of the top home insurance claim types in the UK, both in terms of frequency and cost. In fact, they make up approximately one-third of home insurance claims, costing millions of pounds each year. 

Common causes of Escape of Water include: 

– Burst or leaking pipes – This can be caused by freezing temperatures, corrosion, accidental damage, or poor installation. See our Guide to Dealing with Frozen Pipes. 

– Leaking appliances – E.g. washing machines, dishwashers, fridges with water dispensers, or water tanks. 

– Overflowing baths, sinks, or toilets – Often because of blockages, or when taps are left running. 

– Central heating system failure – This can be from radiators, boilers, or underfloor heating pipes. 

– Aquariums and water features – Accidental breakage or failure of parts can cause water to escape into the property.