Escape of water is one of the most common home and business insurance claims. In this post we’ll explore the common causes of escape of water claims, discuss how much these claims might cost, and explain how you can ensure you have the cover you need for your home.
Got any questions about getting the right insurance for your home and its contents? Our friendly team of experts can help give you peace of mind that your most valuable possessions are covered. You can call us on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
What is Escape of Water?
Escape of water insurance is cover for water damage to your home. But unlike flood insurance, which mainly covers you for natural events or burst water mains, escape of water insurance covers you for damages caused by water leaks from inside the home.
Common Causes of Escape of Water Claims
- Faulty electrical appliances (such as washing machines or boilers).
- Leaking from fixed water tanks.
- Leaking from fixed central heating system, and radiators.
- Blocked toilets.
- Burst pipes (particularly in freezing weather).
- Cracked or damaged fish tanks and aquariums.
How Common are Escape of Water Claims?
Water escape claims are among the most common of all home insurance claims. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), escape of water accounts for over 25% of all domestic property claims.
How Much Do Escape Water Claims Cost?
It’s hard to say what the average cost of an escape of water claim is, as it all depends on the nature and severity of the problem. Yet to give you an idea of how much insurers might pay out for an escape of water claim, many insurers set a limit of around £5,000 for pay-outs.
Why so much? Because even a small household leak can cause a lot of damage. Insurers may have to pay for damage to pipes, tanks, equipment, and electricals – which is to say nothing of the costs associated with cleaning and replacing floors, carpet, and upholstery.
Also, sometimes the source of the leak will be hidden. When fixing the problem, tradesmen may have to remove parts of your home’s inside structure, such as walls or flooring. So as well as fixing the source of the leak, and any damages they cause, they’ll also have to pay for the damages caused by finding the source of the leak.
The costs can quickly add up. This is why many escape of water claims are pretty high, and why insurers may set strict limits on the amount they’ll pay out for a claim.
Reduce The Risk of Escape of Water Claims In Your Home
Many escape of water disasters are at heart DIY disasters. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can quite easily drill into a water pipe when doing something simple, like putting up shelves. Or if you’re attempting your own home plumbing, incorrectly installing taps or pipes, or even failing to shut off your valves before you start work, can lead to escape of water.
So if you are attempting DIY, use a stud finder to ensure you don’t accidentally drill into any pipes. Or better yet, use a trusted professional to do the work for you.
How to Prevent Escape of Water at Home
Here are some other things you can do to help prevent escape of water in your home:
- Keep your guttering clean and clear.
- Never ignore a faulty or dripping tap, and don’t disregard any issues with your washing machine or other appliances.
- Regularly check your bath, shower, fish tank, sinks, toilet, and any other water containers in your house for signs of leaks or damage. Also get your boiler and central heating system checked regularly.
- Avoid blocking your drains – don’t pour any cooking fat, grease, or oil down the plug when you’re washing up. Also clean your bathroom drains as often as possible.
- Prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter through trying to keep the temperature in your house at least at 12° You can also open your loft hatch to heat this space during cold spells.
Are You Covered For Escape of Water?
Escape of water is one of the most common of all domestic insurance claims. But don’t assume that your home insurance gives you the cover you need. There may be gaps and exceptions in your policy that mean you won’t be able to make a claim should you face a flood in your home.
At Anthony Jones, we specialise in helping homeowners find the right level of cover for your home and its contents. Our friendly team of experts can help give total you peace of mind that your home insurance policy will give you all the cover you need. You can call us on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
