Escape of water claim: what's covered and how to maximise it

'Escape of water' is the insurance term for damage from an internal leak: pipes, tanks, heating or appliances. Most home policies cover it, but it carries a higher excess and is where settlements are most often too low.

What "escape of water" means

Escape of water is damage caused by water getting out of something inside your home: a burst pipe, a leaking joint, an overflowing tank, a failed washing machine or dishwasher, or a central-heating leak. It is the insurance industry's own term, and it covers one of the most common home claims.

Flooding is the other thing: water coming in from outside, from rivers, surface water or storms. That distinction decides which part of your policy responds.

Sudden vs gradual: the exclusion that catches people out

A sudden escape of water is covered. A gradualleak that you could have spotted and fixed, say a failing shower seal or a weeping joint left for months, is usually excluded as "wear and tear". Insurers reduce or refuse more escape-of-water claims on that ground than any other.

Prove the cause was sudden

Photos, dates, and a plumber's report showing a sudden failure are what turn a "wear and tear" refusal into a paid claim.

Why the excess is higher

Because escape of water is so frequent and costly, insurers often set a higher compulsory excess for it, commonly £250 to £500. Factor it in, though the damage usually runs well beyond it, so it rarely changes whether a claim is worth making.

Trace and access explained

You can often claim trace and access: the cost of finding a hidden leak, lifting floors and opening walls, then putting everything back afterwards. Insurers leave this out of a settlement more often than not, so check it is there. Our full guide to trace and access claims covers the limits, the four reasons these get refused, and how to challenge one.

Getting a fair settlement

A full escape-of-water settlement covers buildings, contents, trace and access, and alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable. If your offer looks low or the claim has been refused, you can challenge it. On larger claims a loss assessor working for you renegotiates it.

Get a free claim review

Not sure your escape-of-water offer is fair? We'll review it, with no obligation.

Common questions

What does escape of water mean on my insurance?

Escape of water is damage caused by water leaking or bursting from something inside your home: pipes, heating, a tank, or an appliance. It is different from flooding, which is water entering from outside.

Why is the excess on escape of water so high?

Because these claims are frequent and expensive, insurers often apply a higher compulsory excess for escape of water, commonly £250 to £500, than for other claims.

Is a slow, gradual leak covered?

Usually not. Sudden, accidental leaks are covered; gradual damage from wear and tear or poor maintenance is typically excluded. Evidence that the leak was sudden is central to a successful claim.