A hidden water leak is a source of immense stress for any homeowner. The anxiety of a rising water bill and the fear of structural damage are immediate, but often, the biggest concern is the cost. Will you have to pay thousands of pounds just to find the source of the problem?
The short answer is: in most cases, yes, your home insurance policy can help. However, the details are critical. This guide will walk you through the specifics of UK insurance coverage, explain the crucial ‘Trace and Access’ clause, and show you exactly what to do to ensure your claim is successful.
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The financial threat of a water leak
You have the right to choose your own contractor
Why your claim depends on a professional service
Simple steps to a successful insurance claim
The financial threat of a water leak
Before we delve into the insurance details, it’s essential to understand the scope of the problem. A water leak isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a major financial risk. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), UK insurers pay out a staggering £1.8 million every day for ‘escape of water’ claims. Water damage is the most common reason for home insurance claims, and the average cost is well over £2,500. However, the cost of a hidden leak can skyrocket if it requires extensive investigation or causes significant structural damage.
This is where your insurance policy becomes your most important ally.
What is Trace and Access cover?
Most home insurance policies don’t just cover the damage caused by a leak, they also cover the cost of finding it. This is thanks to a specific clause known as ‘Trace and Access’ cover.
So, what is it?
Trace:
The ‘trace’ part refers to the process of professionally locating the source of the leak. This involves using non-destructive, specialist equipment such as thermal cameras, acoustic listening devices, or tracer gas to pinpoint the exact location of the leak without ripping up your floors or walls.
Access:
The ‘access’ part refers to the cost of getting to the leak once it has been located. For example, it would cover the cost of removing floorboards, cutting into a wall, or lifting tiles to expose the pipe that needs repairing. It also covers the cost of repairing the area that was disturbed in the process of gaining access.
It’s crucial to understand that Trace and Access typically does not cover the cost of repairing the leak itself (e.g. replacing the pipe). This cost is usually covered under a separate Escape of Water clause in your buildings insurance policy.
You have the right to choose your own contractor
When you call your insurer about a claim, they will almost always try to direct you to a list of their ‘approved’ or ‘preferred’ contractors. This is because they have pre-negotiated, lower rates with these companies.
However, in the UK, you have the legal right to choose your own contractor for leak detection and repairs.
Your insurer cannot force you to use their supplier. While they may try to influence your decision by suggesting it will simplify the process, choosing an independent professional offers several advantages:
- Expertise over cost: An independent specialist is not beholden to the insurer’s budget. They can focus on providing the most thorough, high-quality service, which is in your best interest.
- Non-destructive guarantee: An independent firm will use non-destructive methods to protect your property and ensure you don’t pay for unnecessary damage.
- Unbiased report: A report from an independent contractor is seen as unbiased and will carry weight with your insurer, giving you a stronger position when negotiating your claim.
It’s important to check your policy for any clauses about an ‘additional excess’ for not using an approved supplier, but know that you can often challenge these terms. Always inform your insurer that you are choosing your own contractor and will be sending them a formal report for their review.
Why your claim depends on a professional service
Your insurance company will only cover the cost of finding a leak if the method used is considered ‘reasonable’ and non-destructive. This is a key reason why attempting a DIY search is a major mistake.
An unprofessional, destructive search could lead to your insurer refusing to reimburse you for the costs of repairing the damage you caused. A professional leak detection service, however, provides two things your insurer needs to approve a claim:
- Non-destructive methods: Professionals use advanced techniques that prove you’ve made a reasonable attempt to find the leak with minimal disruption.
- Expert reports: A professional will provide a detailed report outlining their methodology, the location of the leak, and photographic evidence. This report is exactly what your insurer needs to process your claim quickly and without dispute.
By hiring a professional such as Ideal Response, you are not just finding the leak, you are building a compelling case for your insurance claim.
The simple steps to a successful insurance claim
Facing a leak can feel overwhelming, but following a clear process can streamline your insurance claim and save you stress and money.
- Stop the water: As soon as you suspect a leak, turn off your main water supply at the stopcock to prevent further damage.
- Contact your insurer: This is the most important step. Notify your insurer immediately and ask for advice. They may want to recommend a specific company or give you an ‘okay to proceed’ to find your own.
- Engage a professional: A professional leak detector will use non-destructive methods to find the leak and will provide a formal report for your claim.
- Submit your claim: Use the professional’s report and any photos or videos you took to submit your claim.
- Get quotes for repair: Once the leak is found, you can get quotes to repair the leak itself and any damage it caused, which your main buildings insurance should cover.
It is important to remember that a professional leak detector can provide a quote on site for repair (if it is more than a temporary or simple fix). By following these steps, you demonstrate to your insurer that you acted responsibly and that your claim is legitimate.
What you must know to avoid a rejected claim
While Trace and Access cover is a fantastic safety net, there are a few reasons your claim might be rejected:
- Ingress vs escape of water: Trace and Access only covers ‘escape of water’ (a leak from a pipe or appliance). It does not cover ‘ingress of water’ (e.g. water coming in through a leaky roof or window).
- Gradual leaks: Some insurers may reject claims for damage caused by leaks that occurred gradually over a long period, arguing it was a lack of maintenance. This is why acting quickly is crucial.
- Lack of evidence: Without a professional report and supporting evidence, your insurer has no proof that a leak was the cause of the damage.
A professional leak detection service not only finds your leak but also provides the necessary documentation to protect your claim.
Discover how our leak detection service identified the cause of water ingress in the basement of a 1900s property and stopped further secondary damage. Read the case study.
Don’t let a small leak become a disaster
A hidden water leak is a silent threat to your home and your finances. But thanks to Trace and Access insurance cover, you don’t have to face the financial burden alone. The key is to act quickly, understand your policy, and call in an independent professional. By taking these steps, you not only protect your property but also take control of the situation and turn a moment of crisis into a straightforward, manageable solution.
Don’t let an unseen leak damage your home and your finances. Contact our professional team for a non-destructive assessment that your insurance company will trust.
FAQs about leak detection and insurance cover
What exactly is 'Trace and Access' insurance cover?
Trace and Access is a specific clause in most UK home insurance policies that covers the cost of finding a hidden water leak and the subsequent cost of accessing it (e.g., removing floorboards or cutting into a wall). It typically does not cover the cost of repairing the leak itself or the damage the leak has caused, which is usually handled by your standard escape of water coverage.
How much does professional leak detection cost?
The cost of professional leak detection in the UK can vary based on the complexity and location of the leak. However, the typical range is between £550 to £1,250. The good news is that if your policy includes ‘Trace and Access’ cover, these costs are often covered, which is why a professional service is a smart investment.
Can I find a hidden water leak myself?
While you can look for common signs like a high water bill or damp patches, finding the exact source of a hidden leak is best left to professionals. A DIY approach can lead to unnecessary, expensive damage as you may have to tear up walls or floors on a guess. Professionals use non-destructive methods to pinpoint the leak with pinpoint accuracy, which is essential for an insurance claim.
What are the most common signs of a hidden water leak?
The most common signs are an unexplained spike in your water bill, damp or discoloured patches on walls and ceilings, a persistent musty smell, and the sound of trickling water when all taps are off. If you notice any of these, it’s a strong indication that you have a hidden leak.
How do professionals find a hidden leak without causing damage?
Professional leak detection services use advanced, non-invasive technology to locate the source of a leak. Common methods include acoustic listening (using highly sensitive microphones to hear escaping water), thermal imaging (using cameras to detect temperature changes), and tracer gas (injecting a harmless gas that escapes at the leak point).
If you’re interested in the technical side of leak detection, learn more about the equipment used by reading How leak detection works: Tools and techniques explained.
Dave Knight - Leak Detection Technical Manager
With over 26 years' experience in property damage restoration, our Leak Detection Technical Manager is a seasoned expert. He brings a specialised focus of 21 years in leak detection and trace & access claims, including 10 years as the owner of a specialist leak detection company. He uses advanced, non-invasive technology to find leaks with minimal disruption in both domestic and commercial settings. His extensive water leak detection qualifications, including WRAS and BDMA, and his experience leading projects across the UK and Europe, highlight his expertise.
