A burst pipe, a leaking tank or a failed washing machine hose can ruin a home in hours. If you are searching for escape of water insurance information, you are probably dealing with a very stressful situation right now, or trying to be ready for one. This guide explains what escape of water means, what your insurance usually covers and how to make a claim.
At Sabre Assessing we act only for policyholders, never for insurers, and escape of water is one of the most common claims we handle.
What is escape of water?
Escape of water, sometimes shortened to EOW, means water that escapes suddenly from a fixed system in your property. Typical examples include burst or leaking pipes, failed seals or hoses on appliances, overflowing baths or sinks, and leaking radiators or tanks.
It is different from flood, which is water entering from outside such as rising rivers or surface water. The two are often covered under separate headings of a policy, so the cause matters.
What does escape of water insurance usually cover?
- Damage to the building. Walls, ceilings, floors, plaster and fixtures damaged by the escaping water.
- Damage to contents. Furniture, carpets, electrical items and belongings, if you have contents cover.
- Drying out and repairs. The cost of stripping out, drying and reinstating affected areas.
- Alternative accommodation. Many policies pay for somewhere to stay if the property is uninhabitable.
- Tracing the leak. Some policies pay for finding the source and accessing the pipe, though not always for repairing the pipe itself.
What is often not covered?
- The repair of the faulty pipe or appliance itself, as opposed to the damage caused.
- Gradual leaks, wear and tear or long-term damp.
- Damage caused by lack of maintenance.
- Empty or unoccupied homes beyond a set number of days.
- Frozen pipes if the property was not heated, depending on the policy.
Water damage claims that involve the roof are covered in our guide on whether house insurance covers a leaking roof.
What to do straight away if you have an escape of water
- Turn off the water at the stopcock. Do this first, if it is safe.
- Turn off the electricity if water is near sockets or wiring. Do not touch electrical items if you are standing in water.
- Take photos and video. Record everything before you start clearing up.
- Move belongings to safety. Protect what you can, but do not throw anything away yet.
- Call your insurer. Most have 24 hour claims lines, and they can arrange emergency help.
- Keep every receipt. Emergency repairs, hotels and extra costs may be claimable.
How to make an escape of water claim
Notify your insurer with the date, cause and extent of the damage. They will often send a loss adjuster to inspect, and the drying process may take weeks before repairs begin. Keep records of the drying equipment, any moisture readings and what is being agreed. Our guide on how to choose a loss assessor can help if the claim becomes complicated.
Why escape of water claims go wrong
- The insurer argues the leak was gradual, not sudden.
- The settlement offer does not cover the full repair or contents cost.
- Hidden damage appears later, after drying.
- Delays leave families out of their home.
How to prevent escape of water
- Know where your stopcock is, and check it works.
- Lag pipes and keep the heating on low in cold weather.
- Replace old washing machine and dishwasher hoses.
- Do not leave appliances running when you are out or asleep.
- Consider a leak detector or an automatic shut-off valve.
Frequently asked questions
Is escape of water covered by home insurance?
Usually yes, under buildings insurance and contents insurance, subject to the policy terms and exclusions.
Will my premium go up after a claim?
It may. Insurers use claims history when setting premiums.
How long does an escape of water claim take?
Small claims can be quick, but drying and repairs often take months.
Can a loss assessor help with an escape of water claim?
Yes. We prepare the claim, challenge low offers and deal with the insurer on your behalf.
Dealing With a Leak? Call Sabre Assessing
If water has damaged your home, call us on 0330 165 3545 or contact Sabre Assessing. We will help you get the claim right from the start.