Usually the damage is covered, but the pipe repair and finding the leak may not be. What buildings, contents and home emergency cover each pay for, in plain English.
By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Usually, the damage a burst pipe or sudden leak causes is covered by buildings insurance, and damaged belongings by contents insurance. Repairing the pipe itself, and finding a hidden leak, depend on your policy. Slow leaks and wear and tear are usually excluded. Home emergency cover is a separate add-on that pays for an urgent temporary fix.
Key points
Buildings insurance
Covers damage to the structure and fixed fittings, such as ceilings, walls and floors, from escaping water. The ABI says this is usually standard.
Contents insurance
Covers your belongings damaged by the water, such as furniture and carpets.
The pipe itself
Compare the Market says some policies only pay for the damage, not for repairing the pipe. MoneyHelper notes that for underground pipes, the cost of finding and reaching a leak is often covered but repairing the pipe usually is not.
Finding the leak
Trace and access cover pays to find and reach a hidden leak. It is not always standard, so check.
Home emergency cover
A separate add-on that pays for a tradesperson to make an urgent temporary repair, usually up to a set limit per claim. It does not normally pay for permanent repairs or the resulting damage.
Not usually covered
Gradual leaks, wear and tear, corrosion, failed sealant, and damage while a home is unoccupied beyond the policy limit.
What to do
Stop the water and make the area safe.
Check your policy documents for escape of water, trace and access, accidental damage and home emergency cover.
Photograph everything, then call your insurer.
Get the leak fixed and keep the report and invoice.
How we can help
Burst pipe repairs: £125–£250 labour, plus the callout
Trace and access for hidden leaks
Written report with photos and the cause, for your insurer
Insurer-referred jobs welcome
Leak and an insurance claim? We can help.
We find the leak, fix it and make good, and give you a written report with photos and the cause for your insurer. Insurer-referred jobs welcome. Callout from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180); leak detection £100–£225 labour. Repairs, making good and any drying are agreed before work starts.
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every policy is different. This page is general guidance, not insurance or legal advice. Check your own policy and ask your insurer.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
Is a burst pipe covered by home insurance?
The damage it causes usually is, under buildings and contents insurance. Repairing the pipe and finding a hidden leak depend on your policy. Slow leaks and wear and tear are usually excluded.
Does home insurance cover frozen pipes?
Damage from a pipe that freezes and bursts is usually covered as escape of water. Some policies have conditions for empty homes in cold weather, such as keeping the heating on or turning the water off. Check your policy.
What is the difference between home emergency cover and home insurance?
Home insurance pays for damage. Home emergency cover is an add-on that sends a tradesperson for an urgent temporary repair, usually up to a set limit per claim.
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