Burst pipe or leak damaged your home? Make it safe, record the damage, call your insurer and get the cause in writing. A step-by-step guide for an escape of water claim.
By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Escape of water is the insurance term for damage from water leaking from pipes, tanks, appliances or heating inside your home. It is usually part of buildings insurance, and contents insurance covers your belongings. Stop the water, record the damage before you clear up, call your insurer early and ask before any permanent repairs.
Key points
What counts
The ABI says escape of water from burst pipes, leaking appliances or an overflowing toilet is usually standard in buildings insurance. Flooding from outside, such as a burst main or river, is treated separately.
Usual exclusions
Damage from slow, gradual leaks or poor maintenance is usually excluded, such as worn sealant or corrosion. Some policies exclude overflowing baths unless you have accidental damage cover.
Higher excess
Compare the Market says escape of water claims often carry a higher excess than other home claims. Check yours.
Empty homes
Losses while a home is unoccupied are often not covered. Check your policy’s rules if a property is empty.
What to do
Stop the water at the stopcock, keep away from wet electrics, and move belongings out of the way.
Take dated photos and video of the leak and the damage before you clear up.
Call your insurer’s claims line early. Ask what they need and whether you need approval before repairs.
Get the leak fixed. A temporary repair to stop the water is normally fine; wait for approval before permanent repairs.
Keep the plumber’s report, the invoice and, if asked, the failed part.
Meet the loss adjuster if one is sent, and confirm whether you can use your own contractors.
How we can help
Emergency leak repairs any time: call 0131 210 0505
Trace and access when the leak is hidden
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.
What is an escape of water claim?
It is an insurance claim for damage caused by water escaping from pipes, tanks, appliances or heating inside your home. It is usually part of buildings insurance, with your belongings covered by contents insurance.
Should I fix the leak before claiming?
Stop the water and make a temporary repair to prevent more damage. Record everything first, and check with your insurer before permanent repairs or major work.
Will insurance pay to fix the burst pipe?
It depends on the policy. Many cover the resulting damage, but some do not cover repairing the pipe itself. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
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