Does home insurance cover damp? Everything you need to know.

Damp in your home can be a real concern. It can cause unsightly patches on your walls, create musty odours, and even lead to health concerns like respiratory problems. But what happens if you find damp in your home? Does home insurance cover damp?

Here, we explore everything you need to know about how to protect your home against this particular issue.

Let’s dive in.

Is damp covered by insurance?

There isn’t a straightforward answer to whether home insurance covers damp. Most home insurance policies don’t cover the cost of repairing the source of the damp, but they may cover the cost of repairing the damage of the damp.

You’ll probably find that things like fixing a faulty damp-proof course or damp-proof membrane (barriers that prevent damp in your home), repairing internal or external walls, or fixing leaking pipes won’t be included on your home insurance policy. But repairing damaged plaster or wallpaper might be covered.

Is rising damp covered by insurance? Well, if you have rising damp through the foundations of your house that’s caused damage to your wallpaper, your home insurance would likely cover the cost of replacing your wallpaper, but not the cost of fitting a damp-proof course in your flooring.

And, if any devices or expensive items are damaged by damp, they also likely won’t be covered by standard home insurance. They typically have their own separate insurance, or they might be included in your contents insurance policy.

Every insurer and policy is different, however, so the best way to find out what’s covered is by checking your policy documents or asking your insurance company.

Is mould covered under home insurance?

No, usually mould removal isn’t included in standard home insurance policies, particularly if it’s caused by long-term, untreated damp. But if the mould has cropped up overnight, following a burst pipe or sudden leak, you might be covered. It all depends on the reason for the damp and how long the mould has been there.

Sometimes, mould can be classed as wear and tear, which means that it's unlikely to be covered.

Can you claim damp proofing on home insurance?

No, more often than not, damp proofing isn’t covered on most home insurance policies. But there is a chance that getting damp proofing installed could reduce your home insurance premiums, since you’re taking an active measure in preventing damp damage in your house.

It's the responsibility of the property owner to keep the building in a good condition, which also includes regular, preventative maintenance.

How to make a home insurance claim for damp repair

If you’ve spotted some damp issues in your property, don’t panic. Sometimes, your insurance will cover it, but there are some things you need to do first:

1. Identify the source: Is it condensation or rising damp? If your windows are looking steamy, it could be condensation damp. If it’s at the bottom of your inside or outside walls on the ground floor, or creeping up through the carpet, it’s likely to be rising damp from ground water. And if it suddenly appeared within a few hours, due to a burst pipe or bad weather (a leak), it’s probably penetrating damp.
2. Take photos and make notes: As with any insurance claim, documentation helps to speed up your claim. Take photos of the damp and the potential sources, from different angles, along with any damage caused by the damp. Any information could be vital to getting your claim processed quicker.
3. Contact your insurance provider: Let your insurance provider know about the damp, even if you're unsure if it's covered. They can advise you on the claims process and whether you're eligible for any cover.
4. Take action: Once you've identified the source (and any damp damage has been repaired), it’s important to take steps to stop it from happening again. For example, if it's condensation, improve ventilation in your home. If it's rising damp, you might need professional help to install a damp-proof course.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that most home insurance policies have an excess, which is the amount you'll need to pay towards any claim you make – the cost of the excess will vary depending on your policy.

Damp in the home: Frequently asked questions

Let’s take a look at some FAQs regarding damp in the home and how to treat and prevent it.

How do I know what type of damp I have?

There are four main types of damp that can affect your property, according to the Building Research Establishment (the authority on building standards in the UK):

• Condensation: Caused by excess moisture in the air inside your home, which can settle on cooler surfaces like walls and windows, which can appear as "random" damp spots. This is a common problem, especially in older properties with poor ventilation, since more modern houses tend to have ventilation solutions built-in.
• Rising damp: This is when moisture seeps up ground level through the foundations of your property. This is more likely to affect older buildings with solid concrete floors and porous walls with cracks, or those lacking a damp-proof course . Again, modern houses usually have cavity wall construction, which means it's harder for damp to rise.
• Penetrating damp: This is caused by water seeping in from bad weather, your neighbour, or damage to your pipes — basically, a leak.
• Falling damp: This is less common and refers to leaks specifically from roofs or gutters.

How serious is damp in a house?

Damp can range from being a nuisance, affecting the aesthetics of your property, to a more serious problem that could impact its structural integrity, like dry rot.

Then, there are health concerns to consider. Anyone can get sick from the growth of mould spores growing from damp, but those with allergies, asthma, or other breathing issues, could be more severely affected.

Condensation damp tends to be less serious than rising damp, when it comes to the damage done to your property, but, if there’s mould, it’s still a serious issue and a health hazard.

How much does it cost to treat rising damp?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The price to repair your rising damp damage can vary, depending on the severity of the damp, the size of the area affected, and the type of treatment needed.

But, generally speaking, you can expect to spend between £1,000 and £5,000 to repair damp. It’s not unheard of for costs to exceed £5,000, either – especially if there’s significant structural damage.

The earlier you catch the damp, the cheaper it’ll be to fix; the longer you leave it, the more the price will rise.

How can I prevent damp in my home?

The best solution, before you notice damp or after your damp damage has been fixed, is to take preventative measures to protect your home. It's all about keeping your property in good condition.

The good news is that there are some quick solutions to stop damp from settling in:

• Keep ventilation flowing: Open windows regularly, especially when cooking, showering, or drying clothes. Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom are ideal for keeping damp at bay, too.
• Be mindful of where you put furniture: Furniture can trap moisture against walls, so leave a little breathing space (just a few inches should be enough).
• Clean out your gutters: Gutters and drains keep your home dry by redirecting rainwater away. Make sure they're clear of leaves and debris so they can do their job properly.
• Put clothes outside to dry (where possible): Don't hang wet clothes indoors for long periods. It's a good idea to dry them outside or use a clothes horse in a well-ventilated room.
• Install windows with double-glazing: Not quite a "quick solution", but an effective one to reduce heat loss, which can exacerbate damp caused by condensation.

If you spot any signs of damp in your home, the best thing to do is identify the type of damp and take action.

Quickfire summary

Most home insurance providers might not cover fixing the source of the damp, but they might help with some of the damage. The only way to know for sure is to contact your insurer and speak to them about the process they follow.

For all your home insurance-related questions, contact Howden. We’re here to give you the peace of mind that your home and contents are as protected as they can possibly be.

Also read:

• What does home insurance cover? 
• Building insurance vs home insurance: What’s the difference?
• Here’s why your home insurance claim could be rejected

READ MORE HOME INSURANCE GUIDES