Escape of Water – frequently asked questions

The term “Escape of Water” is often confused with flood. Generally speaking, if there is water in your home which has been caused by an internal issue, it’s an Escape of Water. If it’s come from outside the house, it’s a flood. In some circumstances, floods caused by a leak from external mains may be classed as Escape of Water. If water has come in from the roof, guttering, or lead flashing, then the claim is often classed as an “Ingress of Water,” or “Storm Damage.”

An Escape of Water claim is typically caused by burst pipes, failed pipework, frozen pipes, or a breakdown of water apparatus e.g., dishwashers or washing machines. It’s worth noting that damage caused by overflowing sinks or baths is usually classed as “Accidental Damage” rather than Escape of Water.

The damage to your home following an Escape of Water can be extensive – particularly if the property is unoccupied – and if you are living in the property, you may need to move out of your home until it is dried out and made habitable. Your first step is to move into Alternative Accommodation. Most home policies include alternative accommodation cover. This is the amount payable by an insurer to cover the costs of renting or staying in a temporary home, following a claim that leaves your home uninhabitable.

Given the potential cost of an Escape of Water claim to the insurer, some home insurers are offering a free leak detection system. Some water leak detection systems monitor the flow of water through the incoming main. Other systems monitor moisture levels in risk areas. When abnormal behaviour is detected, the system either cuts off the water flow, alerts the homeowner to the leak, or, depending on the type of system installed, does both.

If you have an Escape of Water claim then you may have to pay an excess. More rigorous home insurance policies have an Excess Waiver clause. This means that in the event of a catastrophic claim, no excess is applied. 

It’s also possible to protect your excess. For a small premium, our clients can choose to “protect” their excess, so that in the event of a claim, they may receive the full amount back.

• Turn off the stopcock. If you're unable to locate your stopcock or turn it off, call Home Emergency or a plumber to isolate the leak
• If the leak has caused the ceiling to come down, close the door to the room and do not go into that room
• If the water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity
• If possible, use buckets or towels to catch or soak up dripping water
• Take photographs and/or videos of the damage caused
• If you are a Howden client call the dedicated claims team who will assist you further