A burst pipe can damage your walls, floors, furniture and your neighbour’s home. Having comprehensive insurance does not mean that all your water damage claims are covered. The source, the cause, the property’s maintenance and the terms of the policy determine how your claim is assessed.
Review your water damage cover with CJ Seguros
- Review of your policy and your exclusions
- Checking your building and its contents
- Your liability for damage caused to third parties
- Free comparison of various insurance companies
What might be covered under water damage cover?
Depending on your policy, the cover may include damage caused by an accidental leak or burst in pipes and appliances connected to your water supply. The investigation of the fault, the repair of the pipework, damage to your building and damage to your contents may be subject to different rules and limits.
Why is it important to identify the source of the damage?
The source helps you determine which insurance policy to claim on and who may be liable. The damage may originate from a pipe in your flat, a communal area of the building, a neighbour’s house, your roof, or a leak caused by a lack of maintenance.
What you should check in the policy
Troubleshooting and repair
Check whether your costs for locating the leak and repairing the affected area are covered. Some policies make a distinction between repairing the cause of the water damage and repairing the damage itself.
Building and interior fittings
Walls, ceilings, floors and fixed fixtures are normally part of the building. Furniture, household appliances and other possessions are considered contents. They are only covered if your policy includes cover for their value and replacement cost.
Damage caused to neighbours
Check your third-party liability cover and the relevant sum insured. If water originating from your home affects another property, this cover may be relevant to you, depending on the extent of your liability.
What to do if you discover a water leak
Minimise the damage without destroying evidence
Turn off the water supply when it is safe to do so, protect your belongings and take immediate action to prevent the situation from getting worse. Take photographs of the source of the leak and the damage before carrying out any permanent repairs.
Report the claim straight away
Please also see our page on Multi-risk home insurance and contact your insurer or your broker. Keep hold of photographs, videos, invoices, reports and the contact details of the other people affected.
Does insurance always cover water damage?
No. Gradual water ingress, lack of maintenance, wear and tear, known defects or situations expressly excluded may not be covered. The decision depends on the established cause and on the general, special and specific conditions of the policy.
Common situations in flats and houses
A burst pipe in the flat
It may affect the building, the contents and neighbouring properties. Identify the pipework and report the incident before carrying out any non-urgent work.
Water ingress originating in a communal area
Contact your block’s administrator and ask for details of the building’s insurance policy. The roof, the façade or the communal staircase may be the responsibility of the block and its insurer.
Damage caused by a neighbour
Make a note of the damage, inform your neighbour and also notify your insurance company. The insurance companies will then be able to assess the cause, the scope of cover and liability.
Why choose CJ Seguros?
- Review of cover and exclusions;
- Building survey, contents insurance and third-party liability;
- Assistance with gathering information relating to the incident;
- Liaising with insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions about water damage
Is the roof leak covered by your policy?
It depends on the cause and the scope of cover. In a block of flats, the roof is usually a communal area, but it is necessary to check the cause, the block’s insurance policy and any exclusions relating to maintenance.
Can I carry out repairs immediately before the survey?
You should take urgent steps to minimise the damage, but make sure you keep evidence and report the claim. Where possible, check with your insurer before carrying out any permanent repairs or disposing of damaged items.
If you have any queries about your water damage cover, please send your policy to CJ Seguros. We’ll review the terms and conditions and help you prepare your claim.
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