Flood & Freeze: What is covered by your insurance policy
The most common reasons for flood or freeze related claims not being covered fall into one of the following:
- Lack of maintenance: Claims can be denied if the property has not been properly maintained. This includes issues like leaking roofs, blocked gutters, and deteriorating seals.
- Wear and tear: Insurance typically does not cover damage that occurs gradually over time due to normal use.
- Policy issues:
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- Policy not active: If your policy has lapsed or is not active at the time of the incident, your claim will not be covered.
- Insufficient coverage: Double check that the value for your home and contents insured is enough to rebuild in full; or replace your contents as new.
- Inaccurate information, also known as non-disclosure.
We’ve included some suggestions on repairs, but please ensure that you contact a professional to carry out any repairs or maintenance needed. |
Lack of maintenance
The main reason for a house insurance claim not being covered, is often due to the maintenance of a property not meeting the expected requirements.
We’ve gathered some of the most common home maintenance issues that can crop up to help you keep your property in top condition, and some pointers to help keep on top of them.
1. Escape of water damage
What’s wrong: Damage caused by water escaping from pipes, appliances, or fixtures.- Signs to look for: Damp patches, water stains, or unusual water bills.
- What to avoid: Ignoring small leaks or delaying repairs.
- Tips to prevent
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- Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems.
- Install water leak detectors, such as the leakbot.
- Ensure proper insulation of pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
- How often to check: Try to check your plumbing systems every six months to spot any issues.
- How to fix: Repair or replace damaged pipes, appliances, or fixtures promptly.
2. Poor workmanship
- What’s wrong: Damage or issues arising from substandard work, e.g. Damp-proof course issues, broken pipes, plumbing.
- Signs to look for: Slow drainage, water pooling, or unusual odours.
- What to avoid: Hiring unqualified contractors or skipping annual boiler inspections.
- How often to check: Inspect any building work after completion and then annually.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Hire qualified and reputable contractors for installations and repairs.
- Inspect work upon completion to ensure it meets standards.
- How to fix: Correct any substandard work by hiring a qualified professional to re-do the installation.
3. Mechanical breakdowns, e.g. washing machine, boiler
A breakdown won’t be covered by a home insurance policy, however optional covers are available, such as Emergency cover. E.g. If your washing machine breaks down and leaks, the issue with the machine itself will not be covered but any resultant water damage will be.
- What’s wrong: Breakdown of appliance or boiler.
- Signs to look for: Unusual noises, reduced efficiency, or frequent breakdowns.
- What to avoid: Skipping regular maintenance or ignoring manufacturer guidelines.
- How often to check: Perform maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines, typically annually.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Perform regular maintenance on appliances.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for servicing.
- How to fix: Contact a qualified gas engineer or mechanic for professional advice and repairs.
4. Plumbing or heating repairs
- What’s wrong: Plumbing or heating systems need repair.
- What to avoid: Ignoring minor issues or delaying repairs.
- How often to check: Annually.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Schedule annual inspections for plumbing and heating systems.
- Address minor issues promptly to prevent major repairs.
- How to fix: Hire a professional to repair or replace faulty plumbing or heating components.
Wear and tear
5. Deterioration of grouting
- What’s wrong: Grout between tiles breaking down over time, leading to potential water ingress.
- Signs to look for: Cracked or missing grout, discoloration.
- What to avoid: Using harsh cleaning chemicals that can damage grout.
- How often to check: Inspect grout lines every six months.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Regularly clean and seal grout lines.
- Re-grout areas showing signs of wear.
- How to fix: Remove damaged grout and reapply new grout.
6. Deterioration of sealant
- What’s wrong: Sealant around baths, showers, or sinks losing its effectiveness, causing leaks.
- Signs to look for: Cracked, peeling, or discoloured sealant.
- What to avoid: Using low-quality sealant or ignoring signs of wear.
- How often to check: Inspect sealant annually.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Inspect sealant around baths, showers, and sinks annually, and replace regularly.
- Use high-quality, mould-resistant sealant.
- How to fix: Remove old sealant and apply new, high-quality sealant.
7. Leaking seals on shower
- What’s wrong: Seals in the shower that are no longer watertight, leading to water escaping.
- Signs to look for: Water pooling outside the shower, damp patches.
- What to avoid: Ignoring small leaks or using temporary fixes.
- How often to check: Check shower seals every six months.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Check shower seals regularly for signs of wear.
- Replace seals as soon as they show signs of damage.
- How to fix: Replace worn or damaged shower seals.
8. Mixer tap valve failure
What’s wrong: The valve that controls water temperature and flow failing due to age and use. - Signs to look for: Inconsistent water temperature or flow.
- What to avoid: Ignoring signs of wear or delaying replacement.
- How often to check: Inspect mixer valves annually.
- Tips to prevent: Replace valves that show signs of wear or malfunction.
- How to fix: Replace the faulty mixer valve with a new one.
9. Ongoing shower leak
- What’s wrong: Continuous leakage from the shower head, tap, shower tray or panel, possibly due to worn-out components.
- Signs to look for: Persistent dampness, mould growth, damp smell.
- What to avoid: Ignoring leaks or using temporary fixes.
- How often to check: Inspect shower fixtures and seals every six months.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Inspect shower fixtures and seals regularly.
- Address leaks immediately to prevent further damage.
- How to fix: Identify the source of the leak and repair or replace the faulty components.
10. Taps leaking over time
- What’s wrong: Taps developing leaks gradually due to wear and tear.
- Signs to look for: Dripping taps, water stains.
- What to avoid: Ignoring small leaks or delaying repairs.
- How often to check: Check tap fittings every six months.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Regularly check tap fittings.
- Replace washers and seals as needed.
- How to fix: Replace worn washers and seals or the entire tap if necessary.
11. Damp Proof Course Damage (DPC)
A damp-proof course acts as a barrier that prevents rising damp from permeating up through porous walls from the ground. It is typically installed between courses of brick and blockwork approximately 150mm above ground and is commonly used in modern construction to combat rising damp.1
How do you know if you have DPC?
A damp proof course is usually installed at the base of a property wall during initial construction, the most common being a membrane made from plastic. This form of protection is used to stop damp rising up the walls.2 Other types of remedial damp-proof courses can be installed into your property are Damp proof course injections, Mortar injection DPC and Electro Osmotic DPC. 3
When water infiltrates your property, also known as Water ingress, this may or may not be covered under your insurance policy depending on circumstances. Although rising damp is never covered.
- What’s wrong: The barrier that prevents moisture from rising through the walls is damaged, leading to potential water ingress.
- Signs to look for: Damp patches on walls, mould growth.
- What to avoid: Ignoring signs of dampness or using temporary fixes.
- How often to check: Inspect damp proof course annually.
- How to fix: Repair or replace the damaged damp proof course.
Policy and coverage Issues
There are a few reasons your policy cover may not offer what you expect, so make sure to check the following points to be clear on exactly what your home insurance covers. Review and update it every year so it’s kept up to date.
12. Specific policy exclusion
- What’s wrong: Certain types of damage or causes are explicitly excluded from coverage in the policy.
- Signs to look for: Review policy documents for exclusions.
- What to avoid: Assuming all damages are covered without checking the policy.
- Tips to prevent: Review your policy to understand exclusions.
- How to fix: Adjust your policy or purchase additional coverage to include excluded risks.
13. Less than excess
- What’s wrong: The cost of the damage is less than the policy excess, meaning the insurer will not pay out.
- Signs to look for: Compare damage costs with policy excess.
- What to avoid: Assuming small claims will be covered.
- Tips to prevent: Be aware of your policy excess and plan accordingly.
- How to fix: Consider increasing your coverage or setting aside funds for minor repairs.
14. Policy is not live
- What’s wrong: The insurance policy is not currently active or valid, or policy was not live when damage occurred, as pre-existing damage is not covered.
- Signs to look for: No recent communication, or payments.
- What to avoid: Letting the policy lapse or forgetting to renew.
- Tips to prevent:
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- Ensure your insurance policy is active and up to date.
- Set reminders for policy renewals or set your insurance to auto-renew.
- How to fix: Renew your policy promptly and ensure all premiums are paid on time.
Home maintenance calendar
Use this checklist as a reminder to help keep your home in good condition, and help prevent your claim being turned down.
Make sure you get a professional tradesperson for the services, check and repairs as required.
Regular maintenance
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Inspect roof and gutters |
Check for and repair any damage to the roof and ensure gutters are clear of debris. |
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Check plumbing |
Regularly inspect pipes, taps, and seals for leaks and wear. |
| Maintain heating systems |
Service boilers and heating systems annually to ensure they are in good working order. |
| Inspect windows and doors |
Ensure seals are intact and repair any damage to prevent drafts and water ingress. |
| Clean and seal grout and tiles |
Regularly clean and reseal grout, sealant and tiles in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent water damage. |
Preventive measures
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Install water leak detectors |
Use leak detectors to alert you to potential leaks, such as LeakBot. |
| Upgrade insulation |
Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent damage from freezing pipes and reduce energy costs. |
Policy management
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Review policy |
Ensure your policy is up-to-date and covers all necessary risks or events, including any changes to your property or circumstances. Double check that the home value insured is adequate to rebuild in full; or replace your contents as new. You can use the ABI’s rebuild cost calculator, it’s free but you need to register. Association of British Insurers cost calculator. |
| Understand exclusions |
Read your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered and consider additional coverage if necessary. |
| Keep records |
Maintain records of all maintenance and repairs to provide evidence in case of a claim. |
| Renew policy on time |
Set reminders to renew your policy before it expires to avoid lapses in coverage. |
By following this checklist, you can help ensure your property is well-maintained and reduce the risk of having an insurance claim denied. Regular maintenance and a thorough understanding of your insurance policy are key to protecting your home and ensuring you are covered when unexpected events occur.
1 - https://www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk/help-advice/the-complete-guide-to-damp-proof-courses/