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If you’re wondering whether trace and access cover is included as standard in home insurance, the answer is: not always. While many buildings insurance policies do include this feature, it’s often misunderstood, underutilised, or missing from basic policies. Most home insurance policies do not include trace and access as standard, and the level of cover can vary greatly between providers. This detailed guide explains what trace and access cover entails, how it differs from other protections like home emergency cover, and how to ensure your insurance policy offers the right level of protection.
Visit our trace and access service page to learn how 0800 Homefix supports homeowners with leak detection and insurance reporting. Policy limits for trace and access can differ, so it’s important to check the maximum payout and any restrictions in your policy.
Understanding Trace and Access Cover
Trace and access cover is designed to cover the cost of locating the source of a water leak, usually hidden behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings. It also includes the necessary costs of accessing and uncovering leaking pipes-such as lifting floorboards or removing tiles-so that the leak can be repaired.
This should not be confused with coverage for the actual repair of the leak itself, which is often treated separately by your insurance provider.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) trace and access information, trace and access is sometimes included in home insurance but not always. Policies vary significantly, which is why reviewing the small print matters.
Some policies may require the use of a specialist trace and access company to ensure the leak is properly located and documented as part of the claim process.
Is It Included in All Home Insurance Policies?
The short answer: no, trace and access is not automatically included in all home insurance policies.
Some insurers treat trace and access as an optional add-on or only include it in more premium products. Others may cap the amount they will pay out for access cover, which means you could be left footing part of the bill if your leak is difficult to detect.
You should check your buildings insurance policy for specific mentions of:
“Trace and access”
“Access insurance cover”
“Cover trace and access”
“Home insurance cover trace”
If these terms aren’t listed or clearly explained, call your insurance company for clarification.
Cover limits for trace and access can vary between policies, so it’s important to check the maximum amount your policy will pay.
Make sure you have the right cover for your needs, especially if your property has complex plumbing.
For further guidance, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provides useful information on home insurance cover and what to expect from policies.
Difference Between Buildings Insurance and Contents Insurance
Most trace and access cover is found within buildings insurance, not contents insurance.
Buildings insurance protects the structure of your property (e.g. walls, roof, floors).
Contents insurance protects belongings like furniture, appliances, and electronics. Contents cover can help replace or repair damaged furniture and personal belongings if a water leak occurs.
If a water leak ruins your belongings, contents insurance may step in-but only if the leak source was addressed correctly. That’s why trace and access insurance can be so vital.
To explore how buildings and contents insurance differ, Which? provides a reliable comparison guide on buildings vs contents insurance.
Contents cover is especially important for protecting against the cost of damaged furniture caused by leaks.
What Is Home Emergency Cover, and Is It the Same?
Another common misunderstanding is between home emergency cover and trace and access.
Home emergency cover is designed for urgent repairs (e.g., blocked drains, burst pipes) and is typically limited in scope and payout. It may include the services of an emergency plumber for urgent repairs.
Trace and access specifically covers the cost of locating and exposing the leak-it’s more diagnostic than reactive.
Emergency repairs often require homeowners to pay upfront and claim back the costs from their insurer, depending on the policy. Keeping receipts for emergency repairs is important for the claim process.
Home emergency protection is often a separate product or policy upgrade, and does not usually include full trace and access work.
What’s Usually Covered Under Trace and Access?
If included in your policy, trace and access cover may help pay for:
Locating the source of a water leak using non-invasive tools
Gaining safe access to hidden pipes (e.g. lifting floors, opening walls)
The cost of specialist equipment such as thermal imaging or acoustic detection
Written reports for the insurance claims process
Resealing or making good after access, depending on policy terms
The cost of accessing leaking pipes or a leaking pipe, including those located underground or within permanent fittings.
The involvement of approved tradespeople, such as an approved plumber or heating engineer, for specialist repairs.
Locating and repairing water leaks from heating systems or water supply pipes, provided the damage is sudden and accidental.
Some policies offer additional cover for accidental damage to underground pipes covered by the policy.
However, actual pipe repair, replacement parts, or issues caused by general wear or damaged pipes are typically not covered.
Damage caused by poor maintenance or gradual deterioration is typically not covered, and further damage can result if leaks are not addressed promptly.
Some policies cap payouts (e.g. up to £5,000) or require you to use approved plumbers.
Do Insurers Treat All Claims the Same?
Insurers vary in how they handle claims:
Some allow multiple home insurance claims per policy term, but the number can vary greatly between providers.
Others may increase premiums or excess if claims are frequent.
Some require evidence of prior repairs before accepting a second trace and access claim.
A trace and access claim may be refused for a few reasons, such as lack of evidence, policy exclusions, or if the damage is not covered.
The Financial Ombudsman Service offers guidance on disputes and complaints about insurance claims.
The approach taken by your home insurer can also vary greatly, so it’s important to understand your policy and the claims process.
Situations Where Trace and Access Cover Is Crucial
You’ll appreciate having trace and access cover when:
You notice the first signs of a water leak, such as unexplained damp or a sudden drop in water pressure.
You have damp patches or mould and can’t identify the leak
A burst pipe occurs behind a tiled wall
Your water meter shows high usage but no visible water is escaping
Pipes run through private land or under concrete
You need expert help with non-invasive leak detection
You need to hire a specialist trace and access company or a local plumber to locate a hidden leak.
These scenarios involve hard-to-reach pipes, making access both tricky and expensive-exactly what trace and access cover is designed for.
How Do I Check if I Have It?
Look for the following terms in your policy documents:
“Trace and access included”
“Trace and access cover up to £X”
“Access costs for leak detection covered”
“Emergency plumbing services included”
Be sure to check your home insurance policy for any policy limits or cover limits related to trace and access, as these determine the maximum amount your insurer will pay for these services.
If you’re unsure, speak to your insurance provider or check Checkatrade’s Trace and Access Advice for guidance on what to ask your insurer.
What Happens If It’s Not Included?
If your insurance lacks this cover:
You’ll likely have to pay out-of-pocket for leak detection
You may not be reimbursed for any related property damage during the search
You might still get cover for water damage repair, but not for identifying the leak’s source
While some repairs may be covered by home insurance, trace and access is not always included. Home insurance covers water damage repairs, but not always the cost of finding the leak. Some water companies may offer free repairs for certain types of leaks, so it’s worth checking with your provider before arranging private repairs.
Adding this protection is usually cost-effective and gives you peace of mind.
How 0800 Homefix Can Help
At 0800 Homefix, we:
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Provide non-invasive leak detection using specialist equipment
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Work with your insurance company to supply insurer-approved written reports
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Help you navigate complex access claims
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Offer transparent pricing with minimal disruption to your home
As a specialist trace and access company, 0800 Homefix employs approved tradespeople to ensure all work meets insurance requirements and is carried out to the highest standard.
Our team of approved plumbers, engineers, and access specialists ensure your claim is processed smoothly and correctly.
Final Thoughts
Is trace and access standard on all home insurance policies? Not necessarily. It varies by provider, policy level, and optional extras. Always read the fine print, compare providers, and speak with your insurer if unsure.
If you have landlord insurance, be aware that trace and access is not always included, so landlords should check their policies carefully.
Having trace and access cover is crucial if you want full protection against hidden leaks-especially in properties with older or more complex plumbing systems.
For trusted leak detection and help with your next trace and access claim, contact the team at 0800 Homefix.
Only a small number of policies offer unlimited cover for trace and access, so it’s important to review your policy limits to ensure you have sufficient protection.
FAQs
Is trace and access automatically included in all policies? No, some home insurance providers include it by default, while others offer it only as an add-on.
How do I know if I have trace and access cover? Check your policy documents or contact your insurance company for clarification.
Is trace and access the same as escape of water? No. Trace and access covers locating the leak. Escape of water covers the damage the leak causes.
Can I add it later? Yes, many insurers let you upgrade your cover mid-term. It’s best to act quickly before a leak occurs.
Does it cover repairs too? Not always. Some policies only cover detection and access-not the actual repair.
Does trace and access apply to contents insurance? Typically no. It’s almost always part of buildings insurance.
Will my premiums go up if I make a claim? Possibly, especially if claims are frequent. Some insurers increase excesses after a claim.
Need help now? Visit 0800 Homefix’s trace and access page and speak to our team today.