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When damp patches appear on a wall or a musty smell suggests a water leak, identifying its source can be a complex task, often requiring disruption to floors or walls. This is where trace and access cover becomes relevant, a feature included in many home insurance policies that addresses the costs of locating and exposing a leak. But what does trace and access cover specifically include, and what remains excluded? This blog provides a detailed breakdown of trace and access insurance, outlining what it pays for, its limitations, and how it applies in practice, offering relevant information to assist clients with their insurance queries.
Understanding Trace and Access Cover
Trace and access cover is a component of a buildings insurance policy that covers the cost of finding and reaching a water leak within a home. It consists of two elements: “trace,” which involves locating the leak’s source, and “access,” which entails exposing it for repair. The UK Government’s Department for Education (DfE) notes that water damage is a prevalent concern in UK properties, underscoring the need for effective detection methods. This access cover does not include the actual repair of the leak or water damage caused—these are handled separately, often under home emergency cover or other provisions.
For example, if a leaking pipe or burst pipe leaks beneath kitchen tiles, causing damp patches, trace and access insurance covers the cost of an approved plumber or access company—such as our team at 0800 Homefix—using specialist equipment to trace and access it. This initial step can be costly, and understanding its scope is essential.
What’s Covered Under Trace and Access Insurance?
Trace and access typically covers the following:
Leak Detection Costs
This includes trace and access costs for hiring specialists with tools like thermal imaging cameras, acoustic detectors, or moisture meters to identify the leak’s source. These devices detect water behind walls, under floors, or in underground pipes without unnecessary disruption. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) indicates that such specialist equipment reduces interference, and trace and access foots this bill.Access Expenses
Once located—such as a burst pipe behind drywall—access costs cover the work to reach it, including lifting floorboards, removing plaster, or excavating a garden path for underground services. This includes basic reinstatement (e.g., patching rather than redecorating). For instance, exposing a pipe might cost £300, which is covered under the policy’s cover limits.Indoor and Outdoor Leaks
It generally applies to leaks from a home’s plumbing—such as heating pipes, water supply lines, or drains. Some policies extend to underground pipes covered on private land (e.g., water supply pipes), though this can vary. The National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (NHMP) states that buried pipes are frequent leak sources, making access cover trace valuable when digging is required.
For example, a homeowner’s radiator pipe leaked beneath their lounge floor. Their trace and access cover paid £500 for a specialist trace to lift flooring and expose it, handled by our Water Leak Detection and Repair services. The actual repair may incur an additional expense, but the primary cost was covered.
What’s NOT Covered?
Trace and access has specific exclusions:
Repairing the Leak
After exposing the leak—such as damaged pipes—it’s not covered. The repair, like welding a pipe or replacing a valve, typically costs £100–£300 and falls to the homeowner or another insurance section (e.g., “escape of water”). An insurance company may reject a trace and access claim if the leak results from general wear rather than an insurable event like accidental damage.Water Damage Repairs
Damage caused, such as soaked carpets or mouldy walls, is excluded. The Met Office warns that water damage can escalate quickly, but trace and access stops at locating the leak, not addressing the aftermath.External Water Ingress
If water enters from outside—such as floods or a failed roof—it’s not covered. This applies only to internal plumbing leaks, not external issues managed by a water company.Gradual Wear Exclusions
Many policies cover only sudden leaks (e.g., burst pipes), not slow drips from corrosion or poor maintenance. The Consumer Protection Association (CPA) notes that insurers often deny claims for preventable issues, so maintaining toilets, taps, and cover pipes is advisable.
For instance, a slow leak from an old, rusty pipe wasn’t covered under trace and access insurance due to “wear and tear.” The homeowner paid £400 upfront to find and repair it.
How Much Coverage Do You Get?
Cover limits in most buildings insurance policies range from £2,000 to £10,000, though some high-end home insurance policies might offer unlimited cover. Basic plans may exclude it or set a low cap. For larger jobs—like excavating underground pipes on private land—£2,000 might be insufficient, so reviewing policy documents with the insurance provider is necessary. Adding trace and access as an optional extra might cost £20–£50 annually if not standard.
How It Works in Practice
The process follows these steps:
Spot the Leak: First signs like damp patches or a ticking water meter indicate a problem.
Call Your Insurer: Verify that trace and access is included in the home insurance policy and obtain approval for an access claim.
Hire Pros: An access company, such as our Water Leak Detection and Repair services, uses precision tools to trace and access the leak.
Claim It: The insurance covers the cost—receipts are needed if you pay initially.
For example, a basement leak from underground pipes cost £800 to trace and excavate. Trace and access insurance covered it under a £5,000 limit, with the £200 repair borne separately by the homeowner.
Why It Matters—and How We Help
Trace and access cover can reduce trace and access costs significantly, but it’s not comprehensive. It focuses on finding the leak’s source, unlike home emergency cover, which addresses urgent issues like burst pipes or heating failures. Understanding its scope aids planning—pairing it with maintenance prevents exclusions from general wear. At 0800 Homefix, our Trace & Access services streamline the process with advanced tools, assisting clients whether covered by their home insurer or not, and supporting access claim paperwork.