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Understanding your home insurance policy can be overwhelming, especially when terms like “trace and access insurance” and “escape of water” are used interchangeably. But there’s a critical distinction between the two. If you’re asking, what’s the difference between trace and access insurance and escape of water?, you’re not alone. Trace and access insurance covers the cost of locating and repairing leaks, particularly from underground pipes, while escape of water deals with the damage caused by the leak itself. Knowing this difference can help you make a stronger insurance claim and protect your home more effectively.
Click here for a full breakdown of our leak detection services, or visit our Trace and Access plumbing page.
What is Escape of Water?
“Escape of water“ is a term used in home insurance policies to describe water damage caused when water leaks out of a pipe, appliance, tank, or central heating system and causes damage to your property. It typically includes:
Burst pipes
Leaky water tanks
Overflowing baths
Malfunctioning central heating systems
Faulty plumbing connected to domestic oil tanks, washing machines, or dishwashers
If you plan to leave your home unheated for an extended period, it is important to drain the central heating system and other water sources to prevent pipes from freezing.
Escape of water coverage typically refers to the damage caused by the water itself, such as warped floorboards, damaged ceilings, and ruined carpets.
According to GoCompare, escape of water is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims in the UK.
This form of cover does not necessarily pay for finding the source of the leak – that’s where trace and access comes into play.
Water companies play a significant role in managing pipe repairs and leak reductions. Some companies may offer free repair services as part of their initiatives to meet leak-reduction targets, although they typically do not cover repairs within a homeowner’s property.
What is Trace and Access?
Trace and access refers to the insurance cover that helps you locate and expose the source of a hidden water leak. The term applies to investigative work required to find where the water is escaping from, known as ‘access cover trace’. This may involve:
Using thermal imaging or acoustic sensors
Lifting flooring or removing drywall
Pressure testing of pipework
It also includes the cost of reinstating the area once the leak is found, such as repairing the floor or wall.
The Association of British Insurers explains that trace and access is often an optional extra and not automatically included in standard home insurance policies.
Trace and access does not include the cost of repairing the leak itself (e.g., fixing the burst pipe), unless specifically mentioned in your insurance policy.
Access insurance covers help homeowners locate the source of a leak and cover the costs associated with repairs, providing financial protection against potentially large bills from undetected issues.
Key Differences Between Trace and Access and Escape of Water
Feature | Escape of Water | Trace and Access |
|---|---|---|
Covers damage caused by water | ✓ | ✗ |
Covers cost to locate leak | ✗ | ✓ (covers access costs) |
Covers repair to wall/floor from leak search | ✗ | ✓ |
Covers fixing the leaking pipe | Sometimes (varies) | Rarely (unless included) |
Usually included in policies | Yes | Often optional |
It’s important to note that an access claim might be denied if the leak is due to poor maintenance or if the policy specifically excludes certain types of leaks. Always review the conditions of your policy to understand what is covered.
Insurance Claim Process: Why Both Matter
Most home insurance claims for water involve both escape of water and trace and access. However, many homeowners assume that their policy covers the full repair, when in fact, it might only cover the damage after the leak is found.
Home insurance trace helps in identifying and addressing leaks within the home, but it does not extend to the repair costs of affected appliances or systems.
For instance, if a pipe bursts under your kitchen floor:
Escape of water covers the cost of repairing the damage to the kitchen floor.
Trace and access covers the cost of finding and exposing the burst pipe, including the removal of floor tiles.
MoneySavingExpert advises homeowners to review their policy carefully to see whether both types of cover are included, and to check for policy limits.
When reviewing your policy, pay special attention to water claims, as standard policies might not cover all incidents, particularly those stemming from burst pipes in winter. The financial implications and variations in excess amounts related to these types of claims can be significant.
If you have to hire a leak detection company, make sure your insurer allows this and ask whether they require reports from approved tradespeople.
Do All Home Insurance Policies Include Trace and Access?
No. While escape of water is usually included in most buildings insurance policies, it is crucial to review your policy details to understand what is included. Trace and access cover may be listed as an optional extra or only available in premium policies. If your insurance provider does not include it, you may be responsible for thousands in costs.
In a report by Defaqto, only 60% of home insurance policies included trace and access cover as standard.
Common exclusions for trace and access include:
Leaks due to general wear and tear
Water escaping from a domestic oil tank or external pipework not located within the building
Repairs carried out by unapproved professionals
Additionally, having access insurance cover is essential in protecting homeowners from large bills associated with leak detection and damage repair.
Examples to Illustrate the Difference
Example 1: Leaky Radiator
You notice damp patches on your carpet and call a plumber. He confirms that a radiator pipe has been leaking.
Escape of water pays for the damaged carpet.
Trace and access pays for the work needed to remove the flooring to find the leak.
Example 2: Burst Pipe Behind a Wall
Your wall is wet, and your water meter shows high usage. Leak detection specialists use thermal imaging to find the leak.
Trace and access covers the imaging, removing the drywall, and putting it back.
Escape of water covers repainting, replacing flooring, and drying out the wall.
Important Considerations
Always confirm with your insurance company whether both trace and access and escape of water are covered. Ensure that your policy provides sufficient cover for accessing buried pipes, as the costs associated with this work can be significant.
Cover limits may vary. Some policies cap trace and access at £5,000, while others go higher.
Understand your policy’s access cover clause and whether it covers work by a third-party access company.
Check if the policy covers underground pipes, especially those crossing into private land. Locating key components for managing water supply and addressing leaks is crucial to minimize potential damage.
The Financial Ombudsman Service has ruled on numerous complaints where insurers refused trace and access claims, so it’s crucial to understand your rights.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when water leaks into your home, your protection relies on understanding two terms: escape of water and trace and access. While one covers the damage, the other covers the investigation and exposure of the source. They go hand-in-hand, but they aren’t the same. It is crucial to act quickly upon noticing any signs of leakage to prevent further damage and financial consequences.
Knowing the difference can help you:
Choose the right home insurance policy
Submit a strong insurance claim by understanding the process of claiming on your policy
Avoid out-of-pocket expenses for leak detection
If you’re unsure what your current home insurance covers, or you’re dealing with an active leak, contact 0800 Homefix. We specialise in both detection and documentation for insurance claims and can work with your insurer to keep your home dry and damage-free.