Home insurance is there to protect you against the unexpected. But with some simple checks and regular home maintenance, you can avoid some of the most common things that we see people claim for.
We walk through four common home insurance claims, how to avoid them and what your policy covers.
Water leaks
Some water leaks can happen suddenly, like a burst pipe. But others can develop over time, like a slow leak from a washing machine.
They can cause damage to your floors, walls, and belongings, and could even make your home unsafe to live in for a while.
What are the signs of a leak?
You might have a water leak if you notice:
- a drop in water pressure
- damp patches or mould
- unexplained increases in your water bill
- sounds of running water when nothing is on
- wet patches on floors or walls
- peeling wallpaper
- cracked flooring or wall tiles
What should I do if I have a water leak?
If you think you have a leak and it’s safe to do so, here are the steps you should take:
- Turn off the water supply that’s feeding the leak, like your washing machine or toilet.
- If you don’t know where it’s coming from, turn off the main water supply at the stop tap. This is normally under your kitchen sink.
- Switch off your electricity if water gets near sockets or appliances.
- Take photos of any damage.
- Contact a professional to fix the issue.
If you have Home Emergency cover on your policy, head to our make a claim page or log in to MyAccount. We’ll help you find the right service.
How can I prevent a water leak?
You can reduce the risk of leaks by:
- turning your stop tap off and on every six months to stop it from getting stuck
- clearing your gutters and downpipes
- checking your appliances like washing machines for slow drips
- wrapping or ‘lagging’ your pipes to prevent freezing in winter
- taking care when drilling into walls – always check for hidden pipes first
Am I covered for water leaks?
Our home insurance covers water leaks, but only from home appliances, fixed water tanks, fixed central-heating systems or water pipes.
Different parts of your policy cover different things, for example:
- Trace and access cover can help cover the cost of finding the source of a leak
- Home Emergency cover, our optional extra, can help if you need to sort a temporary repair by a professional
Home insurance doesn’t usually cover damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or leaks that develop gradually over time. Check your policy book for any limits and exclusions.
Roof damage
Your roof is most the most exposed part of your home. So extreme weather can cause serious damage like slipped or broken tiles, damaged flashing and blocked gutters.
What are the signs of roof damage?
Roof damage isn’t always obvious at first, but you might notice:
- missing, loose or cracked roof tiles
- water stains or damp patches on your ceilings or walls
- debris in your garden
What should I do if I have roof damage?
If you think your roof has been damaged, you should:
- check for any visible damage from ground level – avoid climbing onto the roof
- move your belongings away from any internal leaks
- take photos of any damage
- get in touch with your insurer if you need to make a claim
How can I prevent roof damage?
Regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of roof damage, so it’s good to:
- check your roof at least once a year and after extreme weather
- replace loose or damaged tiles as soon as possible
- clear your gutters and downpipes regularly to prevent water build-up
- remove any large amounts of moss
- regularly maintain any nearby trees
- check your loft for signs of water leaks or holes, if it’s safe
- arrange a professional inspection if your roof hasn’t been checked in a while
Check out more tips with our complete guide to roof maintenance.
Am I covered for roof damage?
Our home insurance protects your home and what's inside it from extreme weather damage.
But we don’t cover damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or gradual deterioration over time. So be sure to check your policy book for what’s covered, your cover limits and any exclusions.
Boiler emergencies
Common boiler issues can include things like leaks, loss of pressure or your heating not working properly.
How can I prevent boiler issues?
To keep your boiler running smoothly, you can:
- bleed your radiators to release any trapped air
- service your boiler every year – most boiler manufacturers recommend this
- re-pressurise your boiler – check your instruction manual or contact a trained professional if you’re not sure how to do it
- help prevent frozen pipes and avoid blockages with a few small DIY checks throughout the year
What should I do if my boiler stops working?
If your boiler stops working, you should:
- check your power supply, pressure levels and thermostat settings
- call a qualified gas safe engineer if the issue continues
Are you covered?
Home Emergency cover and Home Emergency Extra cover protect you against unexpected incidents and can help with the cost of urgent repairs.
Limits and exclusions always apply, so don’t forget to check your policy book first.
House fires
House fires can be impossible to predict, but many are caused by misused appliances, cooking accidents or electrical problems like poor wiring.
They might be less common, but they can be very serious.
How can I reduce the risk of a house fire?
To help reduce the risk of a house fire, you should:
- never leave cooking unattended
- always use the right chargers for your electrical items, including lithium batteries
- keep candles away from flammable items and never leave them unattended
- avoid overloading electrical sockets
- keep BBQs and bonfires away from your home, fences and sheds
- clean tumble dryer filters regularly
- turn off electrical devices, like electric blankets, when you’re not using them
- keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- if you smoke, put out cigarettes in an ashtray away from flammable objects
Also, make sure your smoke alarms are up-to-date and working. It’s a quick, simple test to make sure the batteries are working properly. You should aim to change them at least once a year.
What should I do if I have a house fire?
If a fire starts in your home, make sure you:
- get everyone out of the property safely and call 999
- let your insurer know when it’s safe to do so
Am I covered for house fires?
What you’re covered for depends on what type of policy you have:
- Buildings insurance helps with the cost of repairing and rebuilding your home
- Contents insurance helps with the cost of replacing damaged belongings
Most policies also cover the cost of staying somewhere else while your home isn’t safe to live in. Remember to check your policy documents for full details and exclusions.
Understanding your home insurance
Knowing which cover is right for your home can be confusing. That's why we’ve created this guide to buying home insurance to make things clearer. If you’re still unsure, speak to your insurer.
- Home insurance can help cover the cost of repairing damage if the worst happens
- Home Emergency cover can help with urgent callouts and temporary fixes
We know it can be stressful when you need to make a claim but remember, we’ll be on hand to help get you back on track.
Check out our home insurance claims guide so you know how things works and what to expect.
