Check the small print of home insurance for burst pipes cover

(14/01/2009)

With temperatures below average, Brits are urged to check the small print of home insurance policies to ensure they are covered for burst pipes.

Research frommoneysupermarket.com found there are significant caveats in home insurance policies for covering burst pipes. Providers such as Barclays, Churchill and Direct Line cover for damage caused by pipes freezing and bursting, but are likely to have exclusions; for example if a property is left unoccupied or unfurnished – typically for 30 days in a row. On the other hand, a standard policy from Post Office does not cover for burst pipes at all.

Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “We’ve all experienced the chill this January, and while we’re wrapping up warm to keep out the cold it is crucial to consider how freezing temperatures will affect the pipes in your home. Safeguarding against the effects of cold weather is essential and therefore understanding the small print of your home insurance is too; there is no doubt homeowners would be shocked to discover burst pipes may not even be covered.

“Many of us will have resolved to understand our finances better in 2009, and being aware of your insurance policies is certainly part of that. Facing a situation where your pipes have burst and you are not covered would be a real blow to family finances. I advise homeowners to scour the small print of policies and contact their insurer if there are any uncertainties.”

Standard home contents insurance cover for burst pipes:

Barclays will pay for damage due to water freezing in tanks, equipment or pipes. But not a) loss or damage caused by chemicals or chemical reaction; b) loss or damage while your home is unoccupied or unfurnished for more than 40 days in a row; c) subsidence, heave or landslip caused by escaping water.

Churchill will pay for damage due to any fixed water or heating installation freezing. But not a) after your home has been unoccupied for more than 30 days in a row, b) subsidence, heave and landslip that results from escaping water or oil.

Direct Line will pay for damage due to any part of the plumbing installation in your home caused by freezing or bursting. But not a) plumbing that is outside or in an outbuilding; b) loss or damage due to rust, corrosion or wear and tear; c) loss or damage after your home has been unoccupied for more than 60 days in a row.

Egg will pay for loss or damage caused by storm, flood, escape of water (eg from burst pipes or tanks). But not loss or damage occurring after the insured property has been unoccupied or unfurnished for 30 consecutive days or more.

Halifax will cover your buildings for sudden and unexpected loss or damage caused during the insurance period by water freezing in any fixed water or heating systems. But not a) loss or damage caused while your buildings are unoccupied; b) the costs of replacing any part of any fixed water or heating systems not damaged by freezing water.

HSBC will cover for loss or damage to the buildings caused by water freezing in tanks, equipment or pipes. But not a) loss or damage caused by chemicals or chemical reaction; b) loss or damage while your home is unoccupied or unfurnished for more than 30 days in a row; c) subsidence, heave or landslip caused by escaping water.

Post Office: Not Covered

The AA will pay for loss or damage caused by water or oil as a result of a burst, leaking or overflowing domestic water or heating installation, appliance or piping. This includes damage to any water installation caused by freezing or bursting. But not a) loss or damage if your home was unfurnished or unoccupied at the time of the loss or damage; b) loss or damage caused by subsidence, ground heave or landslip.

Related categories:  Home insurance 

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