Claiming on insurance for leaking shower

PenguinForever

Hi,

I have never claimed on my home insurance before so I’m really sorry if some of this is basic.

I have had issues with a leak in my shower for sometime now and after getting expert advice, I have been told it is a leaking pipe. I think I can claim this on my insurance if my workman can provide a written document to say that is the issue and the costs (to track the problem, to sort out the problem and to make do the damage it’s caused downstairs). However, I have been asked to provide pictures but the work has already been started. Is this going to be problematic? Has anyone claimed on insurance once they have got the damage fixed?

Sorry again, complete novice here!

Fighter1986

You can claim for the water damage that the leak resulted in but not for the repair work for the shower itself. An item becoming faulty or requiring maintenance is not covered by insurance, but water damage is - as long as the cause was repaired as soon as you became aware of it.

If you'd wilfully allowed the leak to go on for a sustained period of time, that isn't likely to be covered either. 

You can send in pictures of what the water caused damage to if you think this is a valid claim.

What was the extent of the damage?

PenguinForever

Thanks so much for the clarity. I really appreciate it. The damage was not too much to be fair, but water damage on walls and part of the ceiling needs replacing. Biggest cost will be ripping out shower and almost ‘starting again’

Thrugelmir

Sure it's not just a washer? Is the shower unit built in behind the wall? 

csgohan4

If damage has happened over time, it may not be covered, but depends on your T+Cs for leak trace and repair. 

Any claim will usually lead to high insurance premiums for the next few years, even if you didn't claim in the end and only notified the insurer

eddddy

PenguinForever said:

Thanks so much for the clarity. I really appreciate it. The damage was not too much to be fair, but water damage on walls and part of the ceiling needs replacing. Biggest cost will be ripping out shower and almost ‘starting again’

You need to read your policy carefully.

• It might cover damage caused to the building by the escaping water (i.e. walls, ceilings)
• It might cover 'tracing and access' - the cost of removing and replacing any parts of the building necessary to find the leak.
• It won't cover the cost of  fixing / replacing / installing the shower or any plumbing work

When you take into account the excess you'll have to pay, and the future premium increases that you'll have to pay - it may not be worth claiming.

As others say, even if you don't claim, it sounds like you've told your insurers about this 'loss incident', so that might be recorded and increase future premiums anyway.

mark55man

I had this happen to me 5 years ago.  It's only just off the books.  They made me claim for two incidents as the water had leaked in two spaces one was not visible and only discovered during the repairing.  At one point I had a £4000 pound excess and the cost of insurance had doubled.

That said, I was still marginally better off claiming, and if they are going to ramp you up anyway then get as good a job as possible.  Do read the T&C carefully, I was allowed to claim for re-installation of the shower as it had to be removed to get to the leak.