Bldgs Acc Damage - leaking radiator pipe incl?

Birdy

I think policy says something like 'incl water escaping from any fixed water or heating installation'

so would this include a possible leak from a radiator pipe which is situated be underground?

TIA

B.

Oscar_The_Grouch

Hi there

The cover for "escape of water" only covers you for the damage caused by the water, not the repair to the pipe itself.

Some policies provide what is called "trace and access" cover. This means that if you have a pipe in a wall or under the floorboards that is leaking and causing damage, they will pay for the cost of ripping down the wall or taking up the floorboards and making good thereafter. This is usually only given on better quality (and more expensive) policies.

If the pipe is actually imbedded in the ground, then you may be able to make a claim under the "accidental damage to underground services" cover provided as part of your buildings insurance.

The best thing to do is pick up the phone and speak to your insurers. If you went for the cheapest policy available, be prepared for the fact that you are likely to end up speaking to someone who (according to the MD of HBOS) would be equally at home stacking shelves in B&Q!!