Home insurer NFU Mutual is raising awareness about the costly risks associated with water leaks, revealing it handled nearly 6,500 escape of water claims in 2023, with the average cost per claim reaching £9,670. Often caused by burst or faulty pipes, such leaks tend to go undetected until substantial damage occurs.
Phil Cooper, a home insurance expert at NFU Mutual, explained: “The problem with escape of water is that it can be hard to detect in its early stages. Plumbing is generally hidden away, so we don’t become aware of damage until it becomes visible, at which point the cost can run into the tens of thousands – not to mention being highly disruptive for the homeowner.”
These leaks can be triggered by various factors, including frozen pipes that thaw, worn-out fittings, excessive water pressure, blockages, or broken seals.
Cooper highlighted that escape of water damage surpassed storm-related damage for the insurer’s customers last year, calling it a ‘hidden danger’. He emphasised that it’s vital for homeowners to act early to avoid the potentially devastating consequences.
“There are some telltale signs which can help nip escape of water damage in the bud, including a change in water pressure, any visible sign of damp or moisture, errors on your boiler, or cracks or bubbling appearing on your walls or ceiling,” Cooper noted.
“If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to turn your mains water supply off and investigate the issue. That is also why we’ve partnered with LeakBot to offer home insurance customers a device which can detect small leaks before they become a big problem.”
Under the partnership, an initial 16,000 LeakBot devices will be distributed to NFU Mutual customers across the UK, with plans to expand the offering if the trial proves successful.
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