What is Trace and Access cover?

“Trace and Access” is a type of cover that is included in some home insurance policies. It may not be something you’ve heard of, but it’s an important benefit that should be considered when choosing your home insurance policy.

The cost of a water leak at home can be a major problem for UK homeowners and insurers alike.

Common signs of a water leak

The first signs of are often:

• A wet patch or staining on the ceiling
• Lifting floorboards or tiles
• A boiler which loses pressure
• An increase in water bills
• Your water meter turning when there are no taps or appliances running

What does Trace and Access cover pay for?

Trace and Access cover refers to the amount a home insurer will pay to find the source of a water leak and repair any damage caused whilst doing so. This is an important benefit, as some leaks can be difficult, and costly, to find. In some cases the damage caused trying to find the source of a leak can be greater than the damage caused by the leak itself – which is why some insurers will have a leak specialist on hand.

Some policies also include Trace and Access (sometimes called “Finding a Leak” cover) for oil, gas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

It’s important to note that Home Emergence does not cover Trace and Access. Home Emergency is designed to stop a leak, for example by turning off a top cock or isolating a pipe, not to locate its source.

Is Trace and Access always included?

Trace and Access is not always covered as standard. In some cases, it’s removed from cheaper policies to keep the premium down. Cheaper policies are inexpensive for a reason and many homeowners focused on saving money may not notice its absence until they need it.

Internal vs external leaks

Some policies only cover internal leaks and exclude external leaks within the curtilage of the home. not external as well. This can be a real issue for larger properties, or smaller homes sitting on large plots. It may also pose a problem if you have oil-fired central heating and experience an unexplained oil leak – particularly if there’s a distance between your oil tank and the main building.

Enhanced cover for larger or high-value homes

It’s no surprise that higher-quality insurance policies include enhanced Trace and Access cover, often with higher limits or even unlimited cover.

The larger your home, the higher limit you’re likely to need. If you have several bathrooms, underfloor heating, wet rooms, or air conditioning, expensive flooring or a high-end kitchen, the cost of locating a leak can be significant.

Most mid-net-worth or high-net-worth insurance policies will pay “all reasonable costs” to find the source of a water leak and, unlike some policies, no excess applies. This benefits both you and the insurers as it prevents further damage.

A real-world example: When Trace and Access matters most

When leaks occur in complex or high-value homes, the ability to quickly trace the source and coordinate specialist support can make a significant difference.

In one Private Client case, we coordinated multiple expert partners to resolve a major escape of water claim. Specialist trace and access investigations played a crucial role in identifying the source of the leak, helping to minimise further damage, reduce disruption, and ensure repairs were handled efficiently and sympathetically.

Read the full case study

Trace and Access vs repair costs

The costs paid by insurers for Trace and Access are separate from the costs required to repair damage caused by the leak itself. Typically, the repair costs are not restricted by any Trace and Access limit.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of repairing the leak itself is often not covered. However, in the scheme of things, once the leak has been found, the repair is usually straightforward and relatively inexpensive.

Policy exclusions and why advice matters

General policy exclusions apply to Trace and Access claims, just as they do with all insurance policies. These exclusions and limitations are usually set out in the policy wording - often referred to as the small print - and are easy to overlook.

As a specialist private client broker, we can help you understand these details and ensure you have the right level of cover to protect your home. It’s just one of the benefits of using a broker.

For more information read our article: How a specialist private client broker makes a difference.

To speak to us about your home insurance, call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Steve Moores

Steve brings more than 20 years of Private Client insurance expertise to this topic, combining hands on experience of escape of water claims and risk management to help homeowners secure protection that works in practice.

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