Does home insurance cover water damage?
Water damage is typically included as standard with home insurance in Ireland. However, the cause of the damage will determine whether the water-related incident is covered by your policy.
What does water damage insurance cover?
Flood damage
Flood insurance is generally included under standard home insurance, but some providers may exclude this cover if your home is located in a flood-risk area, or if the property or local area has flooded in the past.
Burst pipe damage
Burst pipe insurance is usually covered under ‘escape of water’ cover. This protects against damage caused by water escaping from burst pipes in fixed plumbing or heating systems within the home.
Leak damage
Water leak insurance is standard under most buildings insurance policies and covers damage to your property caused by sudden leaks. This can include repairs to walls, floors, fixtures, and ceilings ruined by the escaping water.
Escape of water from appliances
Damage caused by escaping water from household appliances like washing machines or dishwashers is covered under most home insurance policies. However, contents insurance is usually required to cover the repair or replacement of these appliances in the event of an escape of water claim.
Storm damage
Storm damage insurance can provide cover for your home and belongings against severe weather, including damage to the roof, walls, and windows. This cover is often included as standard.
Accidental overflow
Accidental overflow, such as forgetting to turn off the bath or accidentally leaving the sink running, may be covered under home insurance depending on your level of accidental damage cover.
Not every insurer provides the same level of water damage cover, so it is important to compare policies to find the right cover for your home.
Get financial protection for water damage
Get free home insurance quotes from multiple providers and protect your home against water damage.
What is not covered by water damage insurance?
Water damage insurance does not cover every type of water-related damage. Your level of cover will depend on what caused it. Here are some common exclusions:
Slow leaks and gradual seepage, including water damage that has developed over time, are not usually covered.
Leaks caused by general wear and tear, such as worn seals around baths, showers, and sinks, are not covered.
Water damage resulting from poor maintenance is usually excluded. This can occur when small issues such as faulty grouting or a minor roof leak are left unrepaired and develop into more serious damage over time.
Key Insight: The cost of repairing or replacing the damaged pipe, faulty boiler, or other components that caused the water damage is generally not covered. Only the resulting damage to your home or belongings is covered.
How much water damage cover can I get?
The level of cover against water damage will depend on whether the damage affects the building or its contents and the amount for which each is insured.
Cover limits
Trace and access: Usually standard under home insurance, this covers the cost of removing and replacing parts of the home to find the source of a leak, such as floorboards or sections of a wall. Most policies limit this cover to a specified amount between €650 and €750, and sometimes up to €1,000.
Home emergency cover: Provided under most home insurance, it covers the cost of emergency call-outs, labour, and materials for specified emergencies such as boiler or heating failures, burst pipes, and serious leaks, up to a set limit per incident. Some policies also provide overnight emergency accommodation with this cover.
Alternative accommodation: If the water damage makes your home uninhabitable, insurance usually covers the cost of alternative accommodation until it is safe to live in again, subject to a limit ranging from 15% to 20% of the building’s sum insured.
Note: Some home emergency cover will provide furniture storage for up to 7 days if water damage makes the home uninhabitable.
Get home insurance quotes today
Compare home insurance policies and find the cover that’s right for your home
Free service
All information is provided free of charge to the public. We strive to keep information accurate and up to date.
No hidden costs
Unbiased information
Our information is free, fair and unbiased. Unlike other comparison sites, we have no preferential deals with any insurer.
100% independent
Vetted insurance partners
Our Central Bank regulated insurance partners are vetted for customer service and expertise, so you always get the best advice.
Quality assured
Who offers water damage insurance in Ireland?
These home insurance providers offer water damage cover as standard under their home insurance policies:
AXA
Aviva
FBD
Allianz Ireland
Zurich
OUTsurance
RedClick
123.ie
FAQs
Take photos and videos of the source and any damage, make a detailed list of affected items, and contact your insurer as soon as possible. Use their 24/7 emergency number if the damage occurs outside normal working hours, and keep records of all communications about your claim.
Yes, some home insurance providers apply a higher excess to water damage claims, particularly those involving burst pipes or flooding. For example, RedClick applies an excess of €1,000 to claims for damage caused by an escape of water.
Prevent water damage in your home by regularly checking pipes, taps, your roof, and gutters for any signs of leaks or possible damage to prevent further deterioration.
Get a home insurance quote
Compare insurance plans from top providers and save even more today, hassle-free and fast.
Trusted by 10,000+ Users
