What is trace and access cover?

Trace and Access is often a misunderstood term, or a term that you may not hear of until you need it. In this short article, we explain what Trace and Access is and what it includes.

Trace and Access is a type of cover offered in a home insurance policy. It covers the cost of tracing the source of a water leak, exposing it (so that it can be repaired) and the subsequent damage caused by this process. However, it does not include the repair of the leak.

If you have a water leak at home, it may be obvious where the leak is coming from. For example you may be able to actually see water leaking from a visible pipe. However, on many occasions the source of the water leak may not be visible. It may be hidden behind a wall, in a cavity or beneath a floor. You may only be able to see the damage caused by the leak, for example a damp patch on your ceiling.

In these later cases, it may be costly and time-consuming to locate the source of the leak. Specialist equipment may need to be used to accurately pinpoint the source of the leak. In some cases, some exploratory work may need to be undertaken – for example removing floor boards.

Having Trace and Access cover as part of your home insurance policy means that your insurer will reimburse you for the cost to locate and expose your leak. Exposing your leak will allow an assessment of the damage caused and for the leak to be repaired.

Does Trace and Access include the cost of repairing the leak?

No, Trace and Access only covers the cost to locate and expose a hidden water leak (plus any damage caused by doing this). There is sometimes a maximum value that an insurer will pay out, for example £5,000. But this varies between insurance companies and policies. So it is best to check your policy documents or speak to your insurer to clarify what you are covered for.

Does it come as standard in all policies?

No, not all home insurance policies include Trace and Access cover. Although many policies do include it. Check your policy documents or speak with your insurer if you’re unsure if you have this cover.

What can I do if I don’t have Trace and Access cover?

You can still use a water leak detection specialist to locate the source of your leak. However you may not be able to recover these costs from your insurance company.

Will my insurer pay for the cost of Trace and Access directly?

In most cases, no. You will likely pay the your chosen company directly once your water leak has been found and exposed. The company will then provide you with a written report to submit to your insurer. Your insurer will then reimburse you for the cost.

What are the costs associated with Trace and Access?

In this article we take a look at how much Trace and Access costs, what it covers and what it doesn’t cover.

Trace and Access costs will vary between providers. Costs normally range between £400 and £600, excluding VAT. Find out more and book an appointment.

What does Trace and Access cover include?

Trace and Access cover allows you to reclaim the costs of locating and exposing a water leak from your insurance company. A Trace and Access specialist will use a number of techniques to pinpoint the source of a water leak and then expose the leak – so that it can be examined and later repaired.

If your home insurance policy includes Trace and Access then you should be able to claim back the cost of tracing the leak, exposing it and repairing the damage (if any) caused by the process. This is normally capped at a maximum value, for example £5,000 – although it is important to note that this can differ by insurer.

What isn’t included with Trace and Access cover?

In the most of cases, Trace and Access cover does not include the cost to repair the leak. It only includes the cost to locate the water leak, expose it and repair any damage caused by that process. It wouldn’t, for example include the cost of repairing the leaking pipe – although some insurers may cover this cost.

Is Trace and Access the same as leak detection?

There’s often some confusion between the terms ‘Trace and Access’ and ‘leak detection’. Are they the same? Or if not, how do they differ? We take a look at the key differences between the two terms.

Water leak detection

If you have a hidden water leak and need to find the exact source of the leak, a water leak detection specialist can help. For example you may have noticed a discoloured area on a wall (a tell-tale sign of a water leak). These kinds of leaks may be buried beneath floors, located deep within walls or within cavities.

A leak detection company will use a range of techniques, each designed to pinpoint the exact source of a water leak. Some of these techniques will be non-invasive, for example thermal imaging. Although in some cases, a small amount of damage may need to be done to locate the leak.

Trace and Access

Trace and Access is not exactly the same as water leak detection. It is a type of cover included in a home insurance policy, which allows a home-owner to reclaim the cost of locating the source of a water leak, exposing it and repairing the damage caused by the Trace and Access process. This is typically up to a set figure, for example £5,000 (although this can vary by policy).

A Trace and Access specialist will use the same methods as a water leak detection specialist to pinpoint the source of a water leak. Then in addition, they will expose the leak. Exposing the leak will allow the leak (and the damage it has caused) to be examined and subsequently repaired.

Trace and Access isn’t included as standard in all home insurance policies, so check with your insurer if you’re unsure.

The cost to repair the leak and associated damage

Neither, Trace and Access or leak detection services typically include the cost to repair the leak. This is an additional service which may have to be paid for separately. Although it is important to note that some insurance policies will cover this cost. The cost to repair the damage the water leak has caused will usually be covered by the home insurance policy under an ‘escape of water’ clause.