Trace and access, in plain English
Trace and access cover pays for someone to find the source of a leak in your home. It usually also pays to put right damage caused while finding it, but not to fix the leak itself. Many insurers offer it, but not every policy includes it, and the limits vary.
How it’s different from escape of water
Escape of water cover pays for the damage the water causes, like a ruined ceiling or floor. Trace and access pays to find the leak in the first place. One claim can involve both.
Before you book
- Check your policy, or call your insurer, and ask if you have trace and access cover.
- Ask what the limit and the excess are.
- Ask whether they need to agree the work before it starts.
How we help
- We always use non-invasive methods first, and only dismantle if needed.
- Ask for a written report before the job starts: what we found, where it was and what we fixed, with photos.
- You can send the report straight to your insurer.
Every policy is different, so we can’t tell you what your insurer will pay. Your insurer decides.
Sources: Which?, does home insurance cover flooding? and MoneySuperMarket, trace and access cover (checked October 2026).