Water 'more damaging than burglary'

27/10/11

By Kev Kiernan

People's homes are far more likely to be damaged by water than by burglars, according to insurance company data.

Leaky bathtubs, showers and piping led to householders claiming £730 million from their insurers during 2010 to pay for the resulting water damage.

Insurance claims for damage caused by burglary amounted to £370 million, almost half the value of claims for water damage.

The figures were published by the Association of British Insurers. It said water damage risk is ever-present in virtually all homes: 95 per cent of properties have central heating and 96 per cent have a washing machine.

However, water pipes are said to be the main source of problems. Of all water damage-related insurance claims made, one in three are because of leaking pipes.

Frozen pipes that burst are the second most common reason for an insurance damage claim, according to the association.

Leaking showers are behind one in 10 water damage-related claims.