Trace and access cover

Form of the cover[edit]

The cover typically appears as a capped sum, separate from the limit applying to the damage itself, and is usually tied to a claim under the escape of water peril rather than standing alone. Where the leak causes no insured damage, a trace and access provision tied to a damage claim may not respond at all.

An excess commonly applies. Because the cover and the damage claim can carry different limits and different excesses, the two are best read separately when establishing what a policy will actually pay.^[1]

Establishing whether a policy carries it[edit]

The presence of an escape of water peril does not imply the presence of trace and access cover. The two are separate provisions and a policy may carry the first without the second, in which case damage is covered but locating the fault is not.^[1]

Where the cover exists, insurers commonly require that the investigation is proportionate and documented, which is why leak detection reports are generally produced with photographs, the methods used and the location identified.

What it does not extend to[edit]

The repair of the failed pipe, joint or appliance is normally outside the provision and treated as maintenance. A specialist may locate the leak under the cover and then carry out the repair as a separate, uninsured cost.

This is the most common misunderstanding about the provision: it pays to find the problem and to reach it, not to put the pipe right.

A single escape of water can also carry more than one excess, which is dealt with under insurance excess.