Trace and access refers to the part of your home insurance policy that covers the cost of locating the source of a water leak or other hidden issue, and gaining access to fix it. This is different from repairing the resulting damage, it’s specifically about the investigation and uncovering of the problem.
For example, if a pipe bursts behind a wall, trace and access pays for identifying the leak and removing part of the wall, while repairs to the pipe or damage may fall under ‘escape of water’.
Not all home insurance policies include trace and access as standard, so it’s important to check your wording.
What does trace and access cover?
Trace and access typically covers:
- Hiring a professional to locate hidden leaks or faults
- Specialist tools like thermal imaging or moisture meters
- Removing flooring, walls, or ceilings to expose the issue
- Labour costs for investigation and access work
It generally does not cover:
- The cost of repairing the leak (e.g. fixing the pipe)
- Cosmetic repairs after access (unless specified in your policy)
- Any damage that existed before the policy started
In short, trace and access is about identifying and uncovering the problem, not repairing the leak itself or restoring the damage caused. It covers the cost of finding the issue, not fixing it.
Examples of trace and access in action
Example 1: Leaking pipe behind a bathroom wall
A homeowner notices a damp patch on the ceiling below the bathroom. A plumber is called in, but the source of the leak is unclear. The insurer approves trace and access cover, which pays for a specialist to investigate and remove part of the wall to find a leaking pipe. The plumber fixes the pipe, and the wall is repaired under the escape of water section of the policy.
Example 2: Underfloor heating leak
Water pressure drops in a central heating system with underfloor heating. A specialist uses thermal imaging to locate a leak in a pipe embedded in concrete flooring. Trace and access cover pays for the investigation and removal of the flooring to fix the problem. The cost of repairing the floor itself is covered separately.
Trace and access vs escape of water – what’s the difference?
While related, trace and access and escape of water are not the same:
- Trace and access covers the cost of finding and accessing the problem
- Escape of water covers the damage caused by a leak or burst pipe
Some insurers combine them under one section, while others treat them separately. Always check your policy wording and schedule to be sure.
Do all home insurance policies include trace and access?
No. Some policies include it as standard, others offer it as an optional extra, and some exclude it entirely.
Without this cover, you may have to pay out of pocket for investigative work, which can easily run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
How to check if you’re covered
If it’s not included, consider adding it at renewal
- Review your policy schedule – it should clearly list whether trace and access is included
- Look at the escape of water section – it’s sometimes mentioned there
- Ask your insurer or broker for confirmation
FAQ’s
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How much does trace and access cover cost?
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It’s often included in mid to high-tier home insurance policies, but some entry-level cover may exclude it or charge extra.
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Is trace and access a legal requirement?
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No, it’s not required by law. But without it, you may face high out-of-pocket costs when trying to locate a hidden issue.
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Will my insurer always approve trace and access claims?
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Not necessarily. They’ll usually require reasonable evidence that investigation is needed, for example, unexplained damp or a report from a qualified contractor.
