In 2008 insurers paid out over £90million in settling claims involving damage due to an escape of water.  Many insurers are now imposing a standard £250 excess in respect of claims for damage as a result of Escape of Water, with AXA Insurance UK plc and Ageas Insurance Limited being at the forefront.

AXA Insurance UK plc

For new business with an inception date after 1st October 2009 and for renewals of existing policies after 12th November 2009, Endorsement E250 will appear on AXA policies noting that the excess has been increased to £250 for Escape of Water claims.

Ageas Insurance Limited (formerly Fortis Insurance Limited)

From 1st January 2010 Ageas Insurance Limited will be introducing a new policy excess of £250 for Escape of Water claims on household insurance policies.  Ageas have launched a winter campaign entitled 'Avoid the not-so Great Escape this winter' and have released free guides to assist both individuals and businesses reduce the risk of suffering damage by escape of water.  For your copy, click on one of the options below:

Guide for Householders
Guide for Businesses

Zurich Insurance plc

From 1st November, Zurich Insurance plc will be applying a flat £250 excess for all Escape of Water claims.  Neither the standard policy excess, nor any voluntary excess selected will be applied in addition to this excess.