Trace and access cover explained
Finding a leak under a floor or inside a wall can cost more than fixing it. Trace and access is the part of a buildings policy that can pay for that.
Trace and access cover pays for finding the source of a leak ("trace") and for removing and replacing parts of the building to reach it ("access"). It usually does not pay to repair the leaking pipe itself, and the water damage is claimed separately under escape of water. Where policies include it, the limit is typically around £5,000, though some offer more. Not every policy has it.
What trace and access cover includes
- A leak detection investigation to find where the water is escaping.
- Lifting floors, opening walls or breaking out screed to reach the leak.
- Putting those areas back afterwards, up to the limit.
What trace and access cover does not include
- Repairing the pipe, fitting or appliance that leaked.
- The damage the water caused. That goes under the escape of water section of the claim.
- Water coming in from outside, or leaks caused by poor maintenance.
Admiral's own guide, for example, says its trace and access cover does not include repairing the source of the leak or the cost of damage the leak caused.
Trace and access limits
Which? found in 2024 that where cover is provided, limits are typically around £5,000, and that some budget policies had none at all. Some insurers go higher: Admiral lists up to £5,000 on its standard and Gold cover and up to £10,000 on Platinum. Your policy schedule or wording will state yours.
A precise find matters here. The more of the building that has to be opened on a guess, the faster the limit is used up.
How to claim trace and access cover
- Report the leak to your insurer and ask whether you have trace and access cover, and what the limit is.
- Ask whether they will appoint a leak detection company or reimburse one you choose. Get that agreement before work starts.
- Have the leak found and get a written report of the cause and location, with photos.
- Send the report and invoice to your insurer or loss adjuster.
ADI's reports are written by the engineer who attended, include photo and video evidence, and are emailed within 48 hours. ADI's published case studies include jobs in Poplar, Wandsworth and Plymouth where the investigation was covered under the trace and access clause of the buildings policy.
Common questions
Is trace and access cover standard?
Not always. The ABI has said it is not always offered as standard, and Which? found budget policies without it. Check your policy wording.
Does the excess apply?
Usually yes, as with other parts of a claim. Your policy schedule shows the excess, which is often higher for escape of water.
Is trace and access on contents insurance?
It is normally part of buildings insurance, since it is about the structure and the pipes in it. Tenants should tell their landlord, whose buildings policy is the relevant one.