One in four “escape of water” claims occur during summer months

Aviva home claims data shows that a quarter (25%) of escape of water claims occur between July and September^[1].

The data – which looks at home claims over the last three years - highlights a year-on-year rise in escape of water incidents, with claim costs averaging at £8,595.

While claims typically peak in January, often driven by colder weather causing pipes to freeze, July recorded the second highest number of escape of water claims in 2025^[2].

Escape of water claims can include:

• Leaks from appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers
• Overflowing or leaking water storage tanks, expansion tanks, hot water heaters, and cylinders
• Failures in toilets, cisterns, baths, and fixed shower units
• Leaks from fixed central heating or underfloor heating systems

Laura Lazarus, Director of Home and Lifestyle claims at Aviva, said: “Many people associate water leaks with winter, but the risk doesn’t disappear in summer. In fact, issues like unattended homes while people are away on holiday, increased water usage and unnoticed leaks can all lead to significant damage – costing more than £8,500 on average, according to our data.

“Taking simple steps – such as turning off your water supply when you’re away and checking appliances regularly – can help you get ready for summer and prevent problems before they escalate. It’s also just as important to keep up on home maintenance – such as fixing any leaky taps – as damage caused by wear and tear isn’t typically covered by a home insurance policy.”

Aviva’s top tips to prevent escape of water this summer include:

• Turn off your mains water before going away If you’re heading away on holiday, shutting off your water supply can prevent a small leak turning into major damage while nobody’s home.
• Check appliances before you leave Inspect washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers for any signs of leaks or worn hoses.
• Keep an eye out for slow leaks Dripping taps, damp patches or musty smells can all be early warning signs. It’s important to act quickly to prevent any long-term and potentially costly damage.
• Don’t ignore outdoor risks Garden hoses, pools and irrigation systems can also leak or burst in warm weather – it’s best to turnoff water supplies and empty pools when not in use.
• Ask someone to check your home If you’re away for a longer period, a neighbour or friend can help to spot issues early and prevent any damage. Most policies limit how long a property can be left empty (often no more than 60 days). If you plan to be away longer, it’s important to notify your insurer. With an Aviva Signature home insurance policy, cover excludes escape of water if your home is left unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days.
• Know how to switch off your water Make sure everyone in the household knows where your stop tap is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
• Keep your property well maintained Regularly servicing plumbing and replacing ageing pipework or connectors can reduce the risk of sudden failures. If unsure, always contact a professional before carrying any work out yourself.
• Check your policy If you have a sudden leak, your insurer will typically cover the cost of finding and accessing the source and putting things back once it’s fixed. However, repairs to the faulty pipe or appliance itself may not be covered if it’s simply worn out - so it’s worth checking your policy and keeping on top of maintenance to avoid unexpected costs. As cover can vary amongst insurers, it’s important to review your policy documents to understand what is and isn’t covered.

What to do if water escapes:

1. Turn off the main water supply straight away.
2. Make sure the area is safe by switching off any electricity nearby.
3. Keep the area well-ventilated and dry it as much as possible. Take photos as evidence for your insurer.
4. Contact a plumber and then your insurer. Make sure you’ve got your policy details to hand.

Aviva Signature Home Insurance is now available via an app on ChatGPT, enabling people to obtain an initial home insurance quote in a couple of minutes.

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References:

^1. _{Aviva home claims data from 2022-2025 [↑]}

^2. _{Aviva home claims data 2025 [↑]}

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