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Contents insurance is designed to help protect your possessions. No matter how careful you are, there is always a risk that your belongings could be broken, damaged or stolen. Home contents insurance can help provide peace of mind should the worst happen, with Escape of Water being an identified peril.

What is an escape of water claim?
'Escape of water' is how insurers describe an incident where water has leaked from the mains supply, which includes water escaping from a washing machine, dishwasher, or central heating system. Escape of water is a common home insurance claim. Unfortunately, even the smallest leak can cause significant damage to your home.

Here are some tips to help protect your property and prevent further damage when you suffer
a leak:
● Turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water.
● Turn off the power and avoid using electrical appliances. Get in touch with an electrician first if there is any safety risk.
● Contact us and report the leak as soon as possible.
● Place buckets or towels to catch dripping water and prevent further spread.
● Take photos or videos of the leak and any damage to support any insurance claim.

Is escape of water the same as flooding?

Escape of water and flooding have different causes, which is why insurance companies distinguish between them. Floods are caused by an external water source, for instance a river bursting its banks or heavy rainfall may lead to flooding. This can be destructive and can cause widespread damage to homes.

Unfortunately, in the UK and during the cold winters, tenants and residents could suffer escape of water and flooding, and that is why it’s worth considering home contents insurance. Sutton Housing Partnership’s Home Contents Insurance Scheme offers cover for damage to your home contents and belongings in the events of an escape of water or flood, and other perils.

Limits and exclusions apply. A full policy wording is available on request.

To find out more about the home contents insurance scheme, where you can pay premiums
alongside your rent:
- Tel: 020 8770 5353
- Email: insurance@sutton.gov.uk
- Visit: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/insurance-service-home-contents-insurance

The London Borough of Sutton in partnership with Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Tenant Risks is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Firm Reference Number 310419. Registered in England under No. 00338645. Registered office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Thistle Insurance Services Ltd is part of the PIB Group. Our Privacy Policy: www.thistleinsurance.co.uk/Privacy-Policy