Will Your Insurer Pay for Damp Repairs?
Damp and mould are common issues in homes across London — but they’re not always covered by your home insurance policy.
In fact, many property owners don’t realise that most home insurance providers in the UK exclude damp and mould, especially when it results from gradual wear and tear.
This can come as a shock when repairs run into the thousands. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s covered — and to get the right evidence in place before you make a claim.
The Key Issue: Gradual Damage vs. Accidental Damage
Most insurers will only cover sudden, unexpected damage — not damage that builds up over time. Unfortunately, damp usually falls into the latter category.
What insurers typically DO cover:
Leaking pipe or burst water tank that causes sudden damage
Storm damage leading to water ingress
Roof leaks from falling debris (e.g. tiles displaced in a storm)
Accidental escape of water (e.g. appliance overflow)
What insurers typically DON’T cover:
Rising damp from a failed or missing damp-proof course
Penetrating damp from neglected brickwork, guttering, or roofing
Condensation caused by poor ventilation
Long-term black mould due to inadequate maintenance
Even reputable insurers like Aviva, Direct Line and Admiral explicitly exclude “damage caused by condensation, damp, or moisture unless resulting from an insured event.”
Why Damp Claims Are Often Rejected
Many homeowners assume that if there’s visible mould or wall damage, their insurance will cover it. But unless the root cause is sudden and accidental, most claims are rejected due to:
Lack of evidence showing a sudden event
No record of regular property maintenance
No professional diagnosis or damp report
Long-term damage that wasn’t addressed in time
This is particularly risky in older London homes, where damp may build up slowly over years — often behind walls or under floors — before it becomes visible.
How a Damp Survey Supports Insurance Claims
If you plan to make an insurance claim for damp or mould, the first step should be to book a professional damp survey. Here's why:
A damp survey provides:
Independent evidence from a qualified professional
A clear diagnosis of the type and source of damp
Photographic documentation of damage
Confirmation of whether the issue is long-term or sudden
Recommendations that align with your policy wording
Our damp surveys in London take approximately three hours to investigate, document, and report, and they’ve helped homeowners and landlords successfully challenge insurance rejections when backed by proper diagnosis.
London Properties Face Unique Challenges
Many London homes — especially in areas like Hackney, Camden, Islington and Southwark — were built before modern damp-proofing was introduced. These properties are more susceptible to:
Rising damp from failed or missing DPCs
Penetrating damp due to aged brickwork and blocked gutters
Condensation due to poor ventilation and insulation
Insurers may use the age of the property to suggest the damage is “wear and tear” unless you can prove otherwise. A damp survey helps establish timelines, causes, and responsibility — all of which strengthen your case.
What to Do If You Discover Damp or Mould
Don’t start repairs immediately (unless it's an emergency)
Check your insurance policy wording — look for terms like “gradual damage” or “escape of water”
Book a professional damp survey to confirm the cause
Collect photo evidence of the affected areas
Submit a claim with full documentation
If your issue isn’t covered, your survey report will still give you clear next steps to solve the problem properly — without wasting money on ineffective treatments.
Avoid the Guesswork — Book a Professional Damp Survey
If you're unsure whether your damp issue is covered by insurance, a professional survey is your safest first move.
We provide expert damp surveys across London that help you:
Understand what’s really causing the damp
Make confident repair decisions
Support your claim with evidence
Avoid legal and financial stress later