Top Landlord Insurance Claims And How To Prevent Them

Most landlord insurance claims follow familiar patterns. But the emerging pattern in 2025-26 is how often they happen and how much they cost. Rising repair prices and more extreme weather mean even routine claims are becoming more expensive.

Industry data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) shows property claims remain at historically high levels, with weather-related damage and escape of water leading the way. For landlords, prevention is now just as important as cover.

Here are the most common landlord insurance claims in the UK, and what you can realistically do to reduce the risk.

1) Escape of water (leaks and burst pipes)

The most common claim: Escape of water is consistently the number one cause of landlord claims. Go.Compare’s data for 2024 shows escape of water as the biggest single claim category with around 28.6% of claims declared.

How to reduce the risk

• Inspect bathrooms, kitchens, boilers, and pipework regularly

• Replace ageing washing machine hoses and seals

• Make sure tenants know where the stopcock is

• Keep heating on low during cold weather, especially in vacant properties

• Consider simple leak detection sensors in higher-risk areas

2) Storm and weather-related damage

Increasing year on year: UK insurers paid out a record sum of £226m for weather-related claims in 2025 according to the ABI. Even if your own property isn’t in a flood zone, storms drive roof damage, gutter failures, water ingress and fallen trees.

How to reduce the risk:

• Clear gutters and downpipes at least once a year

• Replace loose or missing roof tiles promptly

• Secure fencing, sheds, and outbuildings

• Keep trees trimmed back from roofs and walls

3) Accidental damage by tenants

Very common, especially in furnished lets: UK insurer guidance lists accidental damage as a frequent landlord claim category.

How to reduce the risk:

• Use hard-wearing materials in high-traffic areas

• Clearly explain what tenants should report immediately

• Set boundaries around DIY and wall fixings

• Check whether accidental damage is included in your policy or needs to be added

4) Malicious damage and vandalism

Less frequent, but often severe: Malicious damage claims are less common than accidental damage, but they can be costly and stressful when they occur.

How to reduce the risk

• Carry out proper tenant referencing

• Keep detailed inventories with photos

• Deal with maintenance issues quickly

• Maintain good communication throughout the tenancy

• Ensure locks and basic security are up to standard

5) Fire and smoke damage

Rare, but high impact: Fire remains one of the most serious risks for landlords. Even small kitchen fires or electrical faults can lead to major smoke damage.

How to reduce the risk

• Ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed and tested

• Replace old or unreliable appliances between tenancies

• Address electrical issues immediately

• Provide tenants with clear fire-safety guidance

6) Theft and forced entry

Often linked to vacant periods: Theft claims are more likely when a property is empty or poorly secured. Even short void periods can increase risk.

How to reduce the risk

• Fit approved door and window locks

• Use timed lights during vacant periods

• Visit empty properties regularly

• Avoid leaving properties unfurnished and unsecured for long periods

7) Subsidence

Uncommon, but extremely expensive: ABI-reported subsidence pay-outs rose during extreme heat periods in 2025, with high average costs per claim reported. This cases are less “common” than leaks, but it can be financially brutal and slow to resolve.

How to reduce the risk

• Manage large trees close to the property

• Watch for cracks, sticking doors, or sloping floors

• Investigate early warning signs quickly

• Keep records and photos over time

Simple steps that help prevent claims altogether

Regardless of property type, these actions make a real difference:

• Carry out regular inspections and keep records

• Fix small problems before they escalate

• Understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover

• Don’t assume cover is automatic for things like accidental damage or vacant properties

Final thought

For most landlords in 2025-26, escape of water and storm damage remain the biggest risks, both in frequency and cost. Focusing on basic maintenance, early intervention, and clear communication with tenants is still the most effective way to reduce claims.

Having the right landlord insurance in place matters, but preventing the claim in the first place matters even more.

Footnotes

1. Year-to-date property insurance payouts hit record £4.6 billion

2. Water woes: New data reveals ‘escape of water’ tops home insurance claims

3. Funding for flood defences crucial as the bill for bad-weather hits record quarterly high

4. The most common landlord insurance claims

5. Insurance support tops £150 million for homes affected by subsidence