Escape of water LIVE

Do two or more of these apply to your claim?

The Insured

The Investigation

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Does the insured's trading history show any financial difficulty? Due diligence should be undertaken, e.g. check Companies House for commercial policyholders.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Check whether there has been a sudden influx in claims from the insured recently. If so, investigate to ensure that all claims are genuine. Are there any similarities between claims? Any unusual features?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

If the insured has only held cover for a short time, the dates of the alleged damage should be scrutinised to ensure that the damage did not occur prior to inception.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

If the insured is making it unduly difficult to validate or deal with a claim, scrutinise available evidence to see whether any other fraud indicators apply.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Consider what the insured might be concealing. Scrutinise the evidence and consider whether any other fraud indicators apply.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Request digital copies of any photographs to review the timestamp to ensure it is consistent with the insured’s account. If the insured is not willing to provide digital copies it may be an indication that photographs were taken after the event.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Insurer’s Investigators should be the first to examine the property to ensure that evidence is retained. The insured should be told at FNOL to only carry out essential remedial work, and only as agreed with insurers. If remedial work has been carried out, ask for all documentation that relates to that work. If there is suspicion, inspect that work.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Carefully scrutinise the documentation provided by the insured. Is it consistent with the alleged damage? Is the invoice from a company which exists? Is there a VAT number on the invoice? If not, it may indicate a false company. If no documentation has been provided consider whether the reasons for this are justified.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

At FNOL, inform the insured not to dispose of any evidence or parts. Investigators should attend promptly to ensure that evidence is retained. If the insured has already disposed of items relevant to the claim, consider whether any other fraud indicators apply.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Consider whether there is any evidence which conflicts with the insured’s account. For example, utility bills, alarm records or fresh food within the property.

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Consider whether a vague account is justified given the circumstances and dates involved. Identify and consider the number of inconsistencies in the insured’s evidence.

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Are there financial problems?

Have two or more claims been made recently?

Has cover been incepted recently?

Is the insured being difficult?

Is the insured refusing an inspection?

Has the insured provided photographs several months after the incident or are they refusing to provide digital images?

Has remedial work already been completed?

Is the documentation suspicious or of poor quality?

Has the damaged property or parts already been disposed of?

Does evidence suggest that the insured was not away from the property as claimed?

Has the insured or witnesses provided vague or conflicting accounts?

Is there clean-cut pipework within the area of origin?

Have there been multiple bursts within the property?

Is there dry dust and debris below the areas of alleged water damage?

Have any overflow devices been blocked or disconnected? Is there any sign of mechanical damage or manipulation?

Is there unusual water staining on the ceilings or walls?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Have the ceilings or plasterboard been pulled down in unlikely or dry places? Any evidence of tearing or finger marks?

Do weather reports support frozen pipe claims?

Is the property in a poor state if repair and in need of renovation?

Is there any damage to furnishings which are outside of the location of the escape of water?

Has the water damage occured in an improbable location?

Is there a lack of water staining within the areas of high damage?

Yes? Could the insured have caused or contributed to the loss?

A number of incidents in a short time frame could be an indicator of fraud. Each burst should be scrutinised for any similarities.

Consider the age of the damage to confirm that it is consistent with the dates and circumstances of the loss.

Identify whether there are any holes or tool imprints to the leaking fittings or pipework. This may be a sign that they’ve been tampered with.

Consider whether the water staining is appropriate for the circumstances of the loss, the volume of water said to have escaped, the duration and means of escape. Historically, coffee and/or tea have been used to recreate water stains.

Is there any evidence which contradicts the insured’s account that the property was occupied? For example, utility bills, alarm records, CCTV etc.

Check whether the location is consistent with the origin of the water leak. Evidence of tearing or finger marks may suggest that this was deliberately caused.

Weather reports should be obtained to validate frozen pipe claims. Was it freezing on or around the date of the loss?

Consider the pre-existing condition of the property and whether the insured had a motive. This should be considered with the financial indicators above.

Consider the location of both the escape of water and the damaged items. For example, are they in the same room?

Is the damage consistent with the circumstances of the loss and the alleged origin of the water leak? For example, is the damage some distance from the leaking pipework?

Consider if the evidence is consistent with the circumstances of the loss.

The majority of claims are genuine. However, Jensen Hughes have estimated that escape of water claims represent approximately a one in eight fraud opportunity. Escape of water claims fraud can be both domestic and commercial, and the existence of national fraud rings, making claims under commercial policies to multiple insurers, demonstrates the potential scale of the problem to the industry. So, if you’re an insurer, what are the key fraud indicators that you need to watch out for, both when a claim is submitted and during an on-site investigation? At Clyde & Co, we are regularly involved in advising insurers on escape of water claims and helping them navigate the claims process where fraud indicators are present. Building on the best practice we developed with Zurich and based on our experience, we’ve created our key fraud indicators for Escape of Water interactive tool to help insurers identify where insurance fraud might be present. We highlight key indicators of fraud and questions that insurers should consider when dealing with an escape of water claim. The tool also provides further guidance on what to look for and why it may indicate fraud. If two or more of the indicators apply to a claim, or if you are in any way suspicious or concerned, we recommend fully profiling and assessing that risk through a rigorous due diligence process. This will help ensure that honest policyholders are paid quickly, whilst bespoke investigations are carried out where cases warrant further validation. The number and cost of claims are rising, and are extremely expensive for insurers. We need to work together to tackle fraudulent claims and prevent the rising levels of falsified and exaggerated escape of water claims.

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Are there financial problems?

Does the insured's trading history show any financial difficulty? Due diligence should be undertaken, e.g. check Companies House for commercial policyholders.

Are there financial problems?

If the insured has only held cover for a short time, the dates of the alleged damage should be scrutinised to ensure that the damage did not occur prior to inception.

Are there financial problems?

If the insured is making it unduly difficult to validate or deal with a claim, scrutinise available evidence to see whether any other fraud indicators apply.

Are there financial problems?

Consider what the insured might be concealing. Scrutinise the evidence and consider whether any other fraud indicators apply.

Are there financial problems?

Consider whether there is any evidence which conflicts with the insured’s account. For example, utility bills, alarm records or fresh food within the property.

Are there financial problems?

A number of incidents in a short time frame could be an indicator of fraud. Each burst should be scrutinised for any similarities.

Are there financial problems?

Consider whether a vague account is justified given the circumstances and dates involved. Identify and consider the number of inconsistencies in the insured’s evidence.

Are there financial problems?

Yes? Could the insured have caused or contributed to the loss?

Are there financial problems?

Consider the age of the damage to confirm that it is consistent with the dates and circumstances of the loss.

Are there financial problems?

Identify whether there are any holes or tool imprints to the leaking fittings or pipework. This may be a sign that they’ve been tampered with.

Are there financial problems?

Are there any indicators of an uninhabited property when the Insured claims occupancy?

Are there financial problems?

Check whether the location is consistent with the origin of the water leak. Evidence of tearing or finger marks may suggest that this was deliberately caused.

Are there financial problems?

Weather reports should be obtained to validate frozen pipe claims. Was it freezing on or around the date of the loss?

Are there financial problems?

Consider the pre-existing condition of the property and whether the insured had a motive. This should be considered with the financial indicators above.

Are there financial problems?

Consider the location of both the escape of water and the damaged items. For example, are they in the same room?

Are there financial problems?

Is the damage consistent with the circumstances of the loss and the alleged origin of the water leak? For example, is the damage some distance from the leaking pipework?

Are there financial problems?

Consider if the evidence is consistent with the circumstances of the loss.

our key

fraud indicators for Escape of Water interactive tool