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Cricket & Bowling Club Escape of Water Claim Success Story
Following further evidence and review, the insurer accepted the claim, including reinstatement works and business interruption losses.
Written by Darren Carter. Last Updated on October 2, 2026
Escape of Water and Dry Rot Claim Accepted Following Further Review
When a leak is hidden, the damage doesn’t stay hidden for long. And by the time a club or business spots the problem, the disruption is usually already costing money.
That was the reality for a local cricket and bowling club that faced a serious insurance challenge after a major escape of water insurance claim caused extensive damage.
Their men’s toilet area had suffered serious timber deterioration and rot, and the gents’ facilities were out of use for an extended period. Not ideal at any time. Worse when bookings, venue hire, and bar takings are affected month after month.
We were brought in after the claim had already hit a wall.
The Claim Had Been Declined – And The Club Was Left Stuck
The insurer’s position was that the damage came from a “gradual operating cause”, not an insured peril. In plain terms, they said this was not an insured escape of water claim.
That left the club in a very difficult spot.
They were facing repair costs. They were dealing with lost income. They had ongoing disruption to normal operations. And they didn’t have a clear route forward on how to challenge the decision.
This is exactly the kind of situation where policyholders feel they are out of options.
They often aren’t. But it can feel like it.
What We Found When We Inspected The Site
We attended the club and carried out a detailed inspection of the affected area, including moisture readings and an assessment of the structure.
Our findings pointed to a different cause entirely.
Our assessment was that the proximate cause was a concealed escape of water from a urinal waste pipe, with water tracking into the floor void beneath the urinals. In other words, there had been an escape of water. The evidence on the site supported that.
This differed from the insurer’s initial conclusion that no insured escape of water had occurred.
And that changed the shape of the claim.
How We Challenged The Insurer’s Decision
We prepared and submitted a full claim report to the insurer, setting out:
- the cause of the damage
- the extent of the damage
- why the policy wording and available evidence supported policy liability
Even then, the insurer maintained the declination.
So we kept going.
We supported the club through the insurer’s formal complaints process and, once the complaint was eligible for referral, helped the club refer the dispute to the Financial Ombudsman Service. As part of that process, the insurer was invited to review the file again, and we provided further evidence supporting the club’s position.
Worth saying: this part matters.
A lot of people assume a declined claim is the end of the road. Sometimes it is. But sometimes it isn’t – especially where the cause has not been properly established, or the evidence has not been fully presented.
Damage Caused By
A Concealed Escape of Water
The Outcome: Insurer Accepted Policy Liability Following Review
Following the review, the insurer overturned its decision and accepted policy liability.
The claim then progressed to assessment of the covered property damage and business interruption losses.
The final settlement included not only the reinstatement works, but also Business Interruption losses linked to reduced takings and cancelled bookings while the venue operated without adequate facilities.
That point is easy to miss in practice, by the way. Businesses and clubs often focus on the physical damage first (understandably), but the trading impact can be just as significant. Our business insurance claims support explains how ILA can help with commercial claims involving property damage, loss of income and operational disruption.
Why This Case Mattered
This wasn’t just a paperwork exercise. The club had been without usable facilities for months, and the knock-on effect hit normal operations, bookings, and income.
Before ILA became involved, the claim remained declined and the club faced the prospect of funding the loss itself.
Instead, the decision was challenged with further evidence, the insurer reviewed its position and the claim outcome changed.
A Quick Note if Your Claim Has Been Declined
If you’ve been told your damage is “gradual”, “wear and tear”, or otherwise not covered, don’t assume that is automatically the final word.
Sometimes the insurer is right. Sometimes they’re not. The key issue is usually the same: cause.
We don’t make promises we can’t support, and we don’t tell people every declined claim can be overturned. But we do investigate thoroughly, look at the evidence, and give clear, independent advice on whether there is a proper basis to challenge the decision.
That’s the difference.
Need Help With a Similar Claim?
If you’re dealing with an escape of water claim, rot damage, or a claim that has been delayed or declined, we can help you understand where you stand.
Independent Loss Adjusters offers free initial advice, so you can discuss the current position before deciding what to do next.
Call Independent Loss Adjusters on 0800 002 5178 or contact us through the website to discuss your claim. We’ll talk it through, explain your options, and outline how our insurance claim process works, and whether we may be able to assist.
- Call: 0800 002 5178
- Email: info@ilauk.co.uk
Darren Carter
Head of Marketing & Technology, Independent Loss Adjusters
Posted by Darren - Over 15 years' experience in online marketing within the insurance claims sector and works with ILA's loss adjusters and claims professionals to turn practical claims knowledge into clear, useful guidance for policyholders.
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When an insurance claim becomes delayed, disputed or difficult to manage, it helps to hear from people who have already been through the process. These comments are from clients who asked Independent Loss Adjusters to help them deal with insurers, evidence, claim decisions, settlement offers and repair concerns.
“I was at my wits' end trying to navigate an insurance claim, with everyone involved being obtuse and evasive. Chris answered my pleas and was on the situation immediately. I hope I never have to use a service like this in the future - but if I do, 110% I would use ILA in a heartbeat.”
“Extremely professional, reassuring whilst giving a wonderful, friendly service during a personally difficult time. Very thorough in the site assessment and good follow-up.”
“The insurer was being a nightmare and dragged the case on for months, but in the end, with Glenn’s help and guidance, we received the payout needed to rectify the damage. Without Glenn, we would have only received 20% of the actual costs to restore the damage!”
“I would recommend them to anyone looking for assistance with an insurance claim.”
“We were really struggling with our insurance claim until we decided to use ILA. Glen and Sue took charge of the claim and took the worry away from us. Thank you both for your help and support throughout the process.”
“They leapt into action and took a complex claim on and helped us immeasurably. As soon as they were involved we felt like the tide had turned and we were no longer in such a vulnerable situation.”
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