Tap left open during a supply cut: does insurance always exclude the damage?

Some terms expressly address the situation

MAPFRE Casa wording 34020241000 includes taps left open during a supply interruption not attributable to the insured, evidenced by the supplier or resulting from an electricity failure also evidenced. The provision remains subject to the policy’s other terms; it does not automatically cover every forgotten tap.

Fidelidade Casa’s April 2026 pre-contractual information also describes this situation with evidence requirements. These are examples of reading documents, not product recommendations or a rule applying to every policy.

Sources: MAPFRE — Casa general terms 34020241000 dated 4 October 2024, Water Damage, Articles1–2, pp.47–49; current product link and relevant passages read 1 November 2026 ↗ · Fidelidade Casa — April2026 pre-contractual information, II.4, scope and exclusions, p.5; document provided by CGD, relevant passage read 1 November2026 ↗

Reconstruct the sequence without guessing the cause

Sofia separates the interruption, tap left open, supply returning and damage being discovered. She records what she knows and identifies approximate times. If she does not know why the water stopped, she leaves that cause unconfirmed.

A neighbour’s message may help place the event in time, but do not turn it into a supplier’s statement. Ask how to obtain relevant evidence for the location and period being assessed. Do not ask others to change dates or submit a technical explanation that has not been established.

Identify what was damaged

The tap, pipework, flooring and furniture are different elements. Make a factual list of what was affected and distinguish the water’s source from its consequences. If another apartment is also damaged, include that circumstance in the notification without deciding liability in advance.

People’s safety takes priority. Avoid entering water near electrical installations and obtain competent help. Follow assistance or process instructions; this guide neither authorises work on installations nor replaces a technical assessment.

Turn the example into a question about your policy

Ask for the applicable wording, documents required and distinction between the property, causes and expenses being assessed. Keep the terms’ version and response. Knowing that another policy describes a similar situation does not resolve your process.

For existing damage, use Support and claims. If comparing future home protection, select Home in Request a quote or Please contact me. Do not post the address, absence dates, invoices or images containing personal information in social comments. A new enquiry does not cover earlier damage retrospectively.