According to Mindaugas Ratkevičius, head of BTA Insurance Property and Special Risks Claims Department, seemingly mundane domestic situations most often turn into insured events, as stated in BTA’s press release.
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„Most often, we encounter burst washing machine or toilet hoses, leaky pipes, unsealed showers, faulty faucets, or water filters. It seems like a minor incident, but in an apartment building, water very quickly finds its way down and reaches neighbors’ homes,” says M. Ratkevičius.
One burst hose becomes a multi-story problem
According to insurance experts, water leaks cause the most problems in apartment buildings. In such cases, not only the culprit’s apartment but also one or more dwellings below are often affected.
For example, according to BTA data, in 2023–2025, the absolute majority of civil liability claims were related to water leaks and plumbing failures. In 2023, over 300 such cases were recorded, in 2024 – almost 400, and in 2025 – over 400.
„Water can damage ceilings, walls, floors, furniture, electrical installations, or light fixtures. In some cases, it even reaches several floors or commercial premises on the ground floor. Then a small accident in one apartment becomes a problem for the entire building,” the expert notes.
A few drops turned into a five-figure bill
In BTA’s practice, there are many examples where a seemingly insignificant domestic problem turned into significant losses.
„For example, in one case, a burst hot water hose in the kitchen flooded not only the client’s apartment but also several neighboring dwellings. The total payout exceeded 10 thousand euros. In another case, a towel rail pipe accident on the third floor damaged the finishes of several apartments below, and during a fire, losses arose not only from the fire but also from the extinguishing water that flooded neighbors’ homes,” says the head of BTA Insurance Property and Special Risks Claims Department.
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He adds that there are also situations where repairs to several apartments have to be organized due to a burst washing machine hose or a water hose often used under the sink.
Neighbor’s repairs are not always just their concern
Although many residents believe that only their own property will be affected in the event of an accident, in reality, owners of several apartments suffer losses.
„Civil liability insurance is most often needed when damage is caused to neighbors. This can be burst pipes, hoses, towel rails, leaky toilet cisterns, faulty washing machines, or simply carelessly left running water,” says M. Ratkevičius.
According to BTA data, the average civil liability claim in 2025 amounted to 1150 euros, and the average water damage was 980 euros.
„The most expensive and largest accidents often start with minor details, so regularly check the condition of plumbing and do not leave operating household appliances unattended,” emphasizes M. Ratkevičius.
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