Leaking pipes are causing more damage to German homes than fires, storms and floods combined, according to latest statistics released today by R+V Versicherung AG. The insurance company reported that 61 percent of all claims filed under its residential building insurance policies in 2025 were related to water damage from plumbing.
Approximately 45,400 water damage claims were submitted by R+V policyholders in 2025, significantly outpacing the 29 percent of claims attributed to storm, flood, and similar events. Fires accounted for only one in ten claims.
“Classic water pipes, porous dishwasher hoses, or frozen pipes in winter: Leitungswasser causes by far the most damage that is reported to us under residential building insurance,” said Conny Flörcks, a product developer at R+V. She emphasized that the damage often goes unnoticed for extended periods.
“Many people think of a burst pipe,” Flörcks explained, “but a defective seal or fine cracks and small holes in pipes can also cause significant damage.” The sluggish, insidious nature of these leaks allows water to accumulate for days or weeks, leading to issues like damp walls, warped laminate flooring, and loosened tiles. Mold growth, a common consequence of prolonged moisture, can also pose health risks to residents.
R+V is encouraging homeowners to proactively address potential leaks. The company promotes the use of leak detection systems, which are installed in water supply lines and automatically shut off the water flow upon detecting a pressure drop. These systems can help limit the extent of damage and are incentivized by R+V with a 10 percent discount on the water damage premium for residential building insurance.
The statistics released by R+V follow a trend of increasing water damage claims in recent years. In 2021, the company reported €6.2 million in frost damage to residential buildings, and in 2024, frost damage claims totaled around €2.5 million. The company advises homeowners to maintain a minimum temperature of five degrees Celsius in buildings during the winter, even in infrequently used rooms, to prevent pipes from freezing.
R+V also cautioned against attempting to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame, warning that this could cause further damage to the pipes.
