In 2006, I had a most acrimonius dispute with Thames Water when it tried to charge me £1,000 for water which I never received.

The water had leaked away between the water meter and my house.

In 2007, Thames Water introduced me to Homeserve GB Ltd, which offered me an insurance policy covering me for water lost as well as for prompt repair of leaks.

The deal appeared to be attractive and I accepted it in the knowledge that Thames Water would no longer be able to charge me for water I never had.

Recently, I received notification that the policy was due for renewal and the fee would be collected by direct debit unless I wished to cancel.

Having learned to regard with suspicion anything to do with Thames Water, I read the small print and surprise, surprise, water lost through leakage was no longer covered - the very reason I accepted the policy.

I contacted Homeserve and was told: "Our customers no longer wanted such cover."

I doubt that were true - certainly nobody contacted me.

The policy notes said that "where water is lost from a burst or leak to your supply pipe, most water companies will offer some form of refund or bill adjustment for the cost of any lost water".

I can tell you that Thames Water is not one of those companies.

My message is that in the event of water being lost between the water meter and your house, you will not be covered by Homeserve, and Thames Water will not be sympatheic.

Of course, if you don't have a water meter, they can't charge you for water you never had.

You have been warned.

JOHN SANDALLS Locks Lane Wantage