How to Fight Your Subsidence Insurance Claim

House subsidence is a serious concern for homeowners and buyers. It can significantly reduce property value, with repair costs starting from several thousands of pounds and can sometimes exceed £50,000. While most insurance companies offer subsidence cover, you may find yourself dissatisfied with the settlement provided. This blog will guide you on how to challenge an unsatisfactory settlement from your insurer.

What is Subsidence?

A building experiences subsidence when the ground beneath the property dips, dragging the foundations down with it. As a result, there may be significant structural damage, and the building may move and crack.

Common Causes of Subsidence:

• Water leaks – Leaking pipes can soften and wash away soil, making it unstable.
• Drought – Extended dry periods cause clay-rich soils to shrink and crack.
• Tree roots – Trees and shrubs absorb moisture from the soil, leading to shrinkage and instability.

How Does Subsidence Affect Your Home?

• Trees and large shrubs near your property can drain moisture from the soil, causing it to dry out and sink.
• Clay soil can shrink and crack, leading to unstable ground and foundation issues.
• Leaking drains can wash away soil, weakening the foundation.
• Older properties with shallow foundations are at higher risk of subsidence.
• Poorly laid foundations may cause long-term structural problems.

How to Identify Subsidence

Look out for these warning signs:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Sticking doors or windows
• Cracks in concrete driveways or patios
• Sinking floors
• Wallpaper ripping or crinkling without an apparent cause.

Does Insurance Cover Subsidence Claims?

Most home insurance policies cover subsidence, though they typically come with a high excess, around £1,000. However, some insurers exclude subsidence due to the high cost of claims. If your insurer does not cover subsidence, you may need to seek specialist insurance providers.

Exclusions to Be Aware Of:

• Damage to driveways, patios, garden walls, or swimming pools is often not covered under standard policies.

What to Do If You're Unhappy with Your Settlement

If you believe your insurance payout is insufficient, you have options:

1. Speak with your insurer – Request a reassessment and provide additional evidence, such as expert reports.
2. Make a complaint – If discussions with your insurer do not resolve the issue, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which handles disputes between consumers and insurers.

What to Do If Your Insurance Company Doesn't Cover Subsidence

If your insurance provider does not cover subsidence, consider the following steps:

1. Seek specialist insurance – Some insurers specialise in subsidence cover, particularly for high-risk properties.
2. Consult a structural engineer – A professional assessment can help determine the best course of action and provide documentation for future insurance applications.
3. Carry out preventive measures – Address potential risks such as removing problematic trees, repairing leaks, and reinforcing foundations.
4. Explore financial assistance – In some cases, local authorities may offer grants or support for subsidence-related repairs.

If you are dealing with a subsidence claim, get in touch with our legal team at Summerfield Browne Solicitors for expert guidance on your claim today.