Can You Claim Subsidence on House Insurance? Manage The Complexity of Claims with Confidence

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Dean Goodwin
Group Director
Last Updated
12 November 2024

Can you claim subsidence on house insurance? Subsidence can be one of the most alarming issues for homeowners. When the ground beneath a property starts to sink or shift, it threatens not just the structural integrity of the building but also the safety and financial security of its occupants. Understanding whether you can claim subsidence on house insurance is essential for protecting your home and peace of mind.

This guide covers the basics of subsidence, how it affects insurance claims and offers practical steps to help you manage the claims process effectively. Let’s clarify how to manage this challenging issue while safeguarding your biggest investment.

FAST FACTS: Can You Claim Subsidence on House Insurance?

Key Facts and Statistics: Can You Claim Subsidence on House Insurance?

  • Insurance Coverage: A significant majority of home insurance policies in the UK cover subsidence as standard, but typically with a high excess, often around £1,000. However, only three out of 75 policies examined potentially offer a lower excess for subsidence claims, with some banks like Bank of Scotland and Halifax offering excesses between £100 and £500.
  • Cost of Repairs: The cost to repair subsidence damage can be substantial, with underpinning (a common method of repair) averaging around £2,600 per square meter. This highlights the financial risk homeowners face if they do not have adequate insurance coverage.
  • Claim Frequency: In 2023, there were over 1,900 reported claims for subsidence in the UK, indicating a persistent issue affecting many homeowners.
  • Impact on Premiums: Claiming subsidence can lead to increased premiums upon renewal. Homeowners may also lose their no-claims bonus, and many insurers may be reluctant to provide quotes for properties with a history of subsidence.

Coverage Availability

Standard Coverage: Most home insurance policies in the UK include coverage for subsidence as a standard feature. This means that if your home suffers damage due to subsidence, you can claim back the costs of repairs, which provides significant financial relief for homeowners.

This data highlights the supportive landscape for UK homeowners dealing with subsidence claims, showcasing the availability of comprehensive insurance options and resources designed to assist in effectively managing issues with subsidence.

Understanding the Basics of Subsidence

Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the ground supporting a structure. It’s a concern for homeowners because if not addressed promptly, it can lead to significant structural damage. But what exactly causes this phenomenon?

What Causes Subsidence?

Typically, subsidence occurs due to soil movement beneath a building’s foundations. Soil types play a pivotal role in this process:

  • Clay soils: Known for their shrink-swell behaviour, expanding and contracting with moisture variations.
  • Sandy soils: Can wash away more easily, leading to ground movement and increased risk.

Subsidence vs. Heave and Landslip

It’s essential to distinguish subsidence from related issues like heave (upward ground movement) and landslip (downhill soil movement). Recognising these differences is crucial as they may affect whether you can claim subsidence on house insurance and how each situation is treated in your policy.



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Understanding the Basics of Subsidence

Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the ground supporting a structure. It’s a concern for homeowners because if not addressed promptly, it can lead to significant structural damage. But what exactly causes this phenomenon?

What Causes Subsidence?

Typically, subsidence occurs due to soil movement beneath a building’s foundations. Soil types play a pivotal role in this process:

  • Clay soils: Known for their shrink-swell behaviour, expanding and contracting with moisture variations.
  • Sandy soils: Can wash away more easily, leading to ground movement and increased risk.

Subsidence vs. Heave and Landslip

It’s essential to distinguish subsidence from related issues like heave (upward ground movement) and landslip (downhill soil movement). Recognising these differences is crucial as they may affect whether you can claim subsidence on house insurance and how each situation is treated in your policy.



What Oakleafe Clients Say:



Book your complimentary consultation with our insurance claim professionals.

Our insurance claim professionals will explain the claim process to ensure you understand your options.
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How Home Insurance Covers Subsidence

If you are wondering “can you claim subsidence on house insurance,” it’s essential to understand what your policy covers. Many home insurance policies in the UK include subsidence coverage, but often with specific conditions and exclusions. Familiarising yourself with these terms can save you significant stress and financial burden.

What’s Typically Covered?

Most standard home insurance policies cover subsidence in cases of structural damage resulting from ground movement, including cracks and misalignments. However, policies may exclude damage due to poor maintenance, such as leaking drains or poorly managed guttering, which can exacerbate subsidence.

  • Cracks in walls or floors due to foundation shifts.
  • Misalignments in door or window frames caused by ground movement.

Always read the fine print of your insurance policy and check for specific clauses related to subsidence. Consulting resources like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or a loss assessor may also help clarify what’s covered in your policy.

can you claim subsidence on house insurance

Identifying Signs of Subsidence

Spotting the early signs of subsidence can prevent further damage and facilitate a smooth insurance claim. But what are these signs?

  • Cracks in walls: Look for cracks wider than 3mm, which could indicate structural movement.
  • Uneven floors and gaps: Noticeable gaps around window or door frames are common indicators.
  • Sticking doors or windows: Doors and windows that stick or jam for no obvious reason may be a sign.

Regular inspections are key. By periodically checking for new or worsening cracks and other structural anomalies, you can detect subsidence early and make the claim process more straightforward.

Common Causes of Subsidence

Understanding the causes of subsidence can help in both prevention and management. Various factors contribute to this issue, some more controllable than others.

Clay soil, as mentioned, is a frequent culprit due to its expansive nature. Trees and large shrubs planted too close to a property can also cause subsidence by drawing moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink. Drought conditions can exacerbate these effects, leading to more pronounced ground movement.

Leaking drains and water pipes are another common cause. Water can wash away supporting soil, undermining the foundation of a building. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of leaks can mitigate this risk, preventing potential subsidence and the associated headaches.

Making a Subsidence Claim

If subsidence affects your property, understanding how to claim on your insurance can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here’s a basic outline of the steps involved:

  • Document the Damage: Take clear, dated photographs of any visible damage. Keep records of any previous maintenance work or inspections that may be relevant.
  • Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will likely send a loss adjuster to assess the damage and determine the claim’s validity.
  • Possible Investigations: Be prepared for a thorough investigation. This may include soil tests and structural assessments to confirm subsidence and its extent.

Gathering thorough documentation and evidence can expedite the claims process and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

But what happens if your subsidence claim is denied? Read more about your options if your subsidence claim is rejected.

Preventing Subsidence

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is particularly true for subsidence. There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of subsidence affecting your property:

  • Control Soil Moisture: Manage moisture levels around your property’s foundation. This might include ensuring proper drainage and using water management systems during dry periods.
  • Choose Suitable Plants: Be mindful of where you plant trees and shrubs. Preferably, plant them at a distance equal to their mature height from your home.
  • Monitor Structural Changes: Regularly inspect your property for early signs of subsidence and address any issues promptly.

By implementing these practical measures, you can safeguard your property against subsidence and the associated challenges of finding home insurance after a subsidence claim.

FAQs: Can You Claim Subsidence on House Insurance?

To address common queries, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about subsidence, coverage, and claims:

What are the typical costs associated with subsidence repairs?

Subsidence repairs can vary significantly in cost, depending on the extent of the damage. Minor crack repairs may be relatively inexpensive while underpinning a house could cost several thousands of pounds.

Can I claim for subsidence even if my policy excludes it?

If subsidence is excluded from your policy, you may not be able to claim for it. However, discussing the situation with your insurer or seeking advice from a loss assessor can sometimes reveal alternative avenues. Read more about subsidence claims that are not paid out.

What if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, understand the reasons why. Sometimes, hiring a loss assessor can help clarify if the denial was justified and provide guidance on how to proceed or appeal.

Conclusion: Can You Claim Subsidence on House Insurance?

Can you claim subsidence on house insurance? As you know by now, it’s not always straightforward, but knowing the key signs, causes, and preventive steps can make a significant difference. Here’s a summary of the critical takeaways to help you approach this issue with confidence:

  • Spot Early Signs: Look for cracks, uneven floors, and sticking windows or doors to catch potential subsidence issues early.
  • Review Your Policy: Check if your home insurance policy includes subsidence coverage and understand the specific terms.
  • Take Preventive Measures: Control moisture levels, monitor nearby vegetation, and inspect your property regularly.
  • Document Thoroughly: In case of a claim, take detailed photos and records to support your case.

Proactive preparation can protect your property and streamline the claims process should subsidence occur. Be sure to review your policy today and consult professionals when necessary—being well-prepared can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

We Can Help

Oakleafe Claims have represented policyholders and managed their insurance claims since before the First World War. We have vast expertise and experience in both domestic and commercial insurance claims with thousands of satisfied policyholders who have received their deserved insurance settlement. With no upfront fees required, our internal data shows that insurance claims managed by professional loss assessors like Oakleafe can expect a settlement up to 40% higher than claims managed by the policyholder.



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Book your complimentary consultation with our insurance claim professionals.

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