What to do if subsidence happens

If you suspect your property has suffered from subsidence damage, contact your insurer as soon as possible. They will advise you on the next steps to be taken.

Where appropriate your insurer may send a specialist/engineer to your home to examine the damage caused by subsidence and determine its cause.

If the damage is

Minor

The cause can be easily determined, and the movement of your home has stopped, repairs will usually be carried out straight away.

Severe and subsidence is ongoing

The movement of your home many be monitored over a period of time so engineers can figure out a long-term solution.

Extreme

Your property may need to be underpinned – this is where a building’s foundations are strengthened or deepened – to prevent further subsidence.

Your buildings insurance policy will usually cover you for damage caused to the structure of your property and outbuildings by subsidence. Most policies will have an excess of around £1,000 for a subsidence claim (an excess is the first part of each claim that you will be responsible for covering).

Damage to surrounding structures such as garden walls, fences, gates, patios and driveways is not usually covered, unless the damage occurs at the same time as the damage to your home.

If the damage to your home is so severe that the property is uninhabitable, your insurance will cover the cost of alternative accommodation while repairs are being carried out.

We recommend contacting your buildings insurance provide to find out exactly what is covered under your policy and how much excess you will need to pay.