Buildings Insurance Subsidence Coverage and Prevention

Buildings insurance subsidence coverage and prevention are crucial aspects to consider when it comes to protecting your property from costly damage.

Subsidence is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to buildings, with up to 100,000 claims made in the UK each year.

Most standard buildings insurance policies do not cover subsidence, but some providers offer additional coverage for an extra fee.

In fact, according to the Association of British Insurers, only 14% of buildings insurance policies in the UK include subsidence cover as standard.

Preventing subsidence is key, and one way to do this is by ensuring your property's foundation is solid and well-maintained.

If this caught your attention, see: In Insurance Policies the Insured Is Not Legally

Subsidence is a serious issue that can cause significant damage to your home. It occurs when the ground below your home sinks, which can put your home at risk of damage.

The ground can sink due to various reasons, including heave, where the soil expands and shifts upwards. Landslip or landslide can also occur, where the ground under your home moves down a slope or is washed away.

There are three main types of subsidence: heave, landslip or landslide, and settlement. Settlement is the downward movement of a property caused by the building's weight.

For your interest: Does Insurance Cover Landslides

Subsidence occurs when the soil beneath your home sinks, forcing your home's foundation to shift. This can lead to instability and the formation of huge wall fissures.

The soil beneath your home can sink due to various reasons, but one common cause is subsidence. Subsidence can cause significant damage to your home's foundation.

Subsidence can cause your home's building to shift, resulting in instability and the formation of huge wall fissures. This can be a serious issue, especially if you don't address it promptly.

Subsidence is a serious issue that can put your home at risk of damage. It occurs when the ground below your home sinks, causing the foundations to become misaligned and leading to unbalanced walls and floors.

The ground under your home can shift in different ways, including heave, landslip, or landslide. Heave happens when the soil expands, causing the ground to shift upwards.

Landslips or landslides are more dramatic, where the ground under your home moves down a slope or is washed away. This can be a result of erosion or other external factors.

On a similar theme: When a Business Pays for Insurance Prepaid Insurance Is

Settlement is a more gradual process, where the downward movement of a property is caused by the building's weight. This can happen over time as the soil beneath the foundation compresses.

Here are some ways the ground under your home can shift:

You're not alone if you've had trouble finding insurance for your flat due to subsidence. Insurance companies are becoming increasingly wary of taking on new customers with a history of subsidence claims.

The risk appetite of insurers has changed, and they're no longer willing to take on the potential costs of subsidence claims, which can be enormous. This is why many companies are "scarpering" at the mere mention of the word, even if claims are historic and the building has been underpinned.

It's a myth that firms have to continue insuring existing customers following a subsidence claim. The Association of British Insurers expects members to maintain cover following a claim, provided it approved the repairs.

Broaden your view: Property Management Insurance Companies

If you're having trouble finding insurance, specialist brokers may be able to help. The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) offers a "find insurance service" that lists specialist brokers who can assist with non-standard buildings insurance cover.

In some cases, insurers may withdraw as capacity providers for non-standard household products, leaving customers without coverage. This is what happened to VW, who had their policy with NBS, underwritten by Hiscox, cancelled due to subsidence claims.

Intriguing read: With Disability Income Insurance an Insurance Company May Limit

Buildings insurance subsidence can be a costly and stressful issue for homeowners. Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building shifts or settles, causing damage to the structure.

The main causes of subsidence are soil erosion and water damage. Soil erosion can be caused by heavy rainfall or poor drainage, while water damage can be caused by leaks or flooding.

Tree roots can also cause subsidence, especially if they're growing near a building. According to the article, tree roots can grow up to 3 feet per year, putting pressure on the soil and potentially causing it to shift.

Poor soil quality can also lead to subsidence. The article notes that buildings on clay soil are more prone to subsidence than those on other types of soil.

Worth a look: How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim

Subsidence can be a real concern for homeowners, and it's essential to understand what causes it. Weather is one of the main culprits, causing the ground to shrink or swell due to temperature fluctuations.

Leaky drains can also lead to subsidence by washing away the soil under your home or making the ground so saturated that the foundations give way. This can be a costly and stressful issue to deal with.

Roots from nearby trees can grow too long and search for moisture, causing them to grow under your home and leading to subsidence. This is especially true if the trees are planted too close to your home.

Mining areas can also result in unstable foundations or structural damage to your home. This is because the mining process can alter the soil's composition and make it more prone to subsidence.

Clay soil shrinks when it dries out, and homes built on clay are more likely to suffer from subsidence than those built on other types of soil.

Here are some common causes of subsidence:

It's worth noting that some of these causes can be avoided or mitigated with proper planning and maintenance. For example, choosing the right type of soil for your home's foundation or planting trees at a safe distance can help prevent subsidence.

Assessing property risk can be a daunting task, but it's essential to identify potential issues early on. New or expanding cracks in walls, especially around doors and windows, or cracks that are thicker than a 10p coin, are clear signs of subsidence.

Properties built on clay soil are at higher risk, as clay soil is more prone to shrinking and expanding with changes in moisture. Regular property surveys can help detect these issues before they become major problems.

Doors and windows sticking for no apparent reason could also indicate subsidence, so keep an eye out for any unusual behavior.

Areas with a history of mining are also at higher risk, as mining can cause underground tunnels and caverns to collapse. Properties with large trees and shrubs planted close to the foundation are also at risk, as their roots can damage the soil and cause subsidence.

To prevent subsidence, maintaining clean and well-kept gutters and drain pipes is crucial to prevent leaks and blockages. Regularly check your gutters and drains to ensure they're unblocked.

Capturing excess precipitation in water butts is another effective way to prevent subsidence. This helps prevent water from seeping into the foundations of your property.

Pruning plants so they require less water to survive can also help. This is especially important if you have plants that are prone to overwatering.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

For mature trees or shrubs, make sure they're carefully managed and regularly pruned. This will help prevent subsidence and keep your property safe.

To prevent subsidence, it's essential to maintain your home's foundation and surrounding environment. Keeping your gutters and drain pipes clean and well-maintained is a great place to start.

Regularly inspect and clear leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent leaks and blockages. This simple task can help prevent water from seeping into your foundation.

Capturing excess precipitation in water butts is another effective way to prevent subsidence. By redirecting rainwater away from your home, you can reduce the risk of water damage and foundation problems.

Pruning plants and trees can also help reduce the risk of subsidence. By trimming back overgrown branches and roots, you can reduce the amount of water required to keep them alive.

Here are some specific things you can do to reduce the risk of subsidence:

Reducing the risk of subsidence requires some careful planning and maintenance. One crucial step is to avoid planting trees or shrubs within six metres of your home. This can help prevent roots from growing under your foundations.

Regular pruning of mature trees or shrubs is also essential. Make sure to prune them regularly to reduce water requirements and prevent damage to your home. You can ask a tree surgeon for expert guidance on how to care for your foliage.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) provides information on safe distances to plant different types of trees. It's worth noting that your insurer may only ask about trees more than 10 metres tall within five metres of your house.

To keep an eye out for potential problems, regularly check for unfamiliar cracks in your walls. You should also keep your guttering and drains unblocked to prevent water from seeping into your foundations.

Here are some key tips to reduce the risk of subsidence:

Reducing Premiums can be achieved by mitigating the risk of subsidence through regular property maintenance.

Fixing any leaking pipes promptly can help prevent damage that can lead to subsidence.

Ensuring proper drainage is also crucial in preventing subsidence.

Increasing your policy excess might also be an option to reduce your premiums.

Our team is dedicated to helping you find the most competitive rates.

If you're dealing with subsidence issues, it's essential to understand your insurance options. Subsidence insurance typically covers loss or damage to your property caused by subsidence, heave, or landslip.

You'll need to read the policy details carefully, as cover can vary between insurers. Some policies might exclude certain causes or types of movement, so it's crucial to understand the specifics of your policy and ensure it meets your needs.

There's also the issue of excess to consider. While this will vary between providers, a ballpark figure for subsidence excess would be somewhere in the region of £1,000.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

If you've experienced issues like subsidence, clay soil movement, or exceptionally dry weather, our team can help you get the right level of cover for your home.

We have the expertise to arrange cover whether the subsidence was recent or occurred years ago. You may need a Certificate of Structural Adequacy to confirm the stability of your property, and we'll guide you through this process.

Our team is experienced and knowledgeable about subsidence insurance, and we'll work with you to find a policy that suits your needs.

We'll help you understand the specifics of your policy, including any exclusions or limitations, so you can make informed decisions about your insurance.

Some common exclusions to subsidence claims include damage to external items if no damage to the main property is sustained, settlement of new build homes, thermal movement, coastal or river erosion, changes made to the structure of your home, and escaping water or oil from fixed heating or water systems.

Here are some key points to consider when looking for tailored home cover:

We'll work with you to find a policy that meets your needs and provides the right level of cover for your home.

At our insurance company, we take the time to understand your unique circumstances before providing tailored quotes that fit your needs and budget.

We assess your individual situation to determine the best subsidence insurance options for you, ensuring you get the right coverage without breaking the bank.

You'll likely have to pay a subsidence excess, which can be around £1,000. This amount can vary between providers, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.

If you're concerned about the cost, you might be relieved to know that this excess is a one-time payment, not something you'll have to pay every time you make a claim.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Home Insurance Claim Time Limit Texas

Before you accept a home insurance policy, make sure to check the terms and conditions to see if subsidence is covered. This varies between insurers, so it's essential to review the fine print.

You'll also need to pay attention to the subsidence excess, which can be high if your home has previously been affected by subsidence. This excess applies to damage caused by subsidence, not other types of damage.

To avoid your claim being rejected, you must declare if your home is already subsiding or has previously been affected. Don't risk it – honesty is the best policy when it comes to insurance claims.

Here are some exclusions to be aware of:

If you suspect subsidence, contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident. Remember to quote 'Intelligent Insurance' when prompted to. You can find your insurer listed clearly on your policy schedule which was included in your email policy welcome pack.

They will guide you through the process, starting with a professional assessment of your property. This is a crucial step in determining the extent of the damage.

If subsidence is confirmed, your insurer will review your policy coverage. They will oversee the repair process to ensure a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish.

Related reading: Will a Glass Claim Raise My Insurance Progressive

If your insurance covers subsidence, you can claim for the cost of repairing damage or loss incurred as a result of subsidence.

The majority of buildings insurance policies will meet the cost of repairing damage or loss incurred as a result of subsidence, but most will not cover prevention.

You're not covered for subsidence if it's due to settlement, shrinkage or expansion, coastal or river erosion, demolition or structural changes or repairs to your home.

Take a look at this: Not at Fault Insurance Claim

If you suspect your home is subsiding, you should call your insurer who can advise the best course of action.

The cost for fixing subsidence can vary depending on the extent of the issue and which route you choose to take.

Here are some examples of what might be covered under a subsidence claim:

However, the following are not covered under a subsidence claim:

If you suspect subsidence, contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident. Remember to quote 'Intelligent Insurance' when prompted to. You can find your insurer listed clearly on your policy schedule which was included in your email policy welcome pack.

They will guide you through the process, starting with a professional assessment of your property. If subsidence is confirmed, they'll review your policy coverage and oversee the repair process.

Subsidence claims can be tricky to resolve, and common problems include claims being rejected due to damage not being caused by subsidence but by an uninsured event. Claims may also be improperly dealt with due to poor communication between parties and extended time frames.

Discover more: Mutual Insurance

Claims can be rejected for various reasons, including damage not being caused by subsidence but by an uninsured event, such as those mentioned above. Alternatively, claims may be rejected due to poorly carried out work by the insurers' contractors.

If your claim is rejected, it's a good idea to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service directly for further assistance. They can provide guidance and support to help resolve the issue.

If you've made a claim for subsidence, you may find it difficult to get insurance for your property. This is because insurers will ask more questions about the issue, including how long ago the property was affected by subsidence, what caused the issue, and what measures were taken to fix the problem.

You'll likely have to pay more for your cover after making a claim, and you may be required to provide documents such as structural buildings surveys, home buyers reports, and structural engineer reports to prove the work was completed properly.

Suggestion: Insurers Committee

If you've switched insurers just before subsidence is discovered, you're in luck because the Association of British Insurers has clarified the situation.

The previous insurer is responsible for handling any subsidence claim if the issue is found within eight weeks of changing providers.

This means you won't have to worry about being left high and dry if you've just switched insurers and subsidence is discovered soon after.

If subsidence is discovered between eight weeks and one year, the responsibility falls equally between both insurers.

This can be a bit of a gray area, but it's essential to know that you're not entirely on your own.

Once a full year has elapsed, the responsibility is left entirely to your new provider.

It's worth noting that insurers will only cover loss or damage that occurs within the stated period.

So, if you've switched insurers and subsidence is discovered, make sure you understand the timeline for coverage.

Proving subsequent damage is impossible to repair without repairing some or all of the previous damage can be a challenge, but it's a crucial point to keep in mind.

On a similar theme: Which Insurers Offer 180 Car Insurance European Cover