Useful information on how to secure the insurance you need.
Finding the right subsidence home insurance for your property can be a long-winded and complicated process. We’ve taken the time to answer some frequently asked questions so you have all the information you need.
Subsidence is caused when a building’s structure starts to slowly sink due to the ground being unstable. There are a number of causes of subsidence, the most common being;
Heave can also cause issues for properties, which is where the ground swells rather than shrinks, causing similar structural problems.
The clearest sign of subsidence is the appearance of cracks in your walls – although it’s important to remember that lots of buildings have cracks, so there’s no need to worry about every crack you see. Subsidence cracks can usually be identified due to their sudden appearance around the plasterwork of doorways and windows, and the fact that they’re diagonal.
If you think you may have noticed signs of subsidence, then it’s important to contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible so they can let you know what to do next. In most cases, there is a simple solution to a subsidence problem – such as removing a tree from the front garden or maintaining the drains. In severe cases, your property may require underpinning, which is the process of strengthening the foundation of your home.
Although there are a few easy things you can do to avoid subsidence – such as maintaining your garden and underground pipes, as well as not planting trees too close to your property – there is no sure-fire way to protect your home from subsidence. If you’re looking to purchase a property, it’s a good idea to check the home buyers report or buildings survey (if you choose to get one) carefully as this will provide details of any history of subsidence or underpinning.
There are number of factors that could affect your chances of obtaining home insurance that includes subsidence cover. Most insurers will ask for the following information in order to begin the quotation process: How long ago did your property suffer from subsidence, heave or landslip? What was the cause of the subsidence, heave or landslip? Causes of subsidence could include things like clay shrinkage, mining or a nearby escape of water. How was the problem fixed? Please provide us with details of any underpinning or renovation work on your property as a result of subsidence. Has there been any movement since the problem was fixed? Do you have any documentation (such as a Certificate of Structural Adequacy) to confirm that there have been no problems since? If there was a previous subsidence claim made, how much was this for?
If you don't have specialist requirements, take a look at Howden's range of standard home insurance policies
