Subsidence is one of the most serious problems a property can face.

It can cause significant structural damage, reduce the value of your home, and make getting the right insurance cover feel almost impossible.

But it is not impossible. It just requires a specialist approach.

What Is Subsidence?

Subsidence is when the ground beneath a property sinks or shifts, causing the foundations to move.

This movement can lead to cracks in walls, doors and windows that no longer fit their frames, and in serious cases, structural instability.

It is more common in certain parts of the UK, particularly areas with clay soil, which shrinks during dry weather and expands when wet.

How Does Subsidence Affect Your Insurance?

If your property has a history of subsidence, standard insurers may:

  • Refuse to cover you at all
  • Exclude subsidence damage from your policy
  • Apply a very high excess, sometimes thousands of pounds, specifically for subsidence claims
  • Charge significantly higher premiums

This can leave homeowners in a difficult position, particularly if they need to sell or remortgage the property.

What Is Subsidence Insurance?

Subsidence insurance is a specialist type of home insurance designed for properties that have experienced subsidence or are at higher risk of it.

It provides the cover that standard insurers will not offer, giving you protection against future movement and the damage it can cause.

What Does It Cover?

A specialist subsidence policy can include:

  • Structural repairs caused by ground movement
  • Underpinning costs if required
  • Alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable during repairs
  • Legal costs related to subsidence disputes
  • Contents cover for items damaged as a result

What If Your Property Has Been Underpinned?

Underpinning is a process used to stabilise a property that has been affected by subsidence.

Many standard insurers will refuse to cover a property that has been underpinned, even if the problem has been fully resolved.

Specialist brokers work with insurers who understand these properties and can often find cover where mainstream providers will not.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?

There are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of further subsidence:

  • Keep large trees and shrubs away from the foundations
  • Fix any leaking drains or pipes promptly
  • Monitor existing cracks and report any changes
  • Keep records of any previous repairs or surveys

Having documentation of previous work done on the property can also help when arranging specialist cover.

Need Subsidence Insurance?

If your property has been affected by subsidence and you are struggling to find the right cover, we can help.

At Alternative Insurance Brokers, we specialise in subsidence insurance for properties that standard insurers will not touch.

Call 0161 388 2520 for a free, no-obligation quote and advice.