Subsidence is one of the most serious issues homeowners can face, with the potential to compromise the safety of your property and lead to costly and extensive repairs. It’s something no homeowner wants to deal with, and when it happens, many are left wondering if their house insurance will cover the costs. You may find yourself unsure whether the insurer will pay for the necessary repairs, or if you’ll be left to cover the bill yourself. Here at Subsidence Ltd, we specialise in providing nationwide subsidence repairs, and in this blog, we’ll help clarify how subsidence and house insurance work. We’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure you’re fully informed about your options with your insurer if subsidence affects your home.
What is Subsidence?
Subsidence is a serious issue that occurs when the ground beneath a property sinks, causing the foundations to settle or sink with it. This means that the foundations are no longer able to fully support the weight of the building. As a result, the structure becomes unstable, and the walls and floors can shift away from the original groundwork. This often leads to cracks appearing in walls and ceilings and can cause further significant damage to your property. Several visible signs may indicate that you have subsidence present in your home including:
- Cracks appearing in your walls
- Sinking foundations
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Noticeable leaning of your property
- Gaps around windows or door frames
To learn how to spot subsidence in your home, you can read this blog post. It’s vital for homeowners to monitor these signs and act quickly, as subsidence can worsen over time if left untreated and lead to more costly repairs.
The Role of House Insurance in Subsidence Claims
House insurance can provide financial protection for homeowners when damage occurs due to subsidence. If subsidence is identified, your house insurance may cover the cost of specialist repairs, such as those provided by Subsidence Ltd, to address the cause of the problem. House insurance can also potentially help cover the costs of repairing structural damage, such as cracks in walls and floors, and stabilising the foundations.
The role of the house insurance company is to assess the damage in your home, confirm whether subsidence is the cause, and guide you through the process of submitting a claim and arranging repairs. However, it’s important to note that different insurance companies offer varying levels of protection, so it’s essential to understand the specifics of your policy. Contacting your insurer will give you a clearer understanding of what’s covered and how to proceed.
What Does House Insurance Typically Cover for Subsidence Claims?
What your house insurance covers in terms of subsidence claims depends on your insurance provider. Typically, it may cover the cost of repairing damage caused by subsidence, including structural issues like cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as the reinstatement of foundations. Many insurers also cover the cost of specialist repairs, such as resin injections, which help address subsidence and prevent further movement.
In some cases, insurance policies may also pay for temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable during repairs. Additionally, some policies may cover the cost of surveying and assessing damage, as well as remedial work. It’s important to review your insurance policy to ensure that subsidence is covered and to understand any limits or excesses that may apply. Generally, you will need to pay an excess when making a subsidence claim, just as with other types of insurance.
What is Typically Not Covered by House Insurance?
While house insurance typically covers repairs for subsidence, certain exclusions may apply. Most insurers will not cover damage caused by factors such as poor maintenance or neglect, including failure to address existing cracks or structural issues that may have contributed to subsidence. Similarly, damage due to natural wear and tear, or issues caused by tree roots or plants that were not properly managed, may not be covered.
It’s crucial to carefully review your house insurance policy to understand the specific terms and conditions. If you suspect subsidence, contact your insurance provider to discuss what’s covered under your policy.
How to Claim for Subsidence
If you think that you might have subsidence, it’s important to act quickly. The first step is to gather evidence, such as photographs of the damage, which will help support your claim. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the issue and provide them with the evidence you’ve collected.
Your insurer will likely send a surveyor to assess the damage and confirm whether subsidence is the cause. If subsidence is confirmed, the insurer will guide you through the next steps, which may include arranging repairs. Be sure to keep a record of all communication with your insurer, as well as any reports or estimates from professionals, to ensure your claim is processed efficiently.
Find Out More – Contact Us Today
At Subsidence Ltd, we specialise in providing homeowners across the UK with resin-injection subsidence repairs. As a business, we have over 16 years of expertise in restoring homes to their original state quickly, using our highly effective and non-invasive subsidence treatment. We’ll also provide you with support for your home insurance claim and offer assistance with submitting an application to your insurance provider.
We can resolve a wide range of issues caused by house subsidence, from sinking floors to cracks in walls, ensuring your home’s stability is reinstated. Our cutting-edge resin injection technology fixes subsidence issues in homes fast, whilst guaranteeing minimal complications. Our method is cheaper than traditional underpinning. To learn more about subsidence repairs and how we can help you with your insurance claim, contact us today. Fill out our online quote form or give us a call directly on 0333 1300 592.