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Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors

Subsidence Claims

A crack in the wall of a house beside a window
Illustrative images only.

Subsidence is the movement of the ground under a building. A landslip is a related kind of ground movement. Either can crack walls and affect the structure. If you are looking at a subsidence insurance claim, this page explains what it can involve.

Common causes and signs

The ground can move for several reasons:

  • Soil that shrinks, swells or washes away.
  • Tree roots drawing water from the soil.
  • Changes in groundwater.
  • A leaking or broken drain.
  • Poor drainage around the building.
  • Mining, digging or building work nearby.

Look out for these signs:

  • Cracks that get wider over time.
  • Diagonal or stepped cracks in walls.
  • Doors and windows that stick or no longer close.
  • Floors that slope.
  • Gaps opening at window frames, door frames or between walls and ceilings.

Not every crack means subsidence. Many cracks come from normal settling or from the building drying out. An expert report tells the difference.

What the claim can cover?

Depending on your policy, a subsidence claim can include:

  • Investigation of the cause.
  • Monitoring of the cracks over a period of time.
  • Repairs to the structure and the finishes.
  • Work to deal with the cause, where the policy allows it.
  • In some policies, alternative accommodation if the building is not safe to live in.

Cover varies a great deal. Some policies cover subsidence and landslip. Some have a large excess. Some exclude damage to certain parts of the property, such as drives, patios and outbuildings. Read the wording.

What to do first?

  • Take dated photographs of the cracks. Put a pencil mark and the date at the end of a crack so you can see whether it grows.
  • Note which doors and windows stick, and when you first noticed it.
  • Do not repair the cracks before your insurer has seen them.
  • If a wall looks unsafe, keep people away from it.
  • Read your policy for notice conditions. Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and within any time limit in your policy.

Where claims get difficult

Subsidence claims often take time. Insurers usually ask for engineering evidence and for monitoring over a period. The usual points of dispute are:

  • The cause of the movement.
  • Whether the damage is subsidence, settlement or poor construction.
  • Which repairs are needed, and how far the work should go.
  • Whether the policy cover and the excess apply.

A claim built on clear records and expert reports is easier to explain to an insurer. We cannot promise the outcome of any claim.

How we help

As Loss Assessors, we act for you. We report the claim to your insurer and meet the loss adjuster at your property. We put together the detailed costs of the repairs. We deal with your insurer until the claim is settled.

Seen a crack that worries you? Contact us.