Navigating a Subsidence Insurance Claim
Discovering that your property may have subsidence is stressful enough without the added complexity of navigating an insurance claim. Subsidence claims are among the most involved and lengthy property insurance claims, often taking 12-24 months from notification to completion.
This guide, written from our experience of managing subsidence claims across Cornwall, walks you through each stage of the process and provides practical tips to help your claim proceed as smoothly as possible.
Step 1: Recognise the Signs
The first step is recognising that you may have a subsidence problem. Common signs include diagonal cracking around windows and doors, sticking doors and windows, and gaps appearing between walls and frames. Our guide to signs of subsidence in Cornwall homes provides detailed information on what to look for.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Before contacting your insurer, document everything. Photograph all visible damage with a ruler or coin for scale. Note the location of each crack, its approximate width, and whether it appears to be active (fresh edges) or historic (painted over or filled). This documentation supports your claim and provides a baseline for monitoring.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your buildings insurance company as soon as you suspect subsidence. Most policies require prompt notification, and failure to notify promptly could prejudice your claim. When you call, you'll need your policy number and a description of the damage.
Your insurer will open a claim and appoint a loss adjuster to manage it. The loss adjuster acts for the insurance company — they are not independent. This is why having your own professional representation, such as our insurance claim management service, can be valuable.
Step 4: The Investigation Phase
Structural Engineer Visit
Your insurer will arrange for a structural engineer to visit your property. They'll inspect the damage, assess the building, and recommend further investigations. These typically include:
Crack Monitoring
Glass tell-tales or electronic monitors are installed across the most significant cracks. These are read at regular intervals (usually monthly) over a period of 6-12 months to determine whether the building is still moving. This monitoring period is a standard requirement — it cannot usually be shortened.
Site Investigation
Trial pits are dug to expose the foundations and examine the ground conditions. Soil samples are taken for laboratory testing to determine the soil type, moisture content, and bearing capacity. This investigation helps determine the cause of movement.
Drainage Survey
A drainage CCTV survey is usually carried out to check for leaking drains that could be causing the subsidence. Defective drains are one of the most common causes of subsidence and are relatively straightforward to repair.
Tree Survey
If there are trees near the property, a tree survey may be commissioned to assess whether root action is contributing to the movement, particularly in areas with shrinkable clay soils.
Step 5: Cause Identified and Repair Designed
Once the monitoring period is complete and the cause of subsidence has been established, the structural engineer designs the repair scheme. This may include:
Step 6: Repairs Carried Out
Once the repair scheme is agreed with the insurer, the works are tendered and carried out. You generally have the right to choose your own contractor. The works will include both the stabilisation (addressing the cause) and the superstructure repairs (fixing the damage).
Step 7: Making Good
The final stage is making good — redecoration and any cosmetic repairs needed to return your property to its pre-subsidence condition. This is covered by your insurance as part of the claim.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Excess
The standard subsidence excess is £1,000, higher than most other perils. This is applied per claim. Budget for this from the outset.
Delays
The monitoring period is the biggest cause of delay and cannot usually be shortened. However, you can minimise other delays by responding promptly to requests for access, information, or decisions.
Scope Disputes
Sometimes insurers disagree about the scope of repairs needed. Having your own professional representation ensures the repair scope is adequate and nothing is missed.
Future Insurance
A subsidence claim will be recorded and may affect future insurance premiums or availability. Shop around at renewal and consider specialist insurers who are experienced with subsidence properties.
How We Can Help
Our insurance claim management service provides expert guidance throughout the claims process. From the initial notification through monitoring, investigation, repair design, and completion, we act as your advocate to ensure a fair and efficient outcome.
Whether you're in St Austell, Truro, Falmouth, or anywhere in Cornwall, our team has the local knowledge and technical expertise to support your subsidence claim.