Subsidence insurance

Subsidence occurs when the foundations under your home begin to sink, causing structural damage to the property.

There are a number of things that can cause subsidence, including:

Nearby trees absorbing moisture from the soil 

Leaking drains washing away your foundations

Your home being built on unstable terrain (eg clay soil)

Ground heave is the opposite of subsidence but can cause similar structural problems.

Heave occurs when soil becomes saturated with water, causing the ground to swell and the foundations of your home to move upwards or sideways.

The first and most noticeable signs of subsidence are cracks on the inside and outside of your home. These are caused by movement under the building and can get progressively worse in periods of dry weather.

Other signs of subsidence include:

Expanding cracks in the interior walls, ceilings and outside brickwork

Appearance of cracks, worsening in dry weather

Torn or rippling wallpaper that isn’t caused by damp

Sticking doors and windows

Structural damage caused by subsidence can be dangerous. It can also make it difficult to sell your home and invalidate your insurance if you fail to act on the warning signs and seek advice from a surveyor.

Minimise the risk of long-term damage by following these steps:

Don’t plant trees or large shrubs close to your home

Control the growth of nearby trees

Consider removing trees planted after your property was built (never remove any tree with a preservation order, or without professional advice)

Keep gutters and drainage systems clear from leaves and debris

Carry out regular maintenance checks, keeping an eye out for emerging cracks

Ash, willow, elm, poplar and oak trees are all known for causing subsidence issues as they soak up a great deal of water.

If you are concerned about subsidence, it might be worth asking a landscaper to install a root barrier, giving your home some added protection.

Catching subsidence early is the best way to reduce its impact. Finding the source of the subsidence can often lead to easy fixes at one-off costs, saving you from lasting damage.

If your property is only experiencing minor subsidence, you may be able to keep on top of the damage with routine maintenance and decoration.

However, if cracks grow wider than 5mm, you may need a specialist to help repair the damage.

According to the ABI subsidence claim handling agreement, if you discover subsidence damage within eight weeks of switching insurance providers, your previous insurer is responsible for your cover. 

Between eight weeks and a year, the cost is shared between your previous and current insurers.

John Lewis buildings insurance offers protection against subsidence as standard towards repairing damage caused to your home. Emergency accommodation will also be arranged if your home is too unsafe to sleep in.