Does My Home Insurance Cover Subsidence?

Subsidence insurance is not sold separately. However, your property insurance should cover damage caused by subsidence. Your coverage may only cover damage to the structure itself. Patios, garden walls, and driveways are typically not covered unless the home's primary structure is also compromised.

Most building insurance plans only cover the expense of correcting subsidence damage; they do not cover the cost of preventing it from recurring.

Read your policy's fine print to see what is covered, as terms and restrictions vary between insurance companies. Never think that your subsidence coverage is automatic. And verify the extra you will be required to pay for a subsidence claim.

What Is Submersion?

Subsidence occurs when the soil beneath your home sinks, forcing your home's foundation to shift. Subsidence can cause the building to shift, resulting in instability and the formation of huge wall fissures.

Why Does Sinking Occur?

There are several possible causes of sinking. These consist of the following:

• Hot weather causes clay soil to contract and crack, rendering the ground unstable.
• Some trees are growing dangerously close to your home's foundation.
• Due to water seepage, the earth has become softer.
• The age of your home — older homes typically has shallower foundations.
• Climate change — prolonged heat waves can dry up and shrink the soil.
• Subsidence-affected properties are frequently underpinned. However, if you have had subsidence in the past, there is a chance it could return.
• Subsurface caverns - Soil erosion can cause underground caverns to emerge, undermining the foundation of your building.
• Rarely, abandoned mines can cause the ground above them to collapse.

The building's weight does not cause subsidence.

How Can I Avoid Subsidence?

Detecting subsidence early is preferable to prevent it completely. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

• Maintain clean and well-kept gutters and drain pipes to prevent leaks and blockages.
• Capture excess precipitation in water butts to prevent them from seeping into the foundations.
• Prune plants so they require less water to survive.
• Avoid planting trees and plants near your home.
• Do not remove trees that you believe are too close to the foundations of your property on your own. Consult a tree surgeon for expert guidance.