Building subsidence Insurance

It's the one word that no homeowner or business property owner wants to hear – subsidence. The potential damage and consequent costs involved with reversing the effects of subsidence can run into the tens of thousands. While standard home building insurance may cover subsidence up to a certain point, there is always the option of taking out additional cover to protect against the financial impact of subsidence. That's where Park Insurance can help, with subsidence insurance that provides real peace of mind.

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You can learn more about the causes and effects of subsidence by exploring our informative and in-depth guide. However, let's examine the insurance aspect and help you determine if taking out building insurance with subsidence cover is the right choice for you.


Why is subsidence such a big problem?

If your surveyor tells you your property is subsiding, it is as serious as it sounds. Left unchecked, it can cause significant structural damage to a property. Initially, you'll notice cracks radiating from the corners of the window and door frames, as well as exterior cracking that gradually worsens, and other indicators, such as uneven floors. These symptoms can also indicate other minor issues, such as settlement (most common in newly built properties), so it's vital to get it checked before taking any action.

With severe subsidence, the only reliable method of addressing the problem is to underpin or strengthen the building's foundations. And that can be very costly.

Why is Subsidence insurance important?

The cost of repairing subsidence can run into tens of thousands of pounds, which will have a significant impact on any property owner's budget. This specialist insurance mitigates the financial impact, enabling you to repair your home promptly and without a substantial initial expense.

You’ll find that most building cover comes with subsidence insurance that will pay out for repairs. If the problem is severe, your insurance provider will initiate a survey to assess the extent of the subsidence and then liaise with you to arrange for professional builders to carry out the necessary repairs.

What it doesn’t cover

Building or home subsidence insurance generally doesn’t cover preventative measures to stop subsidence from happening again, or for damage to external structures such as garden walls, paths, and driveways.


Do I need specialist subsidence cover if my home has already been underpinned?

Some insurance providers may be reluctant to cover a building with a history of serious subsidence. If your home has already been underpinned, you may still need specialist subsidence cover. Underpinning addresses past subsidence, but insurers still consider the property a high risk for future issues. If your property has been subject to subsidence and the resulting repairs in the past, standard home insurance providers may be reluctant to include this in your general buildings cover.

Do I have to tell my insurance provider about any subsidence?

Because subsidence is regarded as a structural repair, UK insurers require full disclosure of any past subsidence, regardless of when it occurred or whether repairs were completed.


What is underpinned house insurance?

Underpinned house insurance is specifically tailored for properties that have been structurally reinforced due to subsidence. It provides coverage for buildings that have undergone underpinning—a process used to stabilise and strengthen a home’s foundations. Park Insurance brokers can help you find an affordable underpinned house insurance policy if your home has been underpinned.

What is mine subsidence insurance?

In some areas, the ground has been left inherently unstable due to historic mining operations. If your home is located near an old mine, especially in coal mining areas, you may need to add mine subsidence insurance to your home insurance portfolio to help cover the costs of any repairs or underpinning as a result of old or current mine workings collapsing or destabilising the ground.


How much does it cost?

Building subsidence insurance is an addition that’s often included in your general buildings and home insurance, and the majority of people won’t need to take out any excess insurance. However, if you do live in an area that’s susceptible to subsidence, the right level of insurance cover can significantly reduce your financial exposure if your property is damaged by subsidence. Not having the right insurance could cost you thousands of pounds, leaving you substantially out of pocket.

Stabilise your insurance with Park

At Park Insurance, we’ve spent the last 30 years working closely with the community to provide niche and specialist insurance cover to homeowners and businesses. We know how worrying subsidence can be, so we use our position as preferred brokers to some of the UK’s biggest insurance providers to find you home subsidence insurance that protects your finances and gives you peace of mind. We focus on finding insurance that fits your needs — no unnecessary extras.

To find out more about subsidence insurance for home and business properties, contact us today or use our Get a Quote button for an instant, no-obligation quote right now.

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