Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
Most home buildings insurance covers subsidence, heave and landslip with a compulsory excess of PS1,000 to PS2,500. Remediation can exceed PS100,000. Always check your IPID for the subsidence excess and sum insured. Under ICOBS 8.1.1, any rejection must state the specific reason.
Does Home Insurance Cover Subsidence in the UK?
Direct answer
Is subsidence covered by home insurance?
Yes -- most standard home buildings insurance covers subsidence, heave and landslip. The compulsory excess is typically PS1,000 to PS2,500, pre-existing subsidence may be excluded, and a structural survey is required before the claim is accepted. Check your IPID for the specific subsidence excess before purchase.
Identify the signs early
Diagonal cracks at corners of doors and windows, sticking doors and windows, cracks wider than 3mm that grow over time. Photograph all cracks with a coin for scale.
Contact your insurer before any repairs
Carrying out repairs before the insurer inspects may void the claim.
Ask for an independent structural engineer
The insurer appoints their own loss adjuster. You have the right to seek an independent second opinion.
Check the buildings sum insured
Subsidence remediation costs can reach PS100,000. Ensure your sum insured covers full reinstatement.
Challenge excess if not disclosed
If the subsidence excess was not clearly disclosed in the IPID before purchase, you may have grounds to challenge citing ICOBS 4.
| Subsidence factor | Typical position | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cover available? | Yes -- standard buildings peril | Confirm in IPID and policy wording |
| Compulsory excess | PS1,000-PS2,500 typically | Check IPID -- listed separately |
| Pre-existing subsidence | Usually excluded | Disclose history at purchase |
| Trees as cause | Covered | Check proximity of trees |
| Former mining areas | Sometimes excluded | Check Coal Authority website |
| Heave and landslip | Usually covered | Same excess and conditions apply |
Related KT guides
Subsidence and Property Value: What You Need to Know
A property that has experienced subsidence and been underpinned typically has a lower market value than an equivalent property without a subsidence history. However, with a properly certified structural engineer's completion certificate confirming the underpinning work, the impact on value and insurability is reduced. Always obtain a professional structural survey before purchasing a property in a high-risk subsidence area (clay soils, near mature trees, former mining areas, river valleys). The British Geological Survey publishes ground stability maps at bgs.ac.uk that identify high-risk areas by postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover subsidence?
Yes -- most standard home buildings insurance covers subsidence, heave and landslip. However, subsidence cover typically has a high compulsory excess (PS1,000 is common) and the insurer may require a structural engineer's survey before accepting the claim. Remediation can range from PS15,000 for minor underpinning to over PS100,000 for severe cases.
What is the difference between subsidence, heave and landslip?
Subsidence is downward movement of the ground beneath the property. Heave is upward movement of the ground, typically caused by clay soil expanding after tree removal. Landslip is lateral movement of sloping ground. All three are typically covered under the same subsidence peril in home insurance policies.
Can my insurer reject a subsidence claim if the property has a history?
Yes. Insurers may exclude pre-existing subsidence. If you purchased a property with a known history of subsidence and did not disclose it at inception, the insurer may decline the claim under CIDRA 2012.
What excess applies to subsidence claims?
Subsidence claims typically carry a compulsory excess of PS1,000 to PS2,500 or higher -- significantly more than the standard policy excess. Check your IPID for the specific subsidence excess before purchase as it is listed separately.
Does subsidence affect future home insurance?
Yes. A subsidence claim is recorded on the Claims Underwriting Exchange database. Future insurers can access this data. Properties with a history of subsidence may face higher premiums, higher excesses or cover restrictions in future.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
