How to Handle a Subsidence Insurance Claim in Merseyside

Discovering subsidence is stressful enough without the added complexity of an insurance claim. The good news: most standard home insurance policies cover subsidence. This guide walks Merseyside homeowners through the process step by step.

Step 1: Document Everything Immediately

Before contacting your insurer, photograph all visible damage. Include a ruler or coin next to cracks for scale. Note the date you first noticed each crack and whether it has grown. Not sure what to look for? Our guide to the 5 warning signs of subsidence covers exactly what to document.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer Promptly

Contact your insurer as soon as you suspect subsidence — don't wait for confirmation. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays can complicate your claim. Explain what you've observed and provide your photographic evidence.

Step 3: The Investigation Process

Your insurer will typically appoint a loss adjuster and may commission investigations. Understanding what these involve helps set expectations:

Understanding the Excess

Subsidence claims carry a standard excess of £1,000 — significantly higher than the typical £50–£250 excess for other home insurance claims. This is set by industry convention and applies regardless of your insurer. You'll need to pay this before the insurer covers the remaining costs.

Your Rights During the Claim

You have the right to appoint your own structural engineer if you disagree with the insurer's assessment. You're also entitled to choose your own repair contractor, although insurers will often propose their approved panel. Working with a specialist subsidence company that has experience dealing with insurers can make the process significantly smoother.

When it comes to the repair itself, the two most common methods are resin injection and underpinning. Our comparison of resin injection vs underpinning explains the trade-offs between them.

Will a Claim Affect Future Insurance?

Yes — a subsidence claim will typically increase your premium and some mainstream insurers may decline renewal. However, specialist insurers exist who cover properties with a subsidence history. Having comprehensive repair documentation and a certificate of structural adequacy will significantly help when seeking cover.

Keep every document: correspondence, photographs, engineer's reports, repair certificates, and invoices. These records are essential when you come to sell, remortgage, or renew insurance on your Merseyside property.