Home insurance subsidence claim specialists

If cracking or movement suggests potential subsidence, RSL Claims can assist with the investigation and represent your interest throughout the claim as an independent loss assessor.

Start your claim

A subsidence claim can involve:

Cracking and structural movement
Surveyor and engineer reports
Crack and level monitoring
Drainage investigations
Trees and ground conditions
Structural and internal repairs

See full claim scope

Regulation

FCA Authorised · Ref 305956

Experience

20+ years · Founded 2003

Response

24/7 support · On site within 24h

Structural cracking

Structural damage caused by subsidence may affect walls, foundations and other parts of the property. Surface cracking may not show the full extent of damage.

Professional investigations

The insurer may appoint surveyors, engineers or other specialists to conduct investigations and establish the cause and pattern of movement.

Movement monitoring

Cracks or building levels may need to be recorded accurately over time to assess movement and the stability of your property.

Drainage surveys

Damaged drains can affect the ground beneath your property. CCTV surveys and additional checks may be needed to establish whether drainage is contributing.

Trees and vegetation

Tree roots can affect some soils by drawing moisture from the soil. Specialist advice may be required before deciding whether action is needed.

Ground and foundation checks

Investigations may look in greater detail at soil, foundations and surrounding ground to provide a sound basis for the proposed remedy.

Stabilisation work

Where movement is continuing, stabilisation or work addressing the underlying cause may be required before permanent repairs begin.

Structural and internal repairs

Once the property is stable, necessary repairs may address masonry, plasterwork, decoration, floors, doors and windows and other affected areas.

Alternative accommodation

A property owner may receive cover for temporary accommodation where insured repairs make the home unsuitable to occupy.

service and support

Subsidence needs careful assessment before repairs can begin

Cracking does not automatically qualify as subsidence damage. There is also no single 3mm wide rule that proves a property has subsidence; the pattern, location and cause of movement all matter.

Subsidence often develops gradually rather than through a sudden event. Monitoring and investigation can reveal wider issues that may lead to a different repair approach from the one suggested by the visible damage.

1

Review the property and policy

The initial consultation covers the damage you have noticed, when it appeared and the relevant policy terms. We explain the claim process and what may happen next.

2

Identify further investigations

We consider what further assessment is needed and whether the insurer should appoint engineers, drainage specialists or other professionals.

3

Build the evidence

We review reports, photographs and measurements and gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.

4

Present and negotiate

We prepare and submit the claim information and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf where the evidence or proposed repair scope needs further discussion.

5

Progress repairs and settlement

If the claim is approved, we review the repair plan and payments and help resolve outstanding points before the insurer looks to settle.

Noticed signs of subsidence at your property?

If you suspect subsidence, our expert loss assessor can review the position and explain the next steps before repair proposals or settlement terms are agreed.

Start your claim

Call 0151 632 6050

Recent settlements

+30–50% above insurer’s first offer

Range achieved across recent claim settlements. We treat each claim on its own merits – and never settle for the first number on the table.

Founder · Chartered Loss Adjuster

Talk to the founder

Subsidence needs evidence before permanent repairs.

For each client, the right approach starts with understanding what is moving and why. That evidence helps determine if the proposed repairs address the cause, as well as the visible damage.

Rob Spence – Managing Director, Chartered Loss Adjuster.

Speak to Rob – 0151 632 6050

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about subsidence insurance claims

What are the main signs of subsidence?

Signs of subsidence include diagonal cracking, cracks around openings, sticking doors or windows and changes in floor levels. Structural stress can have other causes, so further investigation may be needed.

What does subsidence mean?

Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building moves downwards and affects its support. Subsidence is usually gradual, although the rate and severity can vary.

Does home insurance cover subsidence?

Home insurance can cover subsidence under many buildings insurance policies, subject to the policy wording, exclusions and any separate subsidence excess.

What can cause subsidence?

Subsidence can be caused by clay shrinkage, vegetation, damaged drainage and other changes in ground conditions. The cause needs to be understood before a repair solution is agreed.

How do insurers investigate subsidence issues?

Insurers may investigate subsidence issues using structural inspections, crack monitoring, drainage surveys or ground investigations, depending on the circumstances and level of damage.

Does subsidence always require underpinning?

Subsidence does not always require underpinning. The repair method depends on the cause of movement, the condition of the property and whether it has stabilised.

Should I repair cracks before making a subsidence claim?

Cracks should usually not be permanently repaired before the cause of suspected subsidence has been established. Early repairs can make movement harder to assess and may need to be repeated.

What if I disagree with my insurer’s decision?

If you disagree with your insurer’s decision on a subsidence claim, RSL Claims can review the evidence and help challenge the position where appropriate. If the complaint cannot be resolved directly, you may also be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Do you handle subsidence claims for homeowners in my area?

RSL Claims handles subsidence claims for homeowners across the North West of England and North Wales, including Liverpool, Wirral, Manchester, Warrington, Chester and Wrexham.

Get in touch

Free, no-obligation consultation on your subsidence claim.

Tell us briefly what happened and we’ll come back to you as soon as possible. If we can help, our FCA-regulated loss assessor will tell you honestly. If we can’t, we’ll point you in the right direction. We cover the North West of England and North Wales – and travel further than 100 miles when a claim warrants it.