The average cost of subsidence insurance claims has reached a record high of £20,000 in the UK, according to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This surge is attributed to prolonged periods of hot weather, which cause ground movement and shrinkage, particularly affecting homes built on clay soil.
Between April and June of this year, UK home insurers paid out £72 million for domestic subsidence claims. This figure represents a £2,000 increase compared to the same period last year, making it nearly double the cost of other common property issues. The second quarter of 2026 recorded the warmest spring in England and Wales, a factor contributing to the rise in claims.
Clive Holland, a broadcaster, explained that extended spells of hot, dry weather are the primary concern for subsidence, as they lead to the clay soil shrinking and moving beneath a property's foundations. This contrasts with typical winter weather damage, such as frozen pipes, leaks, and flooding, which insurers usually associate with.
Understanding Subsidence
Subsidence occurs when the ground supporting a property sinks, causing its foundations to move. While dry soil shrinkage is a common cause, excess moisture from leaking pipes or drains can also lead to the soil softening or washing away.
Warning Signs and Prevention
Homeowners are advised to watch for specific warning signs of subsidence. These include cracks wider than 3mm, particularly diagonal ones that are wider at the top. Unlike typical wear and tear, subsidence cracks can appear suddenly. Other indicators include doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close, sloping or sinking floors, gaps near skirting boards, and wallpaper wrinkling or tearing without a clear reason. Cracks appearing both inside and outside a home, or at the junction of an extension and the main house, warrant attention.
Simple preventative measures can make a difference. For new homes, deep foundations can mitigate risk. For older properties, maintaining nearby trees and drains, and fixing leaks are recommended steps. Removing problematic trees or injecting resin into the ground are potential remedies, with underpinning the home being a solution in extreme cases. After structural repairs, damaged windows and doors may need replacement.
Insurance and Costs
The average combined home insurance premium was £383 between April and June, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, the average claim for damage from all weather-related events, including flooding and storms, rose by 12% to £8,548 in the same quarter. Subsidence claims are typically covered by buildings insurance, with most policies having an excess of around £1,000. Damage to surrounding structures like garden walls and driveways is usually not covered unless it occurs concurrently with damage to the main home. If a property becomes uninhabitable due to severe damage, insurance should cover the cost of alternative accommodation.
Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, emphasized the importance of home resilience, stating that reducing future losses requires a coordinated effort from homeowners, industry, and government. While insurers provide financial support, proactive measures are crucial.
