Last updated: 02 November 2025

Subsidence Claims

Subsidence is downward movement of the ground supporting your home. It can show as stepped cracks, sticking doors, or rippled wallpaper at corners. Investigations take time, but a steady, evidence-led approach keeps things on track.

First signs

• Diagonal cracks wider than a £1 coin, especially around doors/windows.
• Doors and windows sticking or misaligned.
• New cracks after dry spells, improving in wetter weather.

What insurers do

Initial inspection, crack monitoring (tell-tales or digital), and assessment of trees, drains, and foundations. Engineers look for causation: clay shrinkage from tree roots, leaking drains washing away fines, or less commonly, mining or landslip.

Trees and drains

Root-induced clay shrinkage is common. Drain CCTV checks are standard. Remedies might include pruning/felling problematic trees, drain repairs, underpinning only when necessary.

Timelines

Expect monitoring over seasons to confirm movement. It’s frustrating, but rushing can lead to unnecessary or ineffective work.

Repairs

• Stabilise cause (e.g., root management or drain repairs).
• Make structural repairs (crack stitching, lintels, or underpinning if required).
• Decorate once movement has stabilised.

Subsidence is about patience and proof. Good data beats guesswork — ask to see monitoring results before major decisions.