Works for the insurer
The Insurer’s Loss Adjuster
- Appointed by the insurance company
- Assesses the claim for the insurer
- Reports back to the insurer
Insurance Claim Help Ireland
Subsidence Insurance Claims: Expert Loss Assessor Help
Cracks that keep widening, doors and windows that start to stick, a floor that has dropped: these can be signs of subsidence, heave or landslip. Here we explain the difference between them, how home insurance usually deals with ground movement, and how Insurance Claim Solutions handles a subsidence claim with your insurer.
Call Us Today!Types of Ground Movement
Heave and Landslip Explained
Besides subsidence, heave and landslip are also significant forms of ground movement that can impact your property. Heave occurs when the ground beneath expands, pushing the foundation upwards, often due to the soil beneath rehydrating after a period of dryness. Landslip, on the other hand, involves the downslope movement of soil and rock, potentially destabilising the foundation.
The type of ground movement affects both the repair and whether your home insurance covers it.
Differences Between Heave, Landslip, and Subsidence
Here's how different types of ground movement manifest:
- Subsidence involves the sinking of the ground.
- Heave describes the ground pushing upwards.
- Landslip refers to the lateral movement of land.
Each type of ground movement needs a different repair. For example, heave might call for managing soil moisture, while landslip may need retaining walls. Identifying the cause correctly matters for the repair and for the insurance claim.
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Home Insurance and Subsidence
Home Insurance Policies That Cover Subsidence
Many home insurance policies cover subsidence, heave and landslip, but the details vary from policy to policy. Buildings insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your home, including the foundation and walls and floors, while contents insurance covers your possessions inside. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations, such as an initial excess for subsidence claims.
Check the subsidence section of your policy, including the excess, before you make a claim.
How to Claim for Subsidence
If you suspect subsidence, the first step is to contact your insurer immediately. They will usually appoint a loss adjuster, and often a structural engineer, to establish the cause and extent of the damage. Gather all relevant information, including photos of the cracks in the walls and any documentation related to previous repairs. Subsidence claims often involve further investigation and a period of monitoring before repairs are agreed, so it helps to have someone keeping the claim moving.
Insurance Claim Solutions can manage the entire claim process, including damage assessment and negotiating with insurers.
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Loss adjuster or loss assessor?
Your Insurance Company Has Its Experts. You Should Have Yours.
When you make a subsidence claim, your insurer sends a loss adjuster. They are appointed and paid by the insurance company, and they assess the claim on its behalf. A loss assessor does the same job from your side of the table: we are appointed by you, and we work for you.
Works for the insurer
Works for you
Your Loss Assessor
- Works for you, not the insurer
- Documents the full extent of your loss
- Deals with the insurer on your behalf
- Negotiates your settlement
Insurance Claim Solutions represents you, the policyholder, throughout the entire claim.
Managing Subsidence Issues
Fixing Subsidence: Solutions and Options
Addressing subsidence requires tailored solutions depending on the cause and severity. Underpinning is a common method to fix subsidence, involving strengthening the foundations to prevent further movement of the ground beneath. Other options include resin injections to stabilise the soil beneath and drain repairs to address issues that cause subsidence.
Get advice from a qualified surveyor or structural engineer before deciding on a repair, especially where the damage is severe.
Reducing the Risk of Subsidence
Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of subsidence. Regularly inspect your property for cracks in the walls and other signs of subsidence, addressing any issues promptly. Ensure drains are well-maintained to prevent leaks that wash away the soil beneath the foundation. If you have trees near your home, consult a tree surgeon to manage root growth and prevent them from drying out the soil beneath.
Taking these steps can reduce the risk of future ground movement around your home.
Insurance Claim Solutions handles subsidence claims for homeowners and businesses. We record the cracking and movement, check the damage against your policy and deal with your insurer, its loss adjuster and the engineers on your behalf. We keep the claim moving through the investigation and monitoring stages and keep you informed throughout.
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Conclusion
Subsidence and Your Home Insurance Policy
Home insurance cannot stop ground movement, but it may pay for the damage it causes. Check whether your policy covers subsidence, heave and landslip, and note any exclusions, limits or special excess.
Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of subsidence help prevent further damage. Keep a record of any cracks you notice, with dates and photographs, as this helps when the insurer investigates.
If You Notice Signs of Subsidence
Subsidence, heave and landslip can cause serious structural damage, and these claims tend to take longer than most. If you see signs of ground movement, tell your insurer and keep a note of what you have seen and when. Insurance Claim Solutions can then assess the damage, take over the claim and deal with the insurer on your behalf through to settlement.
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What happens next
From Subsidence to Settlement, We Handle the Claim
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01
Tell Us What Happened
A short conversation about the damage and your insurance cover. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
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02
We Assess the Damage
An experienced loss assessor inspects the property and identifies what should form part of the claim, including damage that isn’t obvious yet.
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03
We Manage the Claim
Documentation, valuations, insurer communication and negotiations are handled for you. You’re kept informed at every stage.
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04
Your Claim Is Settled
We negotiate the settlement with your insurer under the terms of your policy. The insurer pays you directly.
Step 01 is a free, no-obligation conversation.
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Benefits of Using a Public Loss Assessor to Manage Your Claim
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