Subsidence Insurance Claims in Dorset: Your Complete Guide

You've just been told your property has subsidence. While that's stressful enough, the prospect of navigating an insurance claim adds another layer of worry. Will your insurer cover the repairs? How long will it take? Will they try to minimise your payout? These are the questions that keep Dorset homeowners awake at night.

The subsidence insurance claims process can be lengthy and complex, involving multiple parties — your insurer, their loss adjuster, structural engineers, and repair contractors. Without guidance, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and to accept outcomes that don't fully protect your property.

This guide demystifies the process. We'll walk you through every stage of a subsidence claim, explain your rights, and show you how to ensure your property gets the repairs it needs — not just the minimum your insurer wants to provide.

Is Subsidence Covered by Insurance?

Most buildings insurance policies cover subsidence damage, but there are important conditions and exclusions to understand. Standard buildings insurance covers the cost of investigating and repairing subsidence damage to the structure of your property.

Typically covered: structural repairs including underpinning services, drainage repairs and CCTV surveys to identify leaking pipes, tree removal or management, redecoration of areas affected by repair works, and alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable during repairs.

What's NOT Covered

• Damage to boundary walls, fences, gates, and paths (unless they're attached to the main structure).
• Properties that had known subsidence when the policy was taken out (if not disclosed).
• Damage that existed before the policy start date.
• The excess — subsidence excesses are typically £1,000, considerably higher than standard building claim excesses.

The Claims Process Step by Step

Step 1: Report the Damage

Contact your buildings insurer as soon as you notice signs of subsidence. Document all visible damage with photographs and written descriptions. Mark crack ends with pencil lines and dates so you can track any progression.

Step 2: Loss Adjuster Inspection

Your insurer will typically appoint a loss adjuster to visit your property and assess the claim. The loss adjuster works for the insurer, not for you — remember this when they're assessing the extent of damage and required repairs.

Step 3: Investigations

Ground investigations including trial pits and boreholes will be commissioned to determine the cause of subsidence. Building movement monitoring may also be installed to track whether movement is ongoing. These investigations can take several months to a year.

Step 4: Cause and Repair Strategy

Once the cause is identified, a repair strategy is developed. This might involve tree root management, drainage repairs, foundation stabilization, or underpinning — depending on the specific cause and severity.

Step 5: Repair Works

Approved repair works are carried out. This may include structural crack repairs with helical bar installation, soil stabilization and grouting, and any necessary damp proofing after subsidence. The scope of works depends on the diagnosis.

Tips for a Successful Claim

• Report damage promptly — delays can be used against your claim.
• Keep detailed records — photographs, dates, correspondence, and notes of all conversations.
• Get independent advice — you're entitled to seek your own structural engineer's opinion.
• Don't accept the first offer — if you believe the proposed repairs are inadequate, challenge them with evidence.
• Understand your excess — the standard subsidence excess is typically £1,000.
• Know your rights — you can choose your own contractor for repair works, not just the insurer's preferred supplier.

How We Help with Subsidence Claims

At Weymouth Subsidence, we work alongside Dorset homeowners and their insurers throughout the claims process. From initial ground investigations through to completed structural repairs, we provide the technical expertise and documentation that insurers require. Whether you're in Bournemouth, Weymouth, Dorchester, or anywhere else across the county, our team can support your claim and ensure your property receives the proper repairs it needs.