Help with Subsidence Insurance Claims in Manchester
Navigate the claims process with confidence and get the repairs your property needs.
When to involve your buildings insurer
Most buildings insurance policies in the UK cover subsidence, but there are important conditions and excess payments to understand.
Contact your insurer if:
- ✓You have cracks wider than 3mm that are getting worse
- ✓Your survey confirms ongoing subsidence
- ✓You need repairs costing more than your policy excess (typically £1,000)
- ✓Structural damage is affecting the safety or use of your property
Don't delay notifying your insurer
Most policies require prompt notification of damage. Delaying could affect your claim. You don't need to have all the answers before contacting them - just report the issue.
What insurers usually ask for
Evidence of damage
Photos of cracks, measurements, and description of when you first noticed problems. Date-stamped photos are particularly valuable.
Structural survey
Most insurers will arrange their own survey via a loss adjuster, but you have the right to commission your own independent report.
Monitoring evidence
If the cause has been addressed (tree removed, drains fixed), they may require 12+ months monitoring to confirm stability.
Property information
Age of property, previous surveys, any known subsidence history, details of nearby trees and drainage.
Dealing with loss adjusters and panel contractors
Loss adjusters
Insurers appoint loss adjusters to assess claims. They work for the insurer, not you. They will arrange surveys, assess damage, and recommend whether repairs are covered. You have the right to:
- •Question their findings if you disagree
- •Commission your own independent survey
- •Request detailed explanations of their decisions
- •Appeal through the insurer's complaints process
Panel contractors
Insurers often use approved panel contractors. While convenient, you may prefer to use your own specialist, particularly for complex cases. This is your right, though the insurer may ask for competitive quotes.
Independent second opinions
If you're not satisfied with the insurer's assessment or proposed solution, commissioning your own independent structural engineer's report can be invaluable:
When it's worth considering:
- • Insurer is disputing causation
- • Proposed repairs seem inadequate
- • Claim has been declined
- • You're buying/selling with subsidence history
What it provides:
- • Independent technical opinion
- • Evidence for appeals or complaints
- • Alternative repair recommendations
- • Cost estimates for comparison
Common delays and how to avoid them
Slow response from insurer
Keep detailed records of all contact. Follow up in writing. Use the FCA's requirement for insurers to handle claims promptly.
Extended monitoring periods
Understand why monitoring is needed. If you disagree, get independent advice. Monitoring should have clear endpoints.
Disagreements over cause
Commission your own survey if the insurer's assessment doesn't match your specialist's view. Document everything.
Waiting for tree or drain work
Push for timescales. If the insurer is delaying arranging work, offer to coordinate it yourself and claim costs.
Get expert support with your claim
Our approved specialists regularly work with insurers and loss adjusters. They can provide independent surveys, second opinions, and help you navigate the claims process.
Get Independent Advice