Help - subsidence worry. Am i not covered by my buildings insurance?

hethmar

Many thanks - it has concerned me as it isnt a pretty thing to look at also at the end of the bay is a crack going upwards to the ceiling - ditto one over the door. But as they havent changed in 17 years Im hoping its just something we have to live with.

Debt_Free_Chick

If it's no longer moving, can't you simply fill it in?

hethmar

Thanks, thats what OH keeps saying when I whinge about it. The ceiling in that bedroom is also cracked so I guess we should get someone in to do that and the other work in one go. The house is 70 years old now so I spose if it was going to slide into the ground it would have done so. OH pointed out to me there are no cracks outside the house just these running over the big bay in one of the bedrooms.

jenny74

Premier wrote: »

Insurers are aware of the fact that their customers may not be experts and that's why most insurance forms suggest that if you are unsure whether or not a fact is material, it should be disclosed and then there can be no misunderstandings.

Failure to do so could result in a subsequent claim being rejected.

For a non-expert, that seems like something that should be disclosed to me.

I'd agree with Premier. As an ex-insurance underwriter, I have to advise that ANYTHING that you're not sure about should be disclosed. It will only come back to haunt you. Basically the property has a history of subsidence to the drains, and you knew about it and didn't tell your insurer. The words 'movement' should have set alarm bells ringing. If you do not tell your insurers now, your policy may be invalidated FROM inception. As Premier (I think) said, you have a duty of disclosure, and are choosing not to disclose.

I'd agree with everything JF77 said.