Home insurance - Computer says no

Hardunbuy

About 10 years ago I noticed that an out building (detached garage) was lifting at one corner. I notified my insurance company (Nationwide) and they sent an assessor who ascertained that a neighbour's tree was causing the problem. They agreed to the tree being removed (on my insurance) and all settled back down with no further ado.

However, unbeknown to me, my home insurance records now said that we had suffered subsidence damage so if I try to get a quote for insurance from a different company it gets to that point and the computer says no.

I find this frustrating as it was a tree that caused the problem and to my way of thinking not subsidence. Therefore, is anyone able to offer advice of how this situation can be overcome and recommend who could help me in changing my insurance company, as they have become quite pricey.

InsideInsurance

Subsidence/ movement is normally caused by "something"

You can log a complaint if you want and escalate to the ombudsman if you arent happy with their response but realistically your property has suffered from movement/ subsidence so its unlikely to succeed

rs65

Hardunbuy wrote: »

I find this frustrating as it was a tree that caused the problem and to my way of thinking not subsistence.

I think you are right as nothing subsided. It would either be heave or structural movement and insurers normally ask about subsidence, heave or structural movement.

Subsidence does scare insurers so you are going to find it hard to get a mainstream insurer to provide cover. Best you could hope for is getting the claim description changed and then finding an insurer who only asks about subsidence and answer the questions very carefully. Also check the 'assumptions' made.

Maybe try a local broker who could approach selected insurers for you and explain the circumstances.