To claim or not to claim for subsidence?

fchris17

Our deep drains in our garden need digging up to repair. This would cost us 4.5k but there's a chance we could claim subsidence caused this following large excavation work being done next door a few yeard ago. However, would this be worth claiming considering how much our future home insurance premiums might go up? Should we just pay it ourselves?

RogerPensionGuy

Do plenty of research before making or even lodging a claim for such an item. 

The effects of lodging such a claim can easily outweigh just doing it yourself. 

If however it's a big expensive and possibility of bigger movement issues down the road, then may be lodging a claim is okay. 

On another point, insurance policy may require you inform them and if you don't and a claim later, possibly of issues. 

Most people I've known feel better to avoid lodging subsidence, heave or whatever label gets applied to a property and possibly neighbours properties.

Maybe seeking independent advice is best 1st option. 

Grenage

If it's only 4.5k, I would personally not make a subsidence claim.  There's so much stigma when it comes to selling a house with such history.

Annemos

And really difficult to get Insurance, too, after a Subsidence Claim. One has to try and stay with the one who handled the claim. 

The claim process itself is also incredibly stressful. 

As one who has had a Subsidence claim. I say try and avoid it. 


Do you actually have any current damage to your home on the outside walls and inside? Be careful that they don't cause any damage when they do the drain excavations for you. Insurance does not usually cover damage caused by bad workmanship. 

Annemos

Can possibly use drain liners instead of full excavation. 

Repairing a collapsed sewer drain without digging

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZAt9DTZTQs


Anglian Water did this for our rain-drains for Tree Roots.  When that Mesh Patch hardens... it goes very hard. 

Olinda99

Don't even mention subsidence - a collapsed drain yes, a damaged drain, yes - but it's not subsidence