My neighbours house has subsidence

phoebe03cat

We are adjoined to our semi detached house. Their loss adjuster has contacted us detailing large trees, vegetation, hedges and other areas of cracking within their property, from their front garden. We think their drainage has also been affected. The loss adjuster also sought permission to reduce the height of the boundary hedge between us , while admitting that the trunks originate on their side of the boundary. They have said they are going to remove all trees etc and we would both like to put up a fence between us, rather than reduce the hedge which will of course grow back. It appears neighbours are in dispute with the insurance company. We have contacted their loss adjuster requesting confirmation that it has caused no damage to our adjoining property.  Damage visibly appears to be on the side furthest away from us. To date we have received no response from their adjuster nor updates from the neighbour. The trees etc remain. We have informed our insurance company, but they appear to not be interested until we start a claim. Any advice welcomed, thank you.

dunstonh

We have contacted their loss adjuster requesting confirmation that it has caused no damage to our adjoining property. 

As they haven't assessed your property, they wouldn't be able to answer that question.

phoebe03cat

Yes we realise that. The big question is really, do we arrange our own survey, with/without our insurance, or wait for a resolution of their dispute which will undoubtedly go the the ombudsman? Meanwhile of course the problem trees and hedge remain. 

dunstonh

The big question is really, do we arrange our own survey, with/without our insurance, or wait for a resolution of their dispute which will undoubtedly go the the ombudsman?

Without any evidence of movement or subsidence, its unlikely a third party would pay for a survey.  That would be out of your pocket.

Its unlikely you would be suffering subsidence in the way they are.   Movement is possible (and much less of a worry and in the majority of cases, easily fixed with routine maintenance without the need to involve or declare to the insurer).  However, you would have tell tale signs.  Bricks cracking or mortar popping out for example.  Have you anything like that?