subsidence insurance cover

kenmum

Hi everyone,

I am hoping for some advice or recommendations for insurers or brokers who can help in my situation.

I own a buy-to-let property and had a subsidence insurance claim. After a long drag, the insurer concluded that the issue was minor subsidence caused by a drainage defect, affecting a small area at the rear corner of the kitchen. The damage was limited to small cracks, and the insurer carried out internal repairs. There was no underpinning, and the issue has been confirmed as resolved.

The claim has now been fully settled. However, my insurer has refused to renew the policy due to the subsidence claim history. I raised a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman, but they confirmed that for buy-to-let properties (unlike owner-occupied homes), insurers are not obliged to continue cover after a subsidence claim.

As a result, I am currently unable to obtain insurance through standard providers. I am quite concerned about the risk. I am ok even if there is no subsidence cover, as long as it covers standard risks such as fire, escape of water, storm, etc.

I would really appreciate your recommendations.

MyRealNameToo

Does the property have a mortgage? Are they ok with you not having subsidence cover? 

Search for non-standard landlords insurance, it will be mainly brokers that you find and they cover both properties made using unusual materials, listed buildings and also those with adverse claims history like subsidence

Ultimately landlord cover is a form of commercial property insurance not home insurance hence why it's not included in the ABI agreements. 

desthemoaner

I believe Adrian Flux can provide subsidence cover, although I'm not sure whether that includes buy-to-let. Worth Googling and making a few phone calls, because in this kind of situation its usually best to speak to somebody in person rather than enquire online and find yourself unable to bypass the standard exclusions.