October 29th, 2011 | 
Author: Most homes present an investment worth protecting from the passing burglar or storm. However, not all risks to the home are so apparent. Subsidence is the lowering of the ground, or sometimes collapse, which can serious damage a home. Normally induced by heavy rains and particularly threatening to houses built on clay soils, subsidence has become a hidden danger to the homeowner looking to insure their house. So what effect does subsidence have on house insurance?
Whether you are buying a home or renewing your policy, it is worth checking for signs of subsidence if you live in a problem area. These include cracked walls, ripples in wallpaper and increased difficulty in opening and closing windows and doors. Though reporting the presence of such problems may result in higher premiums, it is most definitely worth being covered to protect your investment.
Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to help prevent damage caused by subsidence. Avoid planting trees near the foundations of your house as they suck up moisture and allow the clay soils to sink. If there are any existing large trees of bushes close to your house, look into having them felled, (though be sure to do this within your local council regulations).
If you think you may be at risk of subsidence in your area, check your insurance cover and if you are in any doubt contact your insurer.
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