Compare underpinned house insurance

What is an underpinned house?

Underpinning is the process by which the foundation of a house is strengthened or reinforced to make it more secure. It is usually done to houses located on land that has a history of subsidence.

What is subsidence?

Subsidence is the downward moving or shaking of the ground. Houses built on land that are prone to subsidence can develop cracks and eventually even collapse in some cases, unless it’s caught early. 

Can you get underpinned house insurance?

Underpinned house insurance is considered specialist insurance because insurers see underpinned houses as high risk and costly to repair. However, you can find several specialist insurance providers that offer cover for underpinned houses.  

What do I need to know to get underpinned house insurance?

When you apply for underpinned house insurances, insurers will likely ask you a number of questions before they give you a quote. Some of the questions can include:

Be sure to be honest about any of the questions asked by the insurance or you may not get a payout if you make a claim. 

How much does underpinned house insurance cost?

Underpinned house insurance will likely cost more than standard home insurance policies, as insurers consider underpinned houses as high risk. 

Additionally, it’s also likely that insurers will ask to set a much higher excess than standard home insurance. 

So for example, if a standard excess is £250, for underpinned home insurance, it may be set at £1,000. This is because claims for subsistence can be very expensive, as the cost repairing houses that have experienced subsistence can be high. 

How much does it cost to underpin a house?

The cost for underpinning a house will vary from house to house. Some of the factors that will affect the cost can include:

Typically, the cost of underpinning the average house can range from £10,000 to £15,000. 

How do I know if my house needs underpinning?

If you suspect that your house may need underpinning, there a couple of signs to look out for:

Cracks in the structure. Keep an eye out for cracks that may have appeared suddenly, especially around doors and windows. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all cracks may be signs of subsidence.

Difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows: Often if your property has shifted, you may find it difficult to open or close doors and windows. However, this is also a problem that can occur due to rapid or significant fluctuations in temperature in moisture. 

In any case, if you are worried about subsidence, it may be a good idea to have a builder inspect these signs so you can get a professional opinion. 

How do I know if my house is at risk of subsidence?

Some houses are more prone to subsidence than other because: