Warm outlook forecasts summer of subsidence for homeowners

As the Met Office Summer forecast for the year suggests a promising outlook, with warmer than average temperatures and rainfall near or below average, moneysupermarket.com urges homeowners to ensure they have adequate insurance against subsidence.

The UK's leading price comparison site found buildings insurance policies available from as little as £78 a year from American Express and Admiral. The research also found for a property which has previously been affected by subsidence only one provider would re-quote for buildings cover; Peacock Insurance at £199 a year.

Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "We welcome warm weather with open arms, but unfortunately bouts of heat could lead to subsidence. The hot weather can cause the ground beneath a property to dry out and become unstable, and homes with trees nearby are more at risk of subsidence as roots grow in search of water during dry spells, taking moisture from the soil.

"The most common sign of subsidence is cracks appearing in the wall, especially around the door and window frames. However, homeowners or buyers should only be alarmed when cracks are wider than a thumb as some cracking will occur naturally in buildings; in those cases though they should immediately alert their insurer to assess the situation. I urge homeowners to be as honest as possible and fully update their insurer if there are any signs of subsidence around their home.

Steve Sweeney continued: "It is vital that homeowners ensure they have adequate buildings insurance against subsidence and scour the small print to see exactly what is covered. If a homeowner finds themselves in a situation where their current insurer won't re-insure them after an episode of subsidence, I advise approaching a specialist insurer such as Adrian Flux or insurancechoice to provide cover."

moneysupermarket.com's top tips for subsidence - what to look out for and steps to take:

Most insurance companies will want to look at the development of cracks over time so prepare to be patient with regular inspections

Damaged or leaking drains (which can weaken the ground beneath the foundations) need repairing and trees close to the property should be regularly pruned

Underpinning may be an option where concrete is poured into the foundations to bolster the structure. This should be done by a reputable building company

If you have any work done to your property to reduce the effects of subsidence, keep all receipts and any certificates.

If you are a homebuyer, look carefully for any evidence of subsidence. You can use The Land Registry to research whether houses in the local area have been, or are likely to be, affected by subsidence.