Somerset · England
Subsidence insurance claim repairs in Somerset
If you live in Somerset and are looking at subsidence insurance claim repairs, the first question is why the wall moved. Parts of Somerset have clay that can shrink near trees in dry spells; parts of Somerset lie on a former coalfield, so a coal mining search is worth checking if movement has no obvious cause.
- Area
- Somerset
- Pricing region
- South West
- Ground
- Clay in parts
- Towns listed
- 11
Why does the ground in Somerset matter for subsidence insurance claim repairs?
Somerset mixes Lias clays, Mercia Mudstone, limestone hills and the peat and alluvium of the Levels around Bridgwater, which can settle. The former Somerset coalfield around Radstock and Midsomer Norton left recorded workings.
Parts of Somerset lie on a former coalfield, so a coal mining search is worth checking if movement has no obvious cause. Typical buildings in Somerset: Bath stone Georgian terraces, Victorian houses in Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, and post-war estates.
Subsidence insurance claim repairs prices in Somerset
These are guide prices for Somerset, using South West rates and including VAT. Your written quote follows photos or a survey, and is fixed once the repair is specified.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Your policy excess for subsidence (check your schedule) | £1,000 | commonly |
| Pricing a loss adjuster's or engineer's repair scheduleest. | Free to request | — |
| Repairs outside the claim (betterment, decoration upgrades)est. | Priced separately | — |
How we usually approach subsidence insurance claim repairs
Pricing the adjuster’s or engineer’s schedule
When the claim reaches the repair stage, we price the schedule of work line by line, at no charge to request. You or the adjuster can compare it against other prices. The figures follow the agreed scope, so nothing is quietly added or left out.
Best for: Homeowners asked to obtain quotes for an agreed scope
Carrying out the agreed repairs
Once the scope is agreed and you instruct us, we carry out the repair, which is often crack stitching, repointing, replastering and redecoration, and sometimes drain or foundation work. We deal with building control where the work needs it and keep the adjuster informed.
Best for: Claims where the repair scope has been settled
Betterment priced separately
Many homeowners take the chance to do extra work while trades are on site, such as redecorating whole rooms or upgrading finishes. That betterment sits outside the claim, so we price it as a separate written quote, keeping the claim work clear.
Best for: Extra work you choose beyond the agreed claim repair
What happens during subsidence insurance claim repairs, step by step?
Notify your insurer
Report suspected subsidence to your buildings insurer as soon as you notice it, with dated photos. Do not start permanent repairs first. Check your schedule for the subsidence excess, which is commonly about £1,000.
Mitigation and monitoring
The identified cause is dealt with, perhaps a drain repair or tree work, and the house may be monitored for several months, sometimes up to 12, to confirm it has stabilised before repairs are agreed.
Repairs and sign-off
With the scope agreed, we carry out the repairs, deal with building control where required and make good. Keep the paperwork, which helps with future insurance and if you sell the house.
What to look for before calling about subsidence insurance claim repairs
- You want extra work done while claim repairs are under way
- A letter from a loss adjuster asking for access
- You have been asked to find your own contractor for the repair
- New cracks you think may be caused by ground movement
Do you need approval for subsidence insurance claim repairs in England?
Like-for-like repairs such as crack stitching and repointing do not usually need building control approval in England, but anything that changes or strengthens the structure, such as underpinning or rebuilding a wall, does. If the work touches a party wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.
Find subsidence insurance claim repairs in your Somerset town
Questions about subsidence insurance claim repairs in Somerset
Why do houses in Somerset crack?
Somerset mixes Lias clays, Mercia Mudstone, limestone hills and the peat and alluvium of the Levels around Bridgwater, which can settle. The former Somerset coalfield around Radstock and Midsomer Norton left recorded workings. Parts of Somerset lie on a former coalfield, so a coal mining search is worth checking if movement has no obvious cause. Only an investigation on site can say why a particular building has moved.
How much will subsidence insurance claim repairs cost in Somerset?
The written price depends on the extent of the damage, access and whether an engineer or building control is needed.
How do I make a subsidence claim?
Contact your buildings insurer as soon as you suspect subsidence, with dated photos and a note of when the cracks appeared. They will usually appoint a loss adjuster to visit. Do not start permanent repairs before the insurer has seen the damage.
Should I repair cracks before claiming?
No, tell your insurer before permanent repairs start. Early repairs can hide evidence the adjuster needs and may affect your claim. Take dated photos, and if a crack is letting in water, ask the insurer about a temporary weatherproofing measure.
Can I choose my own contractor for claim repairs?
Sometimes, depending on your insurer. Some appoint their own contractors, while others let you obtain quotes to the agreed schedule. Ask your loss adjuster. If you are allowed to choose, we can price to the schedule at no charge.