Heatwave-Stricken Homeowners Claiming £17k for Subsidence: Recognizing the Indicators
Rising Subsidence Risks in the UK Due to Climate Change
Climate change is increasing the risk of subsidence in the UK, particularly in areas with clay-rich soils that expand and contract significantly due to moisture changes. This was evident in the recent warmer springs, below-average rainfall, and multiple heatwaves, causing soil moisture deficits.
The UK has seen a sharp rise in the frequency and severity of subsidence claims in recent years. In 2022, there were over 23,000 valid claims, costing insurers £219 million. Early indicators for 2025 suggest a potential repeat or worsening of this trend due to continuing dry soil conditions.
According to data from the Meteorological Office Rainfall and Evaporation Calculation System (MORECS), soil dryness in 2025 is expected to surpass previous peak years, forecasting an accelerated risk of subsidence claims as clay soils undergo extreme shrinkage.
In detail, the warmer springs, below-average rainfall, and heatwaves have caused soil moisture deficits, leading to shrinkage of clay soils, particularly in regions such as London, the South East, and the Midlands, where shrink-swell clay soils and urban tree cover intensify the problem.
To mitigate damage, strategies such as managing vegetation, monitoring plumbing and drainage, and prompt insurer notification upon detecting structural cracks are advised. Additionally, homeowners should document any damage by taking videos and pictures for proof and to start the claims process.
Some common signs of subsidence include doors or windows sticking for no reason, or closing easily in winter but not summer, distinctive diagonal cracks appearing at the edges of windows and doors, tearing wallpaper that is not caused by damp, and extreme heat causing damage to plumbing, particularly if it's outside the home, leading to potential future leaks.
It is crucial for homeowners to maintain detailed records of all communication with their insurance provider, repair costs, and temporary accommodation costs. In case of any damage following an extreme weather event, contact your insurer as soon as possible and as soon as it's safe to do so.
Most domestic buildings and contents insurance policies usually cover damage from extreme weather, including extreme heat, with some insurers providing alternative accommodation in severe cases. However, outbuildings like fences, garden sheds, and gates are usually excluded from coverage, unless specifically stated otherwise in the policy.
Louise Clark, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, stated that climate change is increasing the risk of subsidence in the UK. She emphasised the need for homeowners to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their properties.
References:
- Climate change: How it's causing UK subsidence
- Subsidence: How climate change is making it worse
- Subsidence: Signs, causes, and how to fix it
- Subsidence in the UK: Causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it
- Subsidence claims surge as dry weather causes ground movement
- The increased risk of subsidence in the UK, a result of climate change, is causing concern for many property owners, particularly those in regions with clay-rich soils like London, the South East, and the Midlands.
- As environmental-science demonstrates, climate change influences soil moisture levels, leading to issues like subsidence, which is becoming more prevalent in the field of home-and-garden.
- To adapt to the changing climate and reduce the potential damage to properties, it's essential for homeowners to implement lifestyle changes like managing vegetation, monitoring plumbing and drainage, and prompt insurer notification, as advised by experts in both science and the insurance industry.
