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SUBSIDENCE, STRUCTURAL MOVEMENT & BUILDING DEFECT INSURANCE
Specialist cover for high-risk buildings and structural vulnerabilities
Subsidence, heave, landslip, settlement and defective construction can weaken a building's integrity and significantly affect insurance availability. Insure24 provides access to insurers who specialise in non-standard and higher-risk commercial properties, including those with historic movement, underpinning, known defects, or structural concerns raised by surveyors.
What Is Subsidence & Structural Movement?
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building collapses or sinks, causing downward structural movement. Structural defects may also arise from poor construction, age-related deterioration, or external forces such as tree roots, soil shrinkage or water ingress.
- Cracks in walls (especially diagonal or widening)
- Doors & windows sticking or misaligned
- Uneven floors or dropped structural beams
- Soil shrinkage due to heat or drought
- Tree root intrusion withdrawing moisture
- Poor construction or defective materials
- Failed foundations or inadequate footings
- Historic movement or inadequate repairs
What Insurance Can Cover Structural & Subsidence Risks?
Depending on the building’s history and survey findings, cover may include:
- Subsidence, heave & landslip cover
- Accidental structural damage
- Escape of water affecting foundations
- Storm, flood & impact damage
- Loss of rent or business interruption
- Cover for underpinning (historic)
- Damage caused by defective construction
- Engineering inspections & defect liability
- Property owners’ liability for injuries caused by structural defects
Who Needs Subsidence & Structural Defect Insurance?
Commercial Landlords
- Office buildings & serviced offices
- Shops, retail units & high-street premises
- Industrial units & small factories
- Warehouse & logistic facilities
- Mixed-use commercial buildings
- Properties with previous subsidence claims
- Buildings requiring regular structural monitoring
Property Managers & Investors
- Large commercial portfolios
- Properties flagged in surveys or due diligence
- Buildings with known defects or movement
- Assets in high clay-content or shrink-swell risk zones
- Units where stability affects tenant safety
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Does insurance cover existing subsidence?
Existing or ongoing subsidence requires specialist underwriting, structural reports and stability evidence. Cover may be available once a building is deemed stable.
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Is underpinning covered?
Historic underpinning is usually acceptable if certified stable. Future underpinning is not typically covered as it is considered remedial structural work.
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Do I need a structural survey?
If defects or movement are suspected, insurers will typically require a structural engineer’s report to confirm stability and risk classification.
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Is loss of rent covered?
Yes - if subsidence or structural damage makes the premises uninhabitable, loss of rent (landlords) or business interruption (occupiers) may be covered.
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Will insurers refuse cover if there is structural movement?
Not always. Specialist insurers can still offer cover if the property is stable, risks are managed, and repairs have been carried out correctly.