Subsidence

Chartered Engineers, Chartered Surveyors, Engineering Technicians and Support Staff at the leading edge of Subsidence, Heave and Landslip claims handling. Our Building Professionals are flexible and innovative, alive to the benefits of exploring alternatives to the more traditional repair methods, such that Indemnity Costs and inconvenience are simultaneously reduced.

Whilst the majority of Subsidence claims are relatively minor in terms of structural damage, we do not underestimate the importance of the damage to the Customer and the distress it may cause.

We provide the Homeowner with the very best in technical advice and assistance from the outset. We employ only the highest quality staff, who are not only technically competent, but also highly trained in interpersonal and communication skills.

We ensure that the correct diagnosis is made, the cause removed, and the most appropriate engineering solution implemented. The claim progresses swiftly to conclusion through leadership and positive decision making.

We place a high priority on the pursuit of Recoveries and Contributions by early identification, accurate information gathering and focus on resolution.

Health & Safety pervades our approach to the claims process and protects the interests of all concerned.

Unique predictive modelling data, resources and technology, in harmony.

Pragmatic and commercially aware; we do not over-engineer the process.

National Subsidence Units

NORTH EAST & SCOTLAND 33 Kingsway House, Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 0HW
Tel: +44(191) 4878922 Fax: +44(191) 4878921 e-mail: nsunes@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES Seymour Court, Thursby Road, Croft Business Park, Bromborough, Wirral, CH62 3PW
Tel: +44(151) 3431345 Fax: +44(151) 3431344 e-mail: nsunwnw@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE Number 3, Bruntcliffe Way, The Antler Complex, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0JG
Tel: +44(113) 2536699 Fax: +44(113) 2536688 e-mail: nsuyh@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

CENTRAL 9-10 Morston Court, Kingswood Lakeside, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 8JB
Tel: +44(1543) 462999 Fax: +44(1543) 462888 e-mail: nsuc@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

SOUTH WEST & SOUTH WALES The Old Tramshed, 25 Lower Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5BN
Tel: +44(117) 927 5333 Fax: +44(177) 930 0428 e-mail: nsuswsw@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

SOUTH EAST Stoner House, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8LJ
Tel: +44(1293) 606166 Fax: +44(1293) 606165 e-mail: nsuse@merlinclaims.com

Printer Friendly Directions

Out of Hours Incident Management Centre Tel: 0131 654 5444 For details please e-mail or call 0151 343 1777

Subsidence Claims & Customer Care an Information Guide

Introduction
The appearance of cracks or other damage to your home is obviously of great concern to you. It is important to realise, however, that almost all properties experience minor cracking due to seasonal changes in the moisture content of the ground, particularly if it is clay based. Although subsidence related to these natural changes is relatively common, the consequent "damage" can go unnoticed for long periods and is often not progressive. Serious structural failure is extremely rare.

Not all unexplained damage to the fabric of your home will be caused by "Ground Movement" of a type covered by your insurance policy. For example, defective materials, faulty workmanship, or even failure related to the age of the property, may be the only cause of the damage. The subsidence cover provided by your policy is for the abnormal damage caused by the uneven movement of the ground under your house.

We have prepared this guide on the assumption that your claim is in respect of damage caused by an insured event. Its purpose is to identify and describe briefly the causes of ground movement covered by your policy, to explain how the claims process works. By doing this, we hope to reduce the frustration which sometimes accompanies claims of this nature.

The Types of Claim
Your policy covers three types of claim resulting from damage to your insured property caused by what, in general terms, is described as "Ground Movement".

Subsidence
Subsidence damage occurs when there is downward movement of the ground under a building. It may be due to a number of reasons. One example is the shrinkage of clay soils, which takes place either when moisture is extracted by tree roots or during a long spell of hot, dry weather.

Heave
Heave damage occurs when there is upward movement of the ground beneath a building. This is often due to the removal of trees near to your property. As a result the ground returns far more moisture and starts to expand.

Landslip
is a sideways movement of a large mass of ground (usually occurring on a slope or near a cliff).

Your Claim
The two questions most frequently asked are:

"Is there cause for concern?"

Naturally, you will be concerned but please remember our comments in the introduction. In many cases the damage will be relatively minor and can be attended during routine maintenance and decoration.

More serious damage can be caused by uneven ground movement as described in the previous section. This movement places stress upon the building structure resulting in distortion and significant cracking. Uneven floors and sticking doors and windows could be other symptoms. Unless stability in the ground can be achieved, the cracks will become more severe.

If the damage does appear more serious, your Insurance Company will arrange and pay for a professional assessment of current and ongoing movement. Often, this reveals that the problem is much less serious than expected. However, if further investigation is recommended, arrangements will be made to carry this out, at the expense of your Insurance Company.

If it is found that there is subsidence of the site and the cause has been identified, there are many options available to rectify the problem without the need for major foundation work. We will ensure that the correct engineering solution is provided. Please remember that underpinning is not often the answer and is usually a last resort.

"How long will it take?"

By their very nature, claims of this type can be time-consuming. You may become frustrated by delays particularly when, apparently, little progress is being made.

Sometimes there may be virtually no delay. Where the cause of the problem is clear from the outset, and repairs are straightforward, the work will be carried out as soon as a suitable contractor is available.

There will usually be a very valid reason for any apparent delay in resolving your claim. Careful investigation is in your own best interests. It is often the only way to ensure that the correct remedial work to your property is undertaken and that you are not inconvenienced by unnecessary work. Please try to be patient.

Even relatively complicated cases can take many months to monitor and resolve. For example:

If the failure of drainage has been the cause of the subsidence damage, the repair of the drains will probably lead to stabilisation.

If tree roots have extracted moisture from under the foundations causing the soil to dry and shrink (a process called desiccation), pollarding or removal of the offending trees under expert supervision can lead to full recovery of the ground's natural moisture level and stability.

In either case both the damage and the ground conditions will need to be monitored for some time.

Your Policy and Paying your Claim
We turn now to the cover provided by your policy and the financial aspects of making a valid claim for subsidence, heave or landslip: It is important that you read your Policy Booklet to remind you of the cover your policy provides. In simple terms it covers the damage to your property arising only during the period of insurance. It does not cover damage occurring prior to the commencement of your policy.

The damage must be caused by the operation of circumstances (known as Insured Perils) listed in the your policy.

Your Policy will have an "Excess" in respect of subsidence claims. This is the first portion of the claim cost which you will have to contribute, irrespective of the final settlement figure, including Professional Fees which may have been incurred. The amount of this "Excess" is shown in the Policy Booklet.

The maximum amount your Insurance Company will pay in the event of a valid claim will be based on the Buildings Sum Insured. If this has been regularly reviewed so that it represents current rebuilding costs, the amount available should be sufficient to meet the expenses involved.

Finance
We will advise you as soon as your claim is accepted and confirm the basis upon which repairs are agreed. Your Insurance Company will, within the terms of the policy, pay the agreed cost of the following:

Building Costs
Building contractor's and specialist's work required for the repair of the damage.

Professional Fees
Necessary fees incurred for the services of Architects, Surveyors, Consulting Engineers and Solicitors.

Alternative Accommodation
This is the cost of comparable alternative accommodation for your family incurred during any period of the claim during which your home becomes uninhabitable.

It is most unlikely that the ground movement affecting your property will make it dangerous to live in. However, during the course of repair, the removal of services and, in extreme cases, the levels of noise, dirt and disruption will be such that the use of temporary accommodation becomes essential. The maximum amount payable is shown in your policy. These payments are in addition to the Buildings Sum Insured.

Storage
Extensive repairs may make it necessary to place all or part of the contents of your home in alternative accommodation or storage, either to protect them or to allow the contractors sufficient space to bring in materials and machinery. Your Insurance Company considers removal and storage costs to be valid claims. If your contents are insured separately, your Buildings Insurer may seek a contribution from the Contents Insurer.

Paying Contractors
The contractor will usually expect to be paid when certain stages of the repair work have been completed. These stages will be specified either in the tender document or the contract of works.

Normally, invoices will be sent direct to us. However, if you receive an invoice, please pass it on immediately. This will ensure that there is time to check the invoice and to seek payment from your Insurance Company within agreed timescales.

Selling your Home
If the damage has come to light during negotiations to sell your house you will be anxious not to lose your prospective buyer. Where it seems clear that the sale will still go ahead if the claim is accepted, your Insurance Company may be able to assist further by agreeing that the proposed purchaser continues to insure the property with them. This will enable repairs to be carried out after the sale has taken place.

Summary
The intention of this guide has been to give you background information on your subsidence claim. We hope it will help put your mind at rest.

Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in this guide's preparation, the Terms, Exceptions and Conditions of an insurance contract are contained in your insurance policy. Reference should always be made to it.