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Building Insurance difficulties

6 replies

Motnight · 07/11/2025 12:53

I am wondering if anyone has been in a similar position to me and has any advice. Our house's building insurance quote came in and has nearly doubled to £1600. We have been with the same insurance company for over 25 years. They obviously simply don't want our business any more, fair enough.

The only insurance claim we made was around subsidence back in, we think, 2009. I am trying to get quotes from other insurers and of course need to give these details. Except our current insurer can't. They have basically said that it is so long ago that they are unlikely to have that info any more as they have changed computer systems since then. They are currently doing an info request on my behalf but the guy I spoke to was clear that it was unlikely this info would be available.

Of course I should have kept records at my end but I've lost them. I suppose I thought as well that an insurance company would have access to all claims made. The claim paid out - no underpinning necessary, but trees in my front garden removed and downstairs inside decorating done. The cause of subsidence was identified to be the trees too near the house.

My question is - what do I do if the insurance company can't find any more info? All quotes are understandably asking for details including dates, and either a certificate of structural adequacy or chartered surveyors full structural survey report stating no recent or ongoing subsidence damage. Do I need to just bite the bullet and pay for a survey now do you think?

Thank you :)

OP posts:
PrincessofWells · 07/11/2025 16:56

Pay for the survey now. It will save you ongoing cost in future premiums.

Doggymummar · 07/11/2025 17:57

We are just buying a property and I got a quote this morning for buildings and contents. It was £180.00 The only question I was asked was had we had a claim in the last 5 years, along with the questions about trees and cracks etc.

I used Martin Lewis search engine

Motnight · 07/11/2025 18:21

Thanks both. I have used Martin Lewis's website. The subsidence question has no timeline and I can see why. Think that we do just need to pay for a survey.

OP posts:
Mrsladybirdface · 07/11/2025 18:59

I think it would be better to get some advice rather than do online type quote. I can recommend Howden insurance (used to be called a-plan) it is will take a bit longer than an online quote but will be great service.

TeaandHobnobs · 07/11/2025 20:08

@Motnight I had a similar challenge with a historical subsidence issue (caused by plants / trees) which our vendor couldn’t supply information for (it dated from when their grandparents owned the property before them).
The only cover I could get was via GSI insurance - give them a try if you continue to have difficulties.

kirinm · 07/11/2025 20:18

Take a look at Lloyd’s bank insurance. It doesn’t ask much about subsidence at all - so long as any damage is fixed.

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