Subsidence Claims

The latest figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reveal that subsidence-related claims have reached £153 million in just the first half of 2025. Almost 9,000 households have been affected, with an average claim value of £17,264. The ABI attributes this surge largely to the unusually warm and sunny spring we’ve experienced this year, a stark reminder of how climate change is affecting property risk across the UK.

As Louise Clark, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, explains:

“Climate change is significantly increasing the risk of subsidence in the UK, particularly in areas with clay-rich soils that sink and swell in response to changing moisture levels caused by hot temperatures.

While not all cases can be prevented, homeowners can reduce the risk by managing nearby trees and shrubs that they own, and by ensuring that gutters, pipes and plumbing are well maintained to avoid leaks.”

In the care sector, subsidence poses not just a financial risk, but also a serious operational challenge. Any damage to a building’s foundations can disrupt essential services, affect resident safety, and lead to lengthy repair times that put significant strain on resources.

At Quality Care Group, we work closely with care providers to identify and mitigate subsidence risks before they escalate into costly claims. Practical measures include:

• Regular property inspections to check for early signs of movement or cracking.
• Managing vegetation – especially large trees or deep-rooted shrubs – near foundations.
• Maintaining drainage systems to prevent leaks that can destabilise soil.
• Keeping accurate maintenance records, which can support insurance claims if damage occurs.

While climate change may be beyond our control, proactive property management and regular risk assessments can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of subsidence damage. In an environment where care providers are already under financial pressure, prevention really is the best investment.

For care businesses, this is not just about protecting buildings, it’s about safeguarding the people who depend on them every day.

Want to reduce your care property’s risk of subsidence?

Contact me, Risk and Claims Manager at Quality Care Group, to discuss tailored risk management strategies for your organisation.

Just complete this short form and I will get back to you.