Subsidence Risk Map Highlights Worst-Affected Regions
A new subsidence risk map created by Uswitch home insurance experts identifies the areas of Britain most vulnerable to ground movement during hot, dry weather. The map comes as the Met Office issues a red warning for parts of the country, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C this week.
According to Uswitch, subsidence has overtaken every other claim type to become the single biggest payout in UK home insurance. The Association of British Insurers reported a record £307 million paid out on subsidence claims in 2025, with the average claim reaching close to £17,000. This is more than the average payout for theft, fire, or flood.
Geological Band of High Risk
The risk is not evenly spread. One in ten land zones in Britain sits on soil classed as a significant subsidence risk by the British Geological Survey. The worst-affected band runs from Dorset up through London, the East, and into North Yorkshire. London Clay, the soil beneath much of the capital and the Home Counties, is the highest-risk geology in the country.
A statement on the Uswitch website explains: "We mapped subsidence risk across Britain. The good news: most of it is fine. The unfortunate news: there is a thick band of land (from Dorset up through London, the East and into North Yorkshire) that sits on soil that shrinks when it's dry and swells when it's wet. That's subsidence. It's one of the most expensive claims you can make on your home insurance."
High Excess Costs for Homeowners
The catch is in the excess. Where most policies charge £100 to £250 when a homeowner makes a routine claim, the excess on subsidence cover typically sits between £1,000 and £2,500 – around four to ten times higher. This gap exists because subsidence claims are structural and expensive to investigate, meaning homeowners face four-figure costs before their insurer starts paying.
Expert Advice for Homeowners
Leoni Moninska, Insurance Expert at Uswitch, advises: "Subsidence is an area where homeowners can easily be caught out – both by the risk to their property and by the excess they'd face on a claim. If you spot a crack, photograph it and monitor it over a few months. If it's still changing, call a chartered surveyor for a diagnosis before involving your insurer."
She adds: "Use our subsidence risk map to check your area. If needed, make sure your home insurance policy includes subsidence cover, and find out what excess you'd face – so you know you're on the right policy for your home."
If you suspect subsidence, it is worth getting a chartered surveyor's diagnosis before contacting your insurer. Doing so prevents the enquiry from being logged in the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) database, which can affect future premiums even if the crack turns out to be harmless.
Uswitch says if you're in 'Moderate' or 'Significant' ground, it's worth checking if your home insurance covers subsidence. Most policies do, but the excess is usually higher than for other claims.
