Financing website warns home insurance customers about subsidence risk

Home insurance customers have been put on alert after a financing website predicted there will be more instances of subsidence in 2007 than previous years.

According to figures from the Association of British Insurers, which represents the interests of several high-profile home insurance companies, UK subsidence claims cost a total of £225 million in 2005.

However, this figure rose to £302 million in 2006 and now financing portal moneysupermarket.com has warned that the total could rise again this year if the summer proves to be as hot as expected.

In a bid to counteract the problem, Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, has advised homeowners who fear they may be at risk to notify their home insurance provider immediately.

I would urge homeowners to be as honest as possible with their insurer, he said.

If you are aware of a subsidence situation when you move into a property, fully update your insurer.

Home insurance policies can typically be split into two elements - building insurance and contents insurance.

Building insurance covers the external framework of the house - such as structural damage and cracked walls - while contents insurance protects valuables held inside the property.