What is subsidence insurance and what is included?

So what is included in Subsidence Insurance and do you need it? This type of insurance commonly encompasses subsidence, ground heave and landslip. How do you differentiate between these?

• Simply when land/ground moves under a building this constitutes subsidence.
• When land moves sideways or upwards then this is a case of ground heave.
• If a property is located on top of a hill and the ground below it moves, then this is considered to be landslip.
• Be careful to check with your provider as there are a number of exclusions to this type of insurance, including if a building has been constructed by materials that have the potential to either expand or shrink.
• The settlement will also not be a standard inclusion. Another important fact to consider under this type of insurance is that it does not cover erosion caused by a river or the sea.
• Check your policy wording closely to ensure your individual circumstances are covered.