Subsidence claims to rise

The driest six months for 80 years may lead to increased frequency of household subsidence claims, M&S Money has warned.

The Met Office has said that average rainfall for January to June this year was 356.8mm - the lowest reading since 1929 when 275.7mm was recorded.

Dry weather often leads to an increased frequency of subsidence claims. Clay soil shrinks and becomes unstable as moisture is taken out of the soil by trees and shrubs near homes.

Dry period

Claims data shows that there have been low levels of subsidence in the last three years due to relatively wet summers. 2006 was the last year in which there was an increased frequency as a result of a long dry period.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance, said: “The outlook for this summer is currently predicted to be 27% drier than average, so it looks like we have the conditions for subsidence losses. Repairing the damage caused by subsidence can cost of thousands of pounds.”