Insurance News Archive

Driveways 'exacerbate' subsidence threat

A comprehensive insurance policy may be necessary for those people considering adding a driveway conversion to their property.

The call follows research carried out by home insurer esure which shows that over 100,000 London homeowners could face an increased risk of subsidence due to conversions.

Figures provided by ICM show this to be equivalent to seven per cent of homeowners in the south-east who have had work done creating a new driveway.

According to Lee Jones, of the British Geological Survey, conditions which could exacerbate the possibility of subsidence include increase rainfall, while further problems could be caused by the laying of impermeable surfaces.

Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure, said that although it was appealing to add a driveway to a property, this can significantly increase the risk of subsidence.

"It is essential that driveway or patio conversions are sympathetic to the fact that nearby trees will always need moisture," she added.

23 Feb 2007