Aviva, the UK's largest insurer, has reported a rise in subsidence claims, attributing the increase to an extremely hot summer. The company experienced a "peak subsidence period" from July to September, with claims continuing into October.
Other insurers have also noted a surge in claims. Hastings Direct saw a 140% rise in subsidence claims in August compared to the previous year, while Axa described 2026 as a "surge year" for subsidence.
The value of these claims has also reached record levels. The Association of British Insurers stated that the average subsidence claim in the UK was £20,000 between April and June, which is more than £2,000 higher than the same period last year. Insurers paid out £72 million for domestic subsidence claims during this time, up from £60 million a year earlier.
Aviva's chief executive, Amanda Blanc, suggested that homeowners could mitigate subsidence risks by monitoring drains, pipes, and gutters, and promptly fixing any leaks that might affect the ground beneath their homes. Despite the rise in claims, Aviva reported a 19% increase in general insurance premiums to £11.8 billion in the third quarter of 2026.