Advice please - insurance after underpinning (due to extension not subsidence)

[sdas111]

We have recently completed our side return extension and in doing so, lowered the floor level in the kitchen. In order to do this, we had to underpin the existing party wall because it wasn't deep enough.

When looking at buildings insurance, the relevant question appears to be generic - along the lines of "has your property ever been underpinned?" Now that the answer to this is yes, I'm struggling to get quotes.

Has anyone else had this issue and where were you able to find insurance? Did it make a difference (or should it make a difference) that the underpinning was due to the extension rather then subsidence, for example?

I'd be grateful for any advice anyone has.

[Sue]

I can't advise on the specific issue, but I suggest you speak directly to an insurance broker, or possibly directly to insurance companies rather than filling in a list of questions online.

Though if you get a minion who just goes through the same list of questions, that will probably be as bad as trying to do it online ........

ETA: Or whoever did your underpinning may be able to advise, or possibly put you in contact with other people who have had the same thing done for the same reason?

Obviously (or at least I imagine that) the reason for the question is because insurance companies assume that any underpinning is done as a result of subsidence.

[DirtyBox]

I have also had a wall underpinned (I prefer reinforced) as part of a kitchen extension because the original foundation wouldn't have been able to support the structural changes we were making. As I recall when I renewed my insurance the question mentioned underpinning in relation to subsidence rather than just underpinning. I would think that a large proportion of extensions would require some reinforcement to existing walls, especially Victorian houses, so I doubt it would affect your insurance.

[Lynne]

Got our insurance through Aviva. They wanted a new survey, but even factoring the cost of that in, we saved a great deal compared to our old insurer, who we'd had since we were underpinned.

[Lowlander]

Try a broker - e.g. Adrian Flux / Hiscox. Be entirely honest and upfront, you shouldn't have a problem getting cover.

Direct channels just want easy money.

Usually only two times in life a broker comes in handy - difficult insurance, and mortgages.

[sdas111]

Thank you for all the responses. I'll make some calls...

[Sue]

Let us know the outcome, hopefully successful!

[sdas111]

Thank you for all of the responses.

We ended up speaking to (rather than online questionnaire) Lloyd's bank who were only concerned with subsidence issues.