Home Insurance Guide

Does home insurance cover subsidence and landslip?

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 26 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does home insurance cover subsidence?

Subsidence and landslip cover - for damage when the ground under your home sinks or shifts - is included on many South African buildings policies, but it is one of the most conditional areas of cover. Insurers often exclude damage linked to poor construction, nearby excavation, mining activity or gradual settlement, and may require an engineer's report. Always check exactly how your policy handles it.

Key takeaways

Subsidence and landslip cover is common but heavily conditioned.
It applies to the structure, so it falls under buildings insurance.
Damage from poor building work, excavation or mining is usually excluded.
Gradual settlement of a new build is typically not covered.
Insurers may require an engineer's report to assess the cause.

What subsidence cover means

Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground supporting your home; landslip is movement of sloping ground. Where covered, buildings insurance pays to repair resulting structural damage such as cracked walls and foundations. Because the cause can be complex, insurers investigate carefully before paying.

Common exclusions

Typical exclusions include damage caused by defective design or construction, nearby building or excavation work, mining and prospecting, the settlement of newly built structures, and damage to patios, driveways, pools or boundary walls unless the main building is also affected.

Proving a claim

Subsidence claims often require a professional engineer to determine the cause and extent of the movement. Report cracks early, keep dated photos, and avoid attributing the damage yourself - the insurer's assessment of the cause decides whether the claim is valid.

Frequently asked questions

Are cracks in my walls covered by home insurance?

It depends on the cause. Cracks from covered subsidence or landslip may be paid, but cracks from normal settlement, poor construction or drying out are usually excluded. An engineer often has to establish the cause.

Does buildings insurance cover a cracked pool or driveway?

Damage to pools, driveways, patios and boundary walls from ground movement is frequently excluded unless the main house is also affected. Check the specific wording in your policy.

Will I need an engineer's report?

For subsidence and landslip claims insurers commonly require a professional engineer's report to confirm the cause, because the payout hinges on whether the movement is a covered event or an excluded one.

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