Aviva Reports Surge in UK Subsidence Claims After Record Heat
Aviva reports a spike in home subsidence claims following record-breaking hot summers that caused structural damage to properties across the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom's largest insurer, Aviva, reported a surge in subsidence claims following two record-breaking hot summers. August 2026 tied for the hottest month ever recorded globally, creating extreme heat that caused ground shrinkage and undermined property foundations. This resulted in widespread structural damage, including sloping floors and cracks in homes.
Claims peaked between July and September. Other industry players reported similar trends, with Hastings Direct seeing a 140% increase in August claims compared to the previous year. The Association of British Insurers noted that the average subsidence claim reached a record £20,000 between April and June.
Despite these losses, Aviva reported a 19% rise in general insurance premiums to £11.8bn in the third quarter. The British Geological Survey warns that the climate crisis could put up to 11% of UK homes at risk of subsidence by 2070, specifically those built on clay-rich soil in regions such as London, Essex, and Kent.
