Does insurance cover underpinning?

Does insurance cover underpinning in Australia, generally no, standard home building insurance does not cover underpinning for subsidence, as underpinning is considered maintenance and gradual movement, not sudden insured event like fire or storm, though some policies cover underpinning if caused by insured event like earthquake or burst pipe. Underpinning, which is strengthening foundation costing $20K to $50K for average house, is needed when house subsides due to clay soil, tree roots, poor drainage or drought, causing cracks. Standard building insurance from NRMA, Allianz, Budget Direct excludes subsidence, settlement, landslip and erosion, as these are gradual, not sudden, so underpinning not covered, with PDS stating exclusion for movement of soil. However, if subsidence caused by insured event like earthquake, flood washing away soil, or burst pipe causing soil erosion, then underpinning may be covered as part of repair, with claim $20K to $50K. For example, if burst pipe leaks for weeks causing foundation movement, insurer may cover underpinning as part of water damage claim if you reported leak promptly. Some specialist subsidence insurance offers cover for underpinning $20K to $50K for extra premium $200 to $400 per year, but rare in Australia. So insurance generally does not cover underpinning for gradual subsidence, as it is maintenance, but may cover if caused by insured event like earthquake or burst pipe, check PDS for subsidence exclusion.