Subsidence Insurance Arborist Reports
Improve the Subsidence Claim journey when a tree is implicated.
- Stage 1: Enviro Trees UK communicated with insurers and brokers to understand the pain points in the subsidence journey. The overwhelming number one concern was the length of time (the open days) that occurred on a subsidence claim when a tree or vegetation was an implicating factor.
- Stage 2: Consider the existing timeline process for when an arborist is engaged. This is usually the last supplier in the chain.
- Stage 3: Evaluate the necessary elements for preparing a subsidence arborist report.
- Stage 4: Identify the factors that determine a subsidence claim process. Can this then be categorised or fast-tracked as simple or complex?
- Stage 5: Explore a business model that leverages technology and trade solutions to significantly reduce open days.
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Check out the latest Enviro Trees UK Case Studies
Your Guide to Tree Condition Reports
Are you seeing signs of ‘false autumn’ out on site?
London Plane – The tree that coughs back
Chigwell Convent & Catholic School Woodford Green
Tree Condition Plan and Subsidence Report for a strata property at Worcester Park, KT4 8QG
Objectives
Challenges
How receptive are the current providers to change, and potential solutions? Would any disruption to the process be welcomed?
At a recent Subsidence conference, the focus was on the 23% of claims held up with the Council (the complex claims). Enviro Trees UK focused on the other 77% and what is considered an acceptable open-day time frame.
Reviewing the existing process, an Arborist Subsidence Report, in its simplest form, involves measuring and identifying species. There is no requirement to assess or check for visible signs of decay or likely failure in the context of any potential target, as would be done in a Tree Condition Report.
Based on the data Enviro Trees UK analysed across 300 plus Subsidence Arb report claims in 2023, the average time to appoint an Arborist and receive the Arb Subsidence Report from FNOL was 210 days.
What is an acceptable time frame?
Solutions
- Build a front-end data capture form that allows a non-arborist to conduct a site assessment. Ensure the data capture form progresses based on a decision matrix.
- As part of the data capture form, the Tree ID app provides support for non-arborists in identifying trees and vegetation.
- We extract technical data directly from the site, which feeds into our algorithm.
- Establish a national network of data collectors from tree companies, surveyors, and even Sl companies.
- Maintain a network of qualified arborists who can review and quality assure arboricultural reports through desktop assessments.
- Incorporate training and QA processes for data collector networks at both group and individual levels.
- Analyse available data to determine average time frames for providing an arboricultural report, based on insured trees, neighbour and/or council involvement, TPO/CA, and average costs to establish a benchmark for measurement.
Outcomes
Tech Creation: Verifii, developed and live in 2024, allows a non-arborist to collect subsidence-related field data for an arb report.
Verifii extracts data from the site, relating to tree/vegetation. Measurements, species, and environmental factors are fed into the algorithm to provide analysis and considerations. Images and other key text are automated into the Subsidence Arb Report.
A network of qualified arborists conducts desktop QA to finalise, approve, or amend the report for submission.
UK Network: We have built a UK network of local compliant SME tree companies to provide comparative quotes for tree works recommended in the Arb Report on the insured property, creating competitive tension.
Leveraging technology, tree companies can provide quotes conveniently via desktop.
Results
Finalised: Where tree/vegetation is indicated as a high likelihood and there is no TPO/CA, and it is on insured property. This includes the removal of the tree and/or vegetation.
An Arborist Subsidence Report is submitted within 72 hours of site attendance. This can be from FNOL, a Site Investigator, or via the traditional method.
A reduction in the current average open days for fast-track or simple claims by 200%.
A cost reduction on tree/vegetation work by 24% through competitive tendering.
Check out the latest Enviro Trees UK Case Studies
Your Guide to Tree Condition Reports
Are you seeing signs of ‘false autumn’ out on site?
London Plane – The tree that coughs back
Chigwell Convent & Catholic School Woodford Green
Tree Condition Plan and Subsidence Report for a strata property at Worcester Park, KT4 8QG
