Case 5: Basement Floor Buckling

Violations

Case Description (EN)

Upon removing fixed carpeting in the basement, the Claimant discovered severe cracks and buckling in the basement floor. These were not ordinary shrinkage cracks but active deformation damage.

An independent contractor physically inspected the conditions and concluded the damage was caused by external pressure against the foundation — likely from soil movement or water pressure. The damage was hidden under the carpets and could not have been detected during normal inspection.

Gjensidige's Handling

Gjensidige rejected the case on January 21, 2026. They classified the cracks as "ordinary shrinkage cracks" — directly contradicting the independent contractor's assessment.

Gjensidige repeatedly requested additional documentation for the cause of damage, even after receiving photos, the contractor's written assessment, and the property condition report.

Two independent contractors asked to provide repair quotes both refused to take on the work solely due to the critical condition of the basement wall and floor.

Key Issues

1. Expert evidence dismissed: Independent contractor's assessment ignored
2. Cross-case fragmentation: The basement floor is physically connected to Case 3 (foundation cracks), Case 4 (asbestos), and Case 6 (sewage) — all in the same 2×3 meter area
3. Three handlers: Different handler at each stage
4. Professionals refuse the job: When two contractors refuse to even quote due to severity, it should trigger an inspection

Outcome

Complaint filed with the Danish Insurance Complaints Board (version 9, 17 appendices). Awaiting decision. 0 DKK paid on a 13,560 DKK claim.

Photo Evidence

21 images document the damage in this case.

Moisture measurement on basement floor — documentation of moisture level

Crack in ceiling above basement — sign of structural movement

Floor crack in basement — documents the extent of damage

Basement room with visible debris and construction waste during cleanup

Damage and debris along basement wall

Close-up of damage in basement room

Floor with visible damage in the basement

Crack formation in the basement — close-up

Visible hole in the basement — documentation (11.05.2025 kl. 18:08)

Wall condition in the basement (11.05.2025 kl. 18:08)

Bathroom under inspection (11.05.2025 kl. 18:08)

Condition documentation in the basement

Condition of bathroom and installations (11.05.2025 kl. 18:09)

Bathroom condition documented (11.05.2025 kl. 18:09)

Floor condition in the basement (11.05.2025 kl. 18:17)

Bathroom with visible damage (11.05.2025 kl. 18:17)

Floor condition documented in the basement

Floor with visible damage in the basement (11.05.2025 kl. 18:17)

Floor condition in the basement (11.05.2025 kl. 18:17) [181747]

Through-going hole in the basement (14.05.2025 kl. 20:30)

Reference photo shown on screen during inspection (14.05.2025 kl. 20:30)