Sinkhole Insurance Explained

Many people are familiar with sinkholes simply because they have to be. Others, who live in areas of the country that are not prone to sinkholes, may never have heard of them. Truth be told, at risk for sinkholes is approximately 40% of the land in the United States! For that very reason, particularly in specific locations, sinkhole insurance is a must.

Frequently, in the news, you will hear about giant sinkholes and the devastation they can cause. The thing is, it can be particularly costly to homeowners even if sinkholes are smaller in size. This is exactly why sinkhole insurance is so crucial.

The Cost of Sinkholes

When it comes to homeowners and the costs they may incur from a sinkhole, without insurance, it would be financially devastating. Here’s what we’re talking about: Insurance companies in Florida, from an average sinkhole claim, can payout in excess of $86,000 for cracked foundations, walls, and driveways. In one year over $97 million was paid out by insurance companies in Florida as a result of sinkholes. (These numbers are relatively old, so imagine what the costs would equate to today!)

Investing in Sinkhole Insurance

In their vehicles and homes, significant resources are invested by people everywhere. To protect their assets, mortgage companies require homeowners to have suitable home insurance policies. However, sinkhole insurance isn’t required by most. Why is this?

Possessing the potential to destroy property and homes, sinkholes are, for the most part, pretty rare. Frequently ignored or simply not thought of by many is the risk their family could face by this real threat. With a sinkhole insurance policy, you can protect your property against the unpredictability of sinkholes.

What’s Covered?

Compensation will be provided by sinkhole insurance in the following areas if, on your property, a sinkhole (and resulting damage) occurs:

• Personal belongings contained within a structure
• Outlying property
• Your home or business

Either an entire building and whatever is contained within can be swallowed by a sinkhole or, best case scenario, only minor damage (possibly/probably structural) would occur from an earth shift beneath the foundation. Regardless, there will be damage.

How much insurance do you need? You want enough so that if your business or home is completely destroyed, you will be able to rebuild entirely. Necessary preventative measures should also be covered by your insurance. For example, to prevent severe damage to your property from an impending sinkhole, you may decide to execute structural bracing.

Do You Have a Sinkhole?

Always be on the lookout if you live in an area that is sinkhole prone. Here’s what to watch for:

• In your drinking water, you notice unusual sediment.
• In the street near your home, driveways, and/or outdoor walkways, deep cracks appear.
• In areas surrounding your home or in your yard, depressions develop.
• Doors and windows are progressively becoming more difficult to close and open.
• Around doors or windows, cracks are developing.

For Assistance with Sinkhole Insurance Claims – and More – Contact Stone Claims Group

In everything we do, we apply unparalleled expertise. You’re getting a team of dedicated professionals when you hire Stone Claims. To push your claim forward, with our combined talents, we offer attention to detail, multiple strategies and perspectives, and provide continuous communication.

Our areas of expertise extend to appraisal services, public adjusting, preliminary inspections, umpire services (to help settle claim disputes), and more. Let us handle the headaches.

Got questions? Feel free to check out our FAQ page. Remember, we only get paid when you get paid.

Can Stone Claims Group be of assistance to you? Click free claim review or give us a call at 1-800-892-1116 to find out. You can also email us at office@stoneclaims.com.