Did you know sinkhole incidents are on the rise? As the global temperature climbs, the number of sinkholes opening is increasing — and in places not typically known for them.
Having the earth suddenly open up and swallow your home is a terrifying thought for any homeowner. Although most common in areas such as Tennessee and Florida, a sudden hole forming in the ground does occasionally happen. Known as a sinkhole, this phenomenon can be difficult to predict, prevent or remedy.
Knowing how sinkholes form and what you can do to help spot them could help you avoid a disaster. It’s also important to understand whether or not your homeowners insurance covers sinkholes. This guide should help you understand more about your sinkhole coverage needs.
What is a Sinkhole?
Sinkholes are holes or cavities in the ground where water drains into the subsurface of the earth. This water drainage erodes the underlying rock layers and creates holes, caves and depressions. Areas with limestone sublayers are the most likely to form sinkholes, though they can form anywhere. In dry areas, for example, sinkholes can form after sudden, heavy rains.
Sinkholes can form as soil-filled holes in the ground or deep rocky cavities. In addition to natural formations, human processes, such as moving the earth of building a home, can cause a sinkhole to form.
The ground on the surface level usually doesn’t show signs of damage. As the underlayers of the ground erode away, you may not be able to see the depression forming below a building site. This can make it difficult to predict areas where a sinkhole may form or is already forming.
How to Handle Sinkholes
So, what do you do during a sinkhole incident? If you notice a hole in the ground beginning to form or you witness things falling into the earth below, make sure to keep your distance!
Never attempt to walk up close to the sinkhole, as the earth is clearly unstable around it.
If possible, rope off the area around the sinkhole. You can always call the authorities to the scene as well, as they’ll be able to use official police tape to secure the area.
Another party you’ll want to contact is your homeowners insurance company, although, typically, sinkhole coverage isn’t included with basic policies. If you already have sinkhole insurance, then informing your claim representative and reporting your claim should be fairly straightforward.
Tips for Identifying Potential Sinkholes
Sinkholes are rare in California and other states with generally low moisture levels. Unexpected heavy rains, earthquakes or other unusual weather can cause sudden erosion and the formation of sinkholes. Knowing signs of a sinkhole and how to identify potential weak areas on your property could help you plan for a sinkhole disaster.
It’s difficult to predict where a sinkhole will form. Some ways to help you determine if there’s a potential for a sinkhole on your property include:
- A circular depression on the ground
- The surface level dropping in a localized area over time
- Cracking on the pavement
- A sudden drop in water well levels
- Water well levels suddenly dropping
- Openings in the ground where rainwater disappears
- Cracking foundations with depressions in the ground
Especially in areas like California, where sinkholes are unlikely to occur outside of unless sudden acts of weather, it’s important to watch the area around your home whenever there are heavy rains. If you notice an area where you suspect a sinkhole may be forming, you may want to have the area inspected.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sinkholes?
Now, on to the question you’re likely asking yourself. Are sinkholes covered by insurance?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for sinkhole formation. Homeowners policies are generally valued based on the cost to rebuild the physical structure of your home. The value of the land on which your home is built usually isn’t covered. This means that a sudden movement of that land, including sinkholes, won’t normally be covered by a regular homeowners policy.
Some states have specific requirements for insurance providers in regards to offering sinkhole coverage as an additional coverage option for a standard policy. In the state of Florida, standard homeowners policies must also include coverage for a catastrophic ground cover collapse that is strong enough to make the home uninhabitable. Homeowners in California and other areas with a lower risk of sinkholes are unlikely to have coverage for sinkholes in their standard home policy.
Earthquakes and Sinkholes
While sinkholes are uncommon in California, earthquakes happen quite frequently. Earthquakes can cause massive damage to many homes at once. The after-effects of an earthquake can cause additional damage as well. Landslides, fire due to damaged utility lines and sinkholes can occur as a result of an earthquake.
In addition to a standard homeowners policy, many California homeowners choose to purchase additional earthquake coverage for their homes. It’s important to understand what your optional earthquake coverage may or may not cover, including sinkholes caused by earthquakes.
At Wawanesa, we offer a limited earthquake coverage endorsement as an additional coverage option for a basic homeowners policy. While sinkholes are not specifically covered in this additional coverage, you may be protected from damage to a covered property from a sinkhole caused by an earthquake. You could be covered if the sinkhole damage is directly caused by an earthquake that is large enough to activate your optional coverage after your earthquake deductible is met.
Do I Need Additional Coverage?
Sinkholes often form slowly and can be almost impossible to detect before they cause major damage. Most areas of California are unlikely to be affected by sinkholes, but heavy rains following drought or earthquakes may cause rapid erosion near your home. Having the right home insurance coverage can help you keep your home protected against an unexpected sinkhole.
Talk with your agent today to learn more about coverage for sinkhole damage caused by earthquakes. Get a free quote online, or call 800-640-2920 to learn more about how Wawanesa can help you protect your home.
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