Sinkhole Damage

Florida Sinkhole Locations are found throughout the State of Florida. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, the discovery of a sinkhole is the beginning of lengthy homeowners insurance policy claim process.

Many homeowners with sinkhole damage, represent themselves in this lengthy negotiation process and more often than not, they do not receive all that the Florida homeowners insurance policy will allow.

Whether you are considering representing yourself in your sinkhole damage claim or you are already involved in the process of repairs, Triad Consulting Group offers a FREE, No Obligation Consultation to help you evaluate your position and options.

Signs of possible sinkhole activity:

1. Cracks in interior joint areas, windows or doors.
2. Cracks in your exterior stucco or block – stair stepping.
3. Windows and doors become harder to open and close.
4. Depressions in your yard, street or neighbor’s yards.
5. Deep cracks and separation of paved areas, sidewalks and drives.
6. Circular patches of wilting or dying plants.
7. Unusual sediment in your water.
8. Neighborhood that has had reported sinkhole activity.
9. Cracking, warping or buckling of floors or concrete slabs.
10. Slope of the house changes.
    

Things to know about the sinkhole claims process:

1. Not all homeowner’s policies in Florida cover sinkhole damage, unless the damage is “catastrophic”. In the past few years the statutes governing homeowner’s insurance policies have allowed insurance companies to make the coverage optional. The public has been led to believe that this is a sound way of saving a large amount of premium dollars. Like all insurance coverage, it is a complete waste of money as long as you never need it. It is only when the damage occurs that people ever see the value of proper coverage. If you think you may have sinkhole activity – read your policy.
2. If you proceed with your claim be prepared to invest a significant amount of time and energy. The process is a slow and arduous one. Not all homeowners have the amount of time to spare that is necessary to deal with a sinkhole claim properly.
3. Sinkhole claims are very complex and should be handled properly from the beginning to assure the best possible outcome for the policyholder.
4. The insurance company will send their adjuster out to your home to assess the damage.
5. The insurance company will then hire their own experts to test your home for sinkhole activity. If they determine no sinkhole activity is occurring they could deny your claim.
6. There are still options open to you. You may need the help of a professional Public Adjuster or a Plaintiff Attorney.

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