Did you know there are 19,280 known sinkholes in Florida?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, sinkholes are extremely common in Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Due to the geologic structure of the state, sinkholes can essentially occur anywhere in Florida.
Many underground caverns and springs exist throughout Florida, which sits on a bed of limestone - a porous rock that easily dissolves in water.
With our heavy rains and relatively weak limestone, sinkholes can occur without warning.
Sinkholes are so common, the state of Florida requires insurers to offer optional sinkhole coverage, which can provide protection against sinkhole damage.
Florida property insurers are also required to provide insurance for "catastrophic ground cover collapse" as part of the standard homeowners policy.
What exactly does "catastrophic ground coverage collapse" cover? It's defined to meet these four criteria:
- The abrupt collapse of the ground cover.
- A depression in the ground cover clearly visible to the naked eye.
- Structural damage to the covered building, including the foundation.
- The insured structure being condemned and ordered to be vacated by the governmental agency authorized by law to issue such an order for that structure.
If you live in a high-risk area, property insurance companies will conduct a visual inspection of your home prior to issuing a sinkhole insurance policy.
Still have questions about what homeowner's insurance covers, sinkhole insurance or catastrophic ground coverage? Contact the Pettineo Insurance Agency.
We're located in South Florida and understand the geologic characteristics of our state.
Visit our website at www.pettineo.com or give us a call at 954-493-9424 to get in contact with one of our agents.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. provides sinkhole insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida.
