California Sinkhole insurance
Find the right sinkhole insurance policy for you.
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Sinkholes are most common in Florida and Pennsylvania, and, although many Californians may feel immune to this destructive problem, sinkholes do happen in this state as well. If a sinkhole occurs on your property, it can damage or even destroy your home as well as outlying structures such as fences, garages, storage sheds and swimming pools. Many people may assume sinkhole insurance is included as part of their homeowners coverage, but it is not. In order to receive compensation for sinkhole damage, you will need to supplement your coverage with sinkhole insurance. The first step toward attaining this coverage is to request sinkhole insurance quotes in California.
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Recent CA Sinkholes
- In March 2014, a sinkhole formed as the result of an ocean cave beneath a roadway in Santa Cruz.
- In December 2013, a water main break caused a large sinkhole to form on a roadway in Castro County; the hole was big enough to partially swallow a fire truck.
- In May 2013, a massive sinkhole in Lake County near San Francisco swallowed up several houses; some of the houses sank up to 12 feet. The cause was not determined.
What Causes Sinkholes in California?
Sinkholes, or natural depressions or holes in the earth’s crust, can happen due to natural events or events caused by humans. In California, the most common causes are water main breaks and sewer pipe collapses, but a sudden collapse in the earth’s crust due erosion or subterranean caves that form near the ocean can also be the cause.
Sinkholes can sometimes be dramatic, but they can also be barely visible events that cause cracks in the foundation of your home. As little as an inch of ground shifting can cause very expensive damage. To receive compensation for this damage, you will need the extra insurance coverage of sinkhole insurance.
What Is Sinkhole Insurance?
Homeowners and business insurance policies rarely offer coverage against sinkholes as part of a standard coverage package. However, most do provide the option of a special endorsement for sinkhole coverage. It is important that you be aware of what your particular insurance company does and does not offer.
Regrettably, many Californians are unaware of the existence of sinkhole insurance. Sinkholes do not make the news frequently in this state, so most residents do not consider them a viable hazard. Unfortunately, those affected when sinkholes strike usually discover too late that they are not entitled to compensation. To ensure that your home and its contents have coverage, contact your insurance company and request quotes for adding sinkhole insurance to your policy.
When it comes to protecting the investment you have made in your vehicle, including collision and comprehensive coverage with your car or truck insurance policy will give you confidence that you have coverage in the event that a sinkhole causes damage. Although the state does not require this extra liability insurance, if you have financed the purchase of your vehicle and are still making payments, you likely have this coverage already since lenders usually require it.
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What Sinkhole Insurance Does and Does Not Cover
Sinkhole insurance provides compensation for damage to your home, outlying property and the personal belongings kept inside your home in the event that a sinkhole damages your property.
However, it is important to be aware that this coverage is limited to sinkholes that are the result of subterranean voids created by water wearing away limestone or other rock formations. It does not cover shifts in the earth’s crust that are the direct result of earthquakes or tremors. For that type of coverage, you will also need to supplement your home insurance policy with earthquake insurance.
Compare Quotes for Sinkhole Insurance in California
If you are thinking about adding sinkhole insurance to your home insurance coverage, you may have a lot of questions. A local agent in the Trusted Choice® network can help you assess your sinkhole risk and can advise you about how much coverage is sufficient.
Contact a Trusted Choice agent near your California home to learn more about getting quotes and getting sinkhole insurance.