Sinkholes and ground movement

Treat structural warning signs as a safety question

New cracking, settlement, or doors that stop closing can have more than one cause. Photographs alone cannot confirm sinkhole activity. Avoid unstable areas and obtain qualified structural or geological evaluation when appropriate. Follow any official evacuation or access restriction.

Sinkhole loss and catastrophic collapse are different

Florida law distinguishes sinkhole-loss coverage from catastrophic ground-cover-collapse coverage, which has specific statutory criteria. Ordinary cracking or settlement alone does not satisfy the catastrophic-collapse definition. Check whether separate sinkhole coverage is included in your policy and review the relevant endorsement and deductible. See F.S. 627.706.

A professional report, the policy, and applicable legal requirements all matter. Do not assume that every ground-movement problem is a covered sinkhole loss or that a policy without separate sinkhole coverage covers every structural crack.

Keep the evaluation record

• Record when each change was first noticed and whether it progressed.
• Retain dated photographs, earlier inspection reports, and repair or maintenance records.
• Keep engineering and geological reports complete, including methods, limitations, and recommendations.
• Preserve the insurer's letters and requests, including its explanation of any coverage decision.

Do not describe an unconfirmed cause as established fact. Identify which conclusions come from which professional.

Review the specific disagreement

Determine whether the unresolved issue is the cause, statutory or policy coverage, proposed stabilization or repair scope, or payment. Ask qualified professionals about technical questions and an attorney about disputed legal rights. Our sinkhole claim service can help organize available claim documentation for review.