Filing a Sinkhole Damage Claim: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Sinkholes are the most unpredictable damages that disastrously impact properties, including slanting or sinking, foundation cracks, drywall separating from the ceiling, sloping in the floor, etc. Coral Springs, Hollywood, Hialeah, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, etc. are sinkhole-prone areas where the risk of extensive structural damage due to sinkholes always persists. To restore the financial loss, it is vital to understand the significance of filing a claim promptly and correctly whenever you first notice the signs of sinkhole damage. Let’s walk through the following comprehensive guide on how to file a sinkhole damage claim. This useful guide will help you to learn how to avoid delays, maximize compensation, and repair property efficiently. So, read on!
Get in touch with us today and get a FREE consultation
Recognizing the signs of sinkhole damage
Identifying the initial signs of the sinkhole damage can save your property from irreversible damage. Some common signs of sinkhole damage include:
- Cracks in Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Look for cracks in walls (happen most commonly around openings and joints), floors (in concrete, vinyl, or tile flooring), and ceilings. Early detection can prevent sinkhole activity from growing deep into the building and land’s surface.
- Sloping Floors or Foundation Issues: Since sinkholes cause the collapse of the soil beneath the land’s surface, they crop up sloping floors or foundation issues in the property. The timely action can help lift, level, and stabilize the property.
- Depressions or Sinking Areas in the Yard: The collapse of the underlying rock or soil creates a noticeable hole in the ground, called a depression or sinking area in the yard.
If you notice any warning signs, contact a professional to assess the situation and repair the property. Your prompt action can prevent you from further structural damage to the property. Also, it may save you from stress and troubles during the claim settlement process.
Check Your Insurance Policy for Sinkhole Coverage
Typically, a standard insurance policy does not cover sinkhole activity. You require an additional coverage benefit to secure the risk, especially if you reside in a sinkhole-prone area. Hence, it is essential to review the policy to learn whether or not it covers the damage so that you can buy an additional rider on time if not covered. Otherwise, the delay in purchasing the insurance coverage can prevent you from taking advantage of compensation. Also, understand the key policy terms such as deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions related to sinkholes. This will keep you informed and prepared before the crisis happens.
Contact Your Insurance Company to Report the Damage
The first step is to contact the insurer promptly to report the damage. Though settling the claim is complicated, involve your insurer in the beginning to make the whole process seamless. While filing the application, take clear and detailed photos or videos of the extensive damage, including cracks in the holes, sloping floors, depressions, or holes in the ground. Be sure to capture images of every damage caused by the sinkhole activity. Also, prepare a report about the suspected cause to be included in the documentation.
Once you apply, follow the insurance company’s instructions for the claim. This will help you complete every step according to the insurer’s rules and regulations. Also, keep a record of all communications in a diary so that you can track the status of the claim. It will help you win the conflicts or disputes if they arise.
Schedule a professional sinkhole inspection.
Understand the significance of the professional assessment of the sinkhole activity for easy claim approval. Your insurance company may schedule a visit of a geologist and engineer to your affected property. They perform soil tests to determine the underlying cause of the sinkhole activity and how much it has caused the damage to your home and its exterior.
Remember to ask your insurer if the inspection costs are covered. And yes, obtain a copy of the inspection report to keep in your records. This will save you from legal troubles.
Document all damages and keep detailed records.
Document the visible signs of property damage caused by the disastrous sinkhole activity. Capture numerous clear and detailed photos and videos of the foundation cracks, sloping floors, depressions, cracks in ceilings, windows, or floors, leaning face posts, etc.
Also, enlist structural and landscaping issues and add written descriptions of every damage. This will help your insurer analyze the worth of the loss caused to your property. Besides this, you should keep records of all expenses incurred on temporary repairs, inspections, and other claim-related activities. Make sure your insurer covers these costs.
Review the Settlement Offer Carefully
The insurance company presents a settlement offer based on the professional assessment, documentation, and your policy’s terms. Make sure it aligns with what you deserve, actually. So, review the offer in detail, ensuring it covers all necessary repairs based on the inspection report. Often, insurance companies try to defraud their policyholders by offering low-grade reimbursement claim amounts. It would be good if you scheduled a consultation with a public adjuster or a sinkhole expert. They will help you understand whether or not the offer is reliable. Do not accept it if it is undervalued or does not cover all documented damage.
Get in touch today for a FREE Consultation
Consider hiring a public adjuster for complex claims.
A public adjuster is a licensed independent appraiser who does a minute and thorough investigation of the sinkhole damage caused to the property. Based on their loyal assessment, they suggest a total estimated loss. The best part is that they are the most knowledgeable in streamlining the complex sinkhole claims. They use their expertise in preparing comprehensive documentation, ensuring maximum settlement amounts. Remember, they advocate your rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can restore your property efficiently. So, if you feel the insurance company doesn’t fully cover the damage, hire a qualified public adjuster.
