We’ve all seen sinkholes in the news—whether it’s a giant hole swallowing a house or a section of road suddenly giving way. Sinkholes can be unsettling. Here’s what you should know about sinkholes in the United States and how to protect yourself and your property.
1. What is a sinkhole?
A sinkhole is a cavity that forms underground when water erodes rock layers like limestone or dolomite. Without this support, the land above can collapse, creating a hole. Sinkholes vary in size—from a few feet wide and a foot deep to several acres wide and over 100 feet deep.
2. What causes sinkholes?
Sinkholes can form naturally or because of human activity. In both cases, ground that seems stable can suddenly collapse.
Natural sinkholes happen where water dissolves underground rock over time, creating cavities. As these cavities grow, the surface can give way.
Manmade sinkholes occur when construction or development disrupts underground rock, causing water to collect and erode support. Roads, bridges, and buildings can be affected as the underground cavity expands.
3. Where do sinkholes occur in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, sinkholes can happen anywhere but are most common in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. While the chance of a major sinkhole each year is low (about 1 in 100), it’s important to check your coverage if you live in these higher-risk states.
4. Does homeowners insurance cover sinkhole damage?
Most homeowners insurance policies exclude damage caused by “catastrophic earth movement,” like sinkholes and earthquakes. This is because policies cover the cost to rebuild your home, not the land beneath it.
In Florida, insurers must include coverage for “catastrophic ground cover collapse” in standard policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, this coverage applies when:
- The ground cover collapses abruptly.
- There’s a visible depression in the ground.
- The home’s structure, including the foundation, is damaged.
- A government agency has condemned the home and ordered it vacated.
Some states, including Tennessee and Florida, require insurers to offer optional sinkhole coverage for an extra premium. Depending on state rules, this coverage may be an add-on to your policy or a separate policy.
If you live in a higher-risk state, contact us to learn about additional coverage options to protect your home from sinkhole damage.
