How sinkhole coverage is investigated
Question: If I file a claim for sinkhole coverage, what kind of investigation does the insurance company have to perform?
The Florida sinkhole statutes relating to investigations for sinkholes are very precise. These statutes require certain particularities concerning the professionals who must perform the subsidence investigations, as well as the methods and standards involved in the tests to determine the presence or absence of sinkhole activity.
What insurance will do
Some insurance carriers believe they can merely “look” at your property to make this determination or they hire an outside company to “look” at your property to determine the presence or absence of sinkhole activity, without conducting the costly testing required by Florida’s sinkhole statutes.
However, a “forensic structural investigation” is an untrustworthy, less expensive alternative relied upon by some insurance carriers, and there is typically no geotechnical data to support any competent opinion concerning the subsurface conditions at the insured property.
What you need
We are thoroughly familiar with the proper testing methods, which are vital to determine if damage to a structure is related to sinkhole or settlement activity, and we are able to address the shortfalls and deficiencies in most investigation reports.
That being said, if your insurance company has come up with an analysis of your property that is raising red flags, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer to ensure you are getting the attention you are entitled to from your insurance company.
