Sinkholes are a common occurrence in Florida. In fact, Florida has faced the highest number of sinkholes in the U.S. This sheds light on the importance of getting sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida. Sinkholes destroy buildings and cause havoc to your property. Not all insurance policies in Florida cover sinkhole damage. Therefore, you must specifically get yourself sinkhole insurance so that your property and assets are protected against all kinds of damages caused by sinkholes.
Call us at 407-344-1228 or email us at [email protected] for your free consultation and quote for any insurance needs you may have.
If you are new to the concept of sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, then you’ve come to the right place. You must have many questions in mind regarding sinkhole insurance, for instance, what is it and what does it cover. To answer all your questions, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about sinkholes and sinkhole insurance. These answers will help clear any ambiguity you may have in mind regarding sinkhole insurance.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. What is a sinkhole?
Sinkholes are naturally occurring depressions or holes in the earth’s crust. While they are present all over the world, some areas are more prone to sinkholes than others. This is because of a number of natural and artificial causes. Sinkholes can swallow anything and everything that comes within their reach. It only takes a few seconds for sinkholes to swallow entire properties and even roads. Sinkholes are only visible once they start doing the damage. Hence, people in Bartow, Florida, get their properties and assets insured for any damages caused by sinkholes. They understand the extent of damage that can be caused by sinkholes and therefore take protective measures.
2. What are the causes of sinkhole formation?
Sinkholes can be formed by natural and/or manmade causes. Some sinkholes occur suddenly, while others are formed over time. They are mostly the aftereffects of excess groundwater, earthquakes, and erosion. Excessive heavy rains and flooding can also lead to the formation of sinkholes. On the other hand, sinkholes are also caused by extreme droughts.
Sinkholes may also be formed due to some manmade causes. These include excessive drilling and mining at the site. Additionally, they may also be caused by heavy traffic or heavy construction.
3. Do I get time to take protective measures in case of a sinkhole?
No, sinkholes are always sudden. They swallow everything within their reach within a few seconds. Hence, you won’t have time to protect your property or assets in case a sinkhole forms at your property. The first priority, anyhow, should be to take yourself and your family to a safe place. Therefore, it is best to get yourself sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida. This will help you recover the damages that are caused by sinkholes and you will not have to face a lot of monetary damage.
4. Are there any safe areas in Florida that are not at risk of sinkholes?
Technically, no. The entire state of Florida is above a bed of carbonate rocks. This means that sinkholes can form anywhere and at any time. However, some areas are at a higher risk of sinkholes as compared to other areas. These are the areas where limestone is present close to the surface. Karst region is more prone to sinkhole activity as compared to the rest of the state. If you are buying a property in Florida, then it is best to avoid purchasing in this region.
5. I notice that my yard is settling? Is it because of a sinkhole?
Yes, a sinkhole may be the reason for it. However, there can be other causes as well. The sinking of the ground may also be caused by subsidence, depressions or holes in the ground surface. The main causes can be expansive clays that shrink when they dry. Poorly compacted soil, buried organic material, broken pipes, logs or buried trash may also lead to depressions in the ground. These settlings are called subsidence incidents by professionals. It is best to have an expert come and check these settlings to make sure if they are caused due to sinkholes or not.
6. What does sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, covers?
Sinkhole insurance covers the damages caused by sinkholes. It is important to keep in mind that just buying a normal home or business insurance will most likely not cover sinkhole damages. You will have to get yourself additional sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, to ensure that your property and assets are covered. You will not be compensated for the damages caused by sinkholes if your home insurance doesn’t cover sinkhole damage.
Sinkholes cause serious damage to your property and assets. It can be a big financial hit for the family. Therefore, it is best to get sinkhole insurance in addition to the normal insurance you get for your property and assets. Talk about what the insurance covers in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
7. What does sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, include?
Sinkhole insurance covers all the damages caused to your property and assets in case of the formation of a sinkhole. In addition to the property, it also covers the damage that is caused to the assets inside your property. A sinkhole can be so destructive that it can engulf the entire property. You cannot guess the extent of damage that can be caused if a sinkhole is formed at your property. Therefore, it is best to get sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, to make sure that you can recover the damages caused in case a sinkhole forms at your property.
8. Do I need sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida?
Some areas of the state of Florida are more susceptible to the occurrence of sinkholes as compared to other areas. Karst, for example, is one of the high-risk areas for sinkhole formation. However, the entire state of Florida is not safe when it comes to the risk of sinkholes. The areas that are more susceptible to the formation of sinkholes usually offer additional sinkhole coverage at nominal rates.
If you live in Florida, then it is best to get sinkhole insurance. It is better to be safe than sorry. This is because the damage caused by sinkholes can be extensive. Not getting insured means you will have to bear all the financial burden of sinkhole damage caused to your property and assets yourself. And, trust us, it can be huge. Therefore, it is best to get sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida. You will find many companies offering affordable insurance plans that you can opt for to ensure that your property and assets are safe in case of sinkhole occurrence at your property.
9. What should I do in case of a sinkhole formation at my property?
The first thing you should do in case you notice the formation of a sinkhole at your property is to get yourself and your family to a safe place, away from your property. This will ensure that you are safe even if the property collapses. Once you have reached a safe place, you must call your insurance company. Inform them about the occurrence of a sinkhole. You should also inform the incident to the building inspection department of the city.
The property owner must cordon off the area. This will warn others about the risks and dangers of coming near the damaged property. Keep off the property yourself and also keep others off it until the insurance company and other relevant authorities have arrived.
The insurance company will go for geological testing to establish the cause of the damage. If the cause is established as the formation of a sinkhole, then you will be paid for the testing and repairs of your property and assets. This is only possible if you have sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida.
10. Should I get sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida?
Yes, we suggest that you should get one if you live in Florida. This is because sinkholes are a common occurrence in the state, and you never know when one may form at your property. Therefore, it is best to get yourself covered against the damages that may be caused in the case of the formation of a sinkhole. The monetary help will allow you to rebuild the damaged property or repair it to make it safe for living.
Sinkholes can cause serious and extensive damage to your property and assets. Therefore, it is best to get sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, or any other city of the state. It is important to find the best insurance company offering reasonable terms and conditions for insurance coverage. You may have to specifically ask for sinkhole insurance as normal home insurance does not cover sinkhole damages. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the contract so that you can make an informed decision. Get yourself sinkhole insurance in Bartow, Florida, to ensure that you are covered against any damages that are caused in case a sinkhole forms at your property.
Call us at 407-344-1228 or email us at [email protected] for your free consultation and quote for any insurance needs you may have.