Sinkhole Coverage

What you see pictured above is an example of Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse, or CGCC.  Contrary to what the news media would have you believe, regular sinkholes do not look like this.

A sinkhole is the settling or weakening of the earth caused by rainwater percolating down into the soil and slowly dissolving the underlying bedrock over time.  It may or may not be visible to the naked eye.  You may see cracks in your walls, ceilings or floors, or you may see nothing at all.  Special geological testing is required to determine the presence of a sinkhole.

Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse is much more obvious.  It is also a result of rainwater eroding the bedrock, but usually under a layer of clay, so that when the clay ceiling finally breaks under the weight, the effects are sudden and devastating.  A CGCC must result in all four of the following: (1) The abrupt collapse of the ground cover; (2) A depression in the ground cover clearly visible to the naked eye; (3) Structural damage to the building, including the foundation; and (4) The insured structure being condemned and ordered to be vacated.

Homeowners Insurance policies in the state of Florida must include coverage for Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse, per Section 627.706(2)(a) of the Florida Statutes.  If the earth does indeed swallow your home, your insurance will pay for it.  Sinkhole coverage, however, is voluntary, and is usually only available by endorsement and with the submission of a sinkhole test.

Here in Brevard County, both sinkholes and CGCCs are very rare.  Other parts of the state are much more susceptible, especially west-central Florida.  Please let us know if you have any questions.