Sinkhole near Cane Garden

[l2ridehd]

WOW, hope they had coverage.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj152/l2ridehd/VillagesSinkhole005.jpg

[Posh 08]

That's a shame.

[JimJoe]

Where did you get the picture and when did this happen?
Thanks.
JJ

[l2ridehd]

Just happened, I believe sometime last night.

[villages07]

There was a brief article in today's paper about this. Your picture speaks volumes. YIKES!!!

Good reinforcement that we should all protect our investments with sinkhole coverage. Could happen anywhere at anytime.

L2... I know this is close to your primary TV home. If you see or hear any updates on the remedy, Villages role, etc I'm sure many will be appreciative of whatever you can share.

[l2ridehd]

Yes, our primary home is about 1/2 mile away and one of our rental homes is about 300 yards away. So I will be watching it very closely.

[buggyone]

Watch that first step. It's a doozy!

[2BNTV]

WOWWY WOWWY WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sure hope they had sinkholee coverage. Very unsettling.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Dang!! Hope that's it - done and over with. It'll be complete disaster if it grows any more.

Bill :)

[jmm2760jmm]

Does this happen all at once or over a period of time...hours, days etc..? I've never seen anything like this and it's a little scary.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

I noticed by the picture, that the corner of the home looks like there's no footer or foundation. Also, the sidewalk that fell looks very thin compared to what I am use to seeing. Can anybody answer if the homes are built on foundations, or is just a concrete slab considered enough? I've never seen construction in progress and would love to hear from an engineer or a knowledgable Villager. Thanks

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Footers are poured for the homes then slabs on top.

Looks as though there is the appearance of a footer on that front corner of the house, set back in behind where the downspout is crossing horizontally. Or maybe I'm seeing things.......

Not sure of the code requirements for depth of the footers in FL. Might not be more than a foot or so! Certainly not like 3'-4' or more like what might be experienced 'up north'.

Bill :)

[The Villager II]

WOW Does home insurance cover this?

[Bogie Shooter]

WOW Does home insurance cover this?

Yes, sinkhole coverage does.....if you have it.

[TommyT]

Look at the front door area. See the gap on top of the door from left to right. The foundation appears to be missing under the front porch area too. This home has some issues... Hope it can be saved.

[BOMBERO]

WOW Does home insurance cover this?

:ohdear: WOW You have a house here and don't know.:shocked:

[Advogado]

There have been a number of sinkholes in The Villages-- generally unreported by The Daily Sun. I wonder of the reporting of this one was an editorial oversight or if the Sun is actually becoming a newspaper.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Look at the front door area. See the gap on top of the door from left to right. The foundation appears to be missing under the front porch area too. This home has some issues... Hope it can be saved.

Tommy, what looks like the door being racked could be a shadowing issue at the top of the door - might just be how the light appears to be hitting it. But you might be right as well, though nothing else with the house looks off at all.

I believe a porch like that might be poured as a slab without any footer, just like a patio would be poured. It doesn't appear that it's supporting any part of the house so no footers would be necessary.

Bill :)

[janmcn]

Does this happen all at once or over a period of time...hours, days etc..? I've never seen anything like this and it's a little scary.

From what I've learned after living in FL for over a decade is there's no hard and fast rule. There might be cracking over a period of time in foundations, flooring, and walls, or it could just go caboom. I don't know what the circumstances of this case were.

Unfortunately, this is probably not an isolated event. Hernando county, which is dubbed the sinkhole capital of FL, has had whole neighborhoods wiped out. When you live in sinkhole alley, you must keep your sinkhole insurance coverage up to date. Number of residential sinkhole claims filed with Citizens Insurance in 2011: statewide 4024, Hernando County 1920.

[2BNTV]

Does this happen all at once or over a period of time...hours, days etc..? I've never seen anything like this and it's a little scary.

I agree.

As a wannabee:

Does sinkhole coverage include living in other accomodations until this is investigated and resolved?

I know I wouldn't feel safe if this happened. I would need to be reassured everything would be OK.

[Ohiogirl]

that because a particular homeowner policy might cover alternate accommodations if home is unlivable while being repaired, that all of them do.

Just like 3 people might have liability coverage on their auto insurance, but one policy might exclude coverage if driver is convicted of dui when the accident occurred, or might deny coverage if the at-fault driver had no valid driver's license (perhaps they let the renewal date slip by). ALL POLICIES ARE NOT THE SAME.

This would be a good time for everyone to go read their policies and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

[Bogie Shooter]

There have been a number of sinkholes in The Villages-- generally unreported by The Daily Sun. I wonder of the reporting of this one was an editorial oversight or if the Sun is actually becoming a newspaper.

Seems as though the Daily Sun just can not win. If they don't publish they are damned, if they do then it must be a mistake.

[JimJoe]

Does anyone know the answer to this question. The deed restrictions I have read require the owner to rebuild a home that is damaged or destroyed. ( I am assuming to avoid blight and empty lots. How do you do that if you get a sinkhole? It would be one thing to repair a hole next your house, and hope it do not expand and damage the house.. but if there was a hole under the house, who would ever rebuild on a such a lot.. even if you had the guts to try it, how would you ever sell it later?
JJ

[CaptJohn]

This would be a good time for everyone to go read their policies and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

:agree: This bears repeating, repeating, repeating. :blahblahblah:

And learn the difference between sinkhole coverage and catastrophic ground collapse. (hint--there is a whole thread on this)

[Jim 9922]

Does anyone know the answer to this question. The deed restrictions I have read require the owner to rebuild a home that is damaged or destroyed. ( I am assuming to avoid blight and empty lots. How do you do that if you get a sinkhole? It would be one thing to repair a hole next your house, and hope it do not expand and damage the house.. but if there was a hole under the house, who would ever rebuild on a such a lot.. even if you had the guts to try it, how would you ever sell it later?
JJ

Four years ago a neighbor in our former village had 2 sink holes along side and in back of the home. The holes were plugged with concrete and filled in. Then large holes (looked like at least 6 to a side) were bored in to angle under the home on all 4 sides and concrete was pumped in, apparently to fill in and support the slab. A neighbor told me that at least 15 truck loads were needed to just fill the holes drilled. I noticed all seemed to be fine when I recently drove past that property.
I assume the owner will have to disclose in event of a resale. While I would hesitate to buy it, it probably sits a lot more solid than its neighbors.

[Happinow]

I think I'm in the land of OZ! Ykes! Really scary.

[JimJoe]

Four years ago a neighbor in our former village had 2 sink holes along side and in back of the home. The holes were plugged with concrete and filled in. Then large holes (looked like at least 6 to a side) were bored in to angle under the home on all 4 sides and concrete was pumped in, apparently to fill in and support the slab. A neighbor told me that at least 15 truck loads were needed to just fill the holes drilled. I noticed all seemed to be fine when I recently drove past that property.
I assume the owner will have to disclose in event of a resale. While I would hesitate to buy it, it probably sits a lot more solid than its neighbors.

Thanks.
JJ

[2BNTV]

Does anyone know the answer to this question. The deed restrictions I have read require the owner to rebuild a home that is damaged or destroyed. ( I am assuming to avoid blight and empty lots. How do you do that if you get a sinkhole? It would be one thing to repair a hole next your house, and hope it do not expand and damage the house.. but if there was a hole under the house, who would ever rebuild on a such a lot.. even if you had the guts to try it, how would you ever sell it later?
JJ

Four years ago a neighbor in our former village had 2 sink holes along side and in back of the home. The holes were plugged with concrete and filled in. Then large holes (looked like at least 6 to a side) were bored in to angle under the home on all 4 sides and concrete was pumped in, apparently to fill in and support the slab. A neighbor told me that at least 15 truck loads were needed to just fill the holes drilled. I noticed all seemed to be fine when I recently drove past that property.
I assume the owner will have to disclose in event of a resale. While I would hesitate to buy it, it probably sits a lot more solid than its neighbors.

:And learn the difference between sinkhole coverage and catastrophic ground collapse. (hint--there is a whole thread on this)

Good questions and answer. Lots of great info by our smart members to be learned and retained.

[BOMBERO]

Seems as though the Daily Sun just can not win. If they don't publish they are damned, if they do then it must be a mistake.

:ohdear: Remember .... this was posted by an attorney.:blahblahblah:


Attorney Joke : A golfer hooked his tee shot over a hill and onto the next fairway. Walking toward his ball, he saw a man lying on the ground, groaning with pain.

"I'm an attorney," the wincing man said, "and this is going to cost you $5000."

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," the concerned golfer replied. "But I did yell 'fore'."

"I'll take it," the attorney said.:1rotfl:

[janmcn]

I think I'm in the land of OZ! Ykes! Really scary.

Didn't your sales person explain the risks of sink holes in this neck of the woods?

[graciegirl]

Does anyone know the answer to this question. The deed restrictions I have read require the owner to rebuild a home that is damaged or destroyed. ( I am assuming to avoid blight and empty lots. How do you do that if you get a sinkhole? It would be one thing to repair a hole next your house, and hope it do not expand and damage the house.. but if there was a hole under the house, who would ever rebuild on a such a lot.. even if you had the guts to try it, how would you ever sell it later?
JJ

They can repair a sinkhole. They pump in concrete to reinforce the underlayers. This part of The Villages is about seven years old I would guess. I recall reading on this forum that a sinkhole happened on or close to a pond before we moved here more than four years ago in the Spanish sounding area. The ground here and hereabouts is sand as it is in most of Florida.

I think Avogado is dead wrong and there is no issues about sinkholes that we don't know about. We live here. We hear and see things. We know what is going on. We talk, we post, we email. Stop with the cover up stuff.

However the paper was incorrect if you go by the picture. The hole is NOT 20-30 foot deep, it is 20-30 foot wide. It looks to be no more than seven foot deep at the deepest from the picture.

We have flooding and water in basements and cracked foundation up north. I don't know where Hernando county is but we live in either Lake, Marion and mostly Sumter county in The Villages.

I feel bad for these folks but I bet that their property will be liveable and safe again in a matter of days.

[FMF Doc]

Seems as though the Daily Sun just can not win. If they don't publish they are damned, if they do then it must be a mistake.

:agree:

[pooh]

I agree with you Gracie. Florida is the sinkhole capital of the US, I believe. Has to do with what is under the top layer of soil.
Just in case you'd like more info on the nasty things, check out this link... FGS, Sinkholes in Florida (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/sinkhole.htm)

[Ohiogirl]

Didn't your sales person explain the risks of sink holes in this neck of the woods?

Do you think that in Texas agents mention the risks of drought? That you should be sure to water your foundation? Or in Kansas or the rest of the Midwest and South that they mention tornadoes to someone moving there from the West Coast? Or on the east coast the possibility of hurricanes? Or lightning strikes anywhere there are thunderstorms? Of course not.

I remember that when I moved to California, I was a little afraid of earthquakes, but I don't remember the agent saying, "You know, we get a lot of earthquakes out here." I do remember that my native Californian neighbor was terrified of the rare thunderstorms when they occurred.

I am sure that if you asked, the agents (in all places) would have said something like, "yes, they occur, but the possibility of it happening to you is minimal", which it is. They would probably advise you to buy sinkhole coverage.

[l2ridehd]

I now understand why the Daily Sun doesn't report it. And next time I will ignore it as well. :icon_wink:

[Advogado]

I agree.

As a wannabee:

Does sinkhole coverage include living in other accomodations until this is investigated and resolved?

I know I wouldn't feel safe if this happened. I would need to be reassured everything would be OK.


Sinkholes are a risk in Florida. Here is an excellent description of the situation and of the insurance coverage that is available for sinkhole coverage and catastrophic-ground-collapse coverage: Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse (http://www.myfloridacfo.com/consumers/guides/property/sinkholes.htm)

Catastrophic ground coverage is required in all homeowners' policies, but sinkhole coverage is optional. If you don't want to take chances, you need to get both kinds of coverage.

[Advogado]

I agree.

As a wannabee:

Does sinkhole coverage include living in other accomodations until this is investigated and resolved?

I know I wouldn't feel safe if this happened. I would need to be reassured everything would be OK.


Sinkholes are a risk in Florida. Here is an excellent summary of the situation and of the insurance coverage that is available for sinkhole coverage and catastrophic-ground-collapse coverage: Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse (http://www.myfloridacfo.com/consumers/guides/property/sinkholes.htm)

Catastrophic ground coverage is required in all homeowners' policies, but sinkhole coverage is optional. If you don't want to take chances, you need to get BOTH kinds of coverage.

[graciegirl]

I now understand why the Daily Sun doesn't report it. And next time I will ignore it as well. :icon_wink:

You did great reporting it. The Daily Sun DID report it Chris. They said it was 20-30 foot DEEP. It looks to be about that wide. If you took the picture, how deep, wide, would you say?

[Advogado]

Seems as though the Daily Sun just can not win. If they don't publish they are damned, if they do then it must be a mistake.

Hey, I am happy that the Sun reported it.

I just pointed out that stories reflecting unfavorably on The Villages or the Developer (murders, robberies, IRS investigation, the class-action lawsuit, dealings between the Developer and the CDDs controlled by the Developer, the Morse poaching indictment, etc.) are generally not reported by the Sun or are buried on back pages.

If reporting this story, which would certainly be reported in the local newspaper in any other community of comparable size, marks a new "page" for the Sun, good. On the other hand, if reporting it was an editorial mistake, heads will roll.

[BritParrothead]

Just happened, I believe sometime last night.

O M G !! I magine stepping out at 6 am for your newspaper!
where we live, we suffer with 'subsidence' At different times of the year, our laundry room will drop by 1/2 1 inch, then come spring, back to normal

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Has there been a history of sinkholes in The Villages? Here is an article I found...pretty scary!

Sinkhole eats lake - more trouble in The Villages (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvillsinkhole.htm)

[graciegirl]

Has there been a history of sinkholes in The Villages? Here is an article I found...pretty scary!

Sinkhole eats lake - more trouble in The Villages (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvillsinkhole.htm)

Not scary if you read it carefully , all of it and read that it happened in 2002. And it was in a retention pond which is still there and very pretty too.

I am not trying to argue with you. I just am thinking about all of the nice people who worry who read this forum. Us grown up tend to worry anyway. Let's not make it worse than it is. It is troublesome, but it is rare. I am not trying to protect anything or anyone, I just know how I felt when I was up north and read something like this, with no way to personally assess it.

READ ALL OF IT. I am guessing that lake is the one that is in the center of St. James Circle near Glenview Country Club, but I don't know that for sure.

Poor carguy.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Not scary if you read it carefully , all of it and read that it happened in 2002. And it was in a retention pond which is still there and very pretty too.

I am not trying to argue with you. I just am thinking about all of the nice people who worry who read this forum. Us grown up tend to worry anyway. Let's not make it worse than it is. It is troublesome, but it is rare. I am not trying to protect anything or anyone, I just know how I felt when I was up north and read something like this, with no way to personally assess it.

READ ALL OF IT. I am guessing that lake is the one that is in the center of St. James Circle near Glenview Country Club, but I don't know that for sure.

Poor carguy.

Just asking, I found this article that shows a major sinkhole in Leesburg, in 2011, which really is not that far away. Just trying to get a grasp on how common these are. Not use to seeing the earth open up overnight with such nasty results.

Leesburg, Florida. June 27th, 2011. | thesinkhole.org (http://thesinkhole.org/2011/06/27/leesburg-florida-june-27th-2011/)

[The Village Girl]

Not scary if you read it carefully , all of it and read that it happened in 2002. And it was in a retention pond which is still there and very pretty too.

I am not trying to argue with you. I just am thinking about all of the nice people who worry who read this forum. Us grown up tend to worry anyway. Let's not make it worse than it is. It is troublesome, but it is rare. I am not trying to protect anything or anyone, I just know how I felt when I was up north and read something like this, with no way to personally assess it.

READ ALL OF IT. I am guessing that lake is the one that is in the center of St. James Circle near Glenview Country Club, but I don't know that for sure.

Poor carguy.

I agree... It seems every time someone posts something like this, or say banning golf carts, everyone starts running around like chickens with their heads cut off!

Sink holes happen in Florida.

Central Florida Sinkhole Problem is Growing - Florida Local Information - a Welcome Center - Zimbio (http://www.zimbio.com/Florida+Local+Information+-+a+Welcome+Center/articles/hcIT-hgD49q/Central+Florida+Sinkhole+Problem+Growing)

If they bother you, stay in California where there are earthquakes and mudslides, or the mid west or south where the tornadoes are. Or maybe a state that shuts down due to snow storms. The gulf or east coast, near the water with its hurricanes. Every state has it's issues. For Central Florida, it's sinkholes... and alligators... and coyotes.... Oh... and dogs pooping in your yard.... and.... *sigh* :popcorn:

I love my little place in paradise and if a sinkhole takes my home, I will deal with it then.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

I agree... It seems every time someone posts something like this, or say banning golf carts, everyone starts running around like chickens with their heads cut off!

Sink holes happen in Florida.

Central Florida Sinkhole Problem is Growing - Florida Local Information - a Welcome Center - Zimbio (http://www.zimbio.com/Florida+Local+Information+-+a+Welcome+Center/articles/hcIT-hgD49q/Central+Florida+Sinkhole+Problem+Growing)

If they bother you, stay in California where there are earthquakes and mudslides, or the mid west or south where the tornadoes are. Or maybe a state that shuts down due to snow storms. The gulf or east coast, near the water with its hurricanes. Every state has it's issues. For Central Florida, it's sinkholes... and alligators... and coyotes.... Oh... and dogs pooping in your yard.... and.... *sigh* :popcorn:

I love my little place in paradise and if a sinkhole takes my home, I will deal with it then.

Thanks for the link, it does answer my question that the sinkhole problem seems to be growing in Florida. I never really heard much about this before. You are so right, live each day, for we can never predict our futures.

[Hal :-)]

Footers are poured for the homes then slabs on top.

Looks as though there is the appearance of a footer on that front corner of the house, set back in behind where the downspout is crossing horizontally. Or maybe I'm seeing things.......

Not sure of the code requirements for depth of the footers in FL. Might not be more than a foot or so! Certainly not like 3'-4' or more like what might be experienced 'up north'.

Bill :)

I agree with you B-n-B. The house looks solid. Clearly that front porch is a floater and it has settled. It's no fun, but I don't see it as major damage. I think they knock it out, fill it in and pour new. It would be nice to have sinkhole coverage in this case, but even without it I think is an easy fix and back to enjoying life in The Villages.

Not sure, but I'm guessing this is the house. Have to do a drive-by.
1631 Lakewood Dr The Villages, FL - Google Maps (http://g.co/maps/e8rve)

[mtdjed]

Know your insurance and what sinkhole coverage is. There is Catastrophic and sinkhole activity. Catastrophic is the house is in the hole and activity is the doors no longer close. That is more likely and we have had two cases recently in the Village of Caroline. Both were activity and involved the total value of the home. Important that you understand your coverage.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just asking, I found this article that shows a major sinkhole in Leesburg, in 2011, which really is not that far away. Just trying to get a grasp on how common these are. Not use to seeing the earth open up overnight with such nasty results.

Leesburg, Florida. June 27th, 2011. | thesinkhole.org (http://thesinkhole.org/2011/06/27/leesburg-florida-june-27th-2011/)

Yep, pretty close. Google maps indicates about 16 miles from The Villages to Crosby Street in Leesburg.
Don't worry.....be happy.

[CarGuys]

And I remember all the Flak I recieved about being a worry wart over sinkholes with the last round of questions.

I sure feel good knowing that I have the insurance to cover our new home from major to minor.:popcorn::popcorn:

[swimdawg]

And I remember all the Flak I recieved about being a worry wart over sinkholes with the last round of questions.

I sure feel good knowing that I have the insurance to cover our new home from major to minor.:popcorn::popcorn:

Yes, you were the smart one.

You can now relax. Enjoy that popcorn.

[thistrucksforyou]

I would not have to worry about this or any other problem mother nature could throw at me...If you had a wife like I do you would have insurance on things you would probably never need....I still live up north and I bet you I have buffalo stampeeding through my house coverage....

[senior citizen]

...

[graciegirl]

If there was sinkhole activity near your home it very well may not be reported here by the homeowner. However, it would seem that legally that you would have to make that disclosure on selling unless it happened in an easement nearby.

It is something that you can choose to protect yourself from by buying insurance or save the money so as to repair or replace the damage unless it would be the horrible scenario where the whole house collapsed into a hole and I don't think that has happened....or has it? I have only been here four years.

To the person who said there had been sinkhole activity in two places in the village of Caroline, which is pretty close to LSL, (for those not familiar to the area,) how bad was the damage, and was it repaired and how was it repaired? It helps to know this for those who worry. Also IF there is activity in your village, does it make sinkhole insurance go up or become unavailable? Does anyone know about the insurance issue?

When the ground is prepared for construction, huge pipes are placed underground and there is always some settling to the ground that has been disturbed during construction. Sand is a new element for many of us. Can an engineer tell us exactly how sinkholes are fixed?

And here are hugs for all who are worrying. Of course it is our life savings in this property. We need to seek more information about insurance protection and repair and rate of occurance.

I know that the vacant lots around us are regularly run on back and forth by huge trucks and large equipment here to do other stuff and I am guessing that may be done to compact the sand.

[skyguy79]

And I remember all the Flak I recieved about being a worry wart over sinkholes with the last round of questions.

I sure feel good knowing that I have the insurance to cover our new home from major to minor.:popcorn::popcorn:You been listening to Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye (http://youtu.be/GGNLLJz4Ajw)"? http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-13230.gif

[skyguy79]

If there was sinkhole activity near your home it very well may not be reported here by the homeowner. However, it would seem that legally that you would have to make that disclosure on selling unless it happened in an easement nearby.

To the person who said there had been sinkhole activity in two places in the village of Caroline, which is pretty close to LSL, (for those not familiar to the area,) how bad was the damage, and was it repaired and how was it repaired? It helps to know this for those who worry. Also IF there is activity in your village, does it make sinkhole insurance go up or become unavailable? Does anyone know about the insurance issue?

When the ground is prepared for construction, huge pipes are placed underground and there is always some settling to the ground that has been disturbed during construction. Sand is a new element for many of us. Can an engineer tell us exactly how sinkholes are fixed? (unrelated parts of this post were removed)
Gracie, I can't answer all your questions, but would like to give some input. First, I don't know if it's the same in FL as it is in NY, but when we closed on our home up there a few months back, there was a place on the paperwork where we had to disclosure or indicate any problems. You didn't have to specify anything if you haven't had any problems, but you did if you had. We didn't have any sinkhole problems be we did have slight flooding last summer from storm drain backup, coming from river rising caused by a hurricane followed up the coast from Florida that passed through our area. The waters were from the run in the mountains where the hurricane made it's deposits. As a result we also had to have an engineer's elevation report done or the buyer wouldn't have bought the house. Your having closed on your house in Hadley, you might recall if you had to sign or initial any similar declarations like I've described.

I'm not an engineer and not an expert on fixing sinkholes, but I did see a site that showed how it's done a while back. I didn't book mark the site, but here's a web page that does describe two procedures: SINKHOLE REPAIR PROCESS (http://www.askthesinkholeguy.com/index.cfm/14509/sinkhole-repair-process)

Here is also a good post on the subject of sinkhole insurance that was posted by 784caroline last summer: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/382328-post1.html

[tommy steam]

There have been a number of sinkholes in The Villages-- generally unreported by The Daily Sun. I wonder of the reporting of this one was an editorial oversight or if the Sun is actually becoming a newspaper.

I dont think that the Sun wants to give any press about sink holes. Bad for TV overall bussiness...My take is to have insurance for this .

[gego3650]

I called my insurance company in reference to sink hole coverage. If the house falls in the hole the answer is covered. Complete coverage requied a physical inspection and sink hole will be denied if there is a concrete crack anywhere. The agent told me to forget it a most homes will not pass. Who does not have a driveway crack. That will deny additional coverage.

[CaptJohn]

I called my insurance company in reference to sink hole coverage. If the house falls in the hole the answer is covered. Complete coverage requied a physical inspection and sink hole will be denied if there is a concrete crack anywhere. The agent told me to forget it a most homes will not pass. Who does not have a driveway crack. That will deny additional coverage.
Just another way for insurance companies to avoid coverage but appearing to 'offer' coverage. Most all concrete has cracks on the most solid of foundations. It's what concrete does, expand and contract with temperature changes. Large slabs have 'expansion joints' put in to control it. Some slabs are prepared in advance with saws that cut in grooves to try and make the crack appear at that point. This is everywhere, not just in TV.

[Carla B]

Just another way for insurance companies to avoid coverage but appearing to 'offer' coverage. Most all concrete has cracks on the most solid of foundations. It's what concrete does, expand and contract with temperature changes. Large slabs have 'expansion joints' put in to control it. Some slabs are prepared in advance with saws that cut in grooves to try and make the crack appear at that point. This is everywhere, not just in TV.

What you said makes sense.

[Advogado]

I called my insurance company in reference to sink hole coverage. If the house falls in the hole the answer is covered. Complete coverage requied a physical inspection and sink hole will be denied if there is a concrete crack anywhere. The agent told me to forget it a most homes will not pass. Who does not have a driveway crack. That will deny additional coverage.

If I were you, I would check with another insurance company. The house-falls-in-the-hole scenario is covered by the mandatory "catastrophic-ground-collapse" provision. Sinkhole coverage is optional. I have it in my policy, and I am sure that a lot of Villagers have it too.

Of course, you could reasonably decide to run the sinkhole risk and not buy coverage. Here is the link to the Florida Department of Financial Services summary of the matter, which I previously posted. Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse (http://www.myfloridacfo.com/consumers/guides/property/sinkholes.htm)

[Happinow]

Didn't your sales person explain the risks of sink holes in this neck of the woods?

Nope. But I'm a fast learner!

[2BNTV]

I would not have to worry about this or any other problem mother nature could throw at me...If you had a wife like I do you would have insurance on things you would probably never need....I still live up north and I bet you I have buffalo stampeeding through my house coverage....

That's funny stuff. :1rotfl:

Thanks for the laugh on such a serious subject.

[skyguy79]

I called my insurance company in reference to sink hole coverage. If the house falls in the hole the answer is covered. Complete coverage requied a physical inspection and sink hole will be denied if there is a concrete crack anywhere. The agent told me to forget it a most homes will not pass. Who does not have a driveway crack. That will deny additional coverage.And I seem to recall that you have to pay for that inspection and that the $$$ could run you in the hundreds.

[janmcn]

I agree... It seems every time someone posts something like this, or say banning golf carts, everyone starts running around like chickens with their heads cut off!

Sink holes happen in Florida.

Central Florida Sinkhole Problem is Growing - Florida Local Information - a Welcome Center - Zimbio (http://www.zimbio.com/Florida+Local+Information+-+a+Welcome+Center/articles/hcIT-hgD49q/Central+Florida+Sinkhole+Problem+Growing)

If they bother you, stay in California where there are earthquakes and mudslides, or the mid west or south where the tornadoes are. Or maybe a state that shuts down due to snow storms. The gulf or east coast, near the water with its hurricanes. Every state has it's issues. For Central Florida, it's sinkholes... and alligators... and coyotes.... Oh... and dogs pooping in your yard.... and.... *sigh* :popcorn:

I love my little place in paradise and if a sinkhole takes my home, I will deal with it then.

Since living in The Villages, my house has been hit by three hurricanes, my CYV neighborhood was decimated by a tornado, and my house was struck by lightning. Just waiting for that sinkhole to develop.

[Advogado]

And I seem to recall that you have to pay for that inspection and that the $$$ could run you in the hundreds.

I never had to have an inspection to obtain or retain sinkhole coverage. I wonder if the inspection requirement depends on the insurance company and/or on the location of the property with The Villages.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The company that wrote our H.O. insurance policy required an independent 3rd party inspection before they'd add sink hole coverage to the policy. They made the arrangements for the inspection and split the cost with us. Cost us $75 out-of-pocket - seemed pretty cheap to me!!! And our home passed inspection.

Bill :)

[spk7951]

The company that wrote our H.O. insurance policy required an independent 3rd party inspection before they'd add sink hole coverage to the policy. They made the arrangements for the inspection and split the cost with us. Cost us $75 out-of-pocket - seemed pretty cheap to me!!! And our home passed inspection.

Bill :)


Well the home may have passed but I am curious as to how deep he drilled to see if there could be a future problem????

Our insurance carrier gave us a quote for the sinkhole coverage no questions asked and no inspection.

[rubicon]

Didn't your sales person explain the risks of sink holes in this neck of the woods?

I moved down in 2006 and all they said was "here's the price take it or leave it and don't ask us to change anything". "And by the way we want 20% up front". I told the agent that since prices had about doubled from 2004 that I had made a list of what would be included in a house I would purchase. If they could not find a house within my price range then look at other southern states. The bad news the housing values tanked about a year later The good news I sold my home within a week of putting it on the market and for my price.

[Bill32]

Well the home may have passed but I am curious as to how deep he drilled to see if there could be a future problem????

Our insurance carrier gave us a quote for the sinkhole coverage no questions asked and no inspection.

Could you give me the name of your carrier? My insurance carrier cancelled my policy.

[nitehawk]

Yes, our primary home is about 1/2 mile away and one of our rental homes is about 300 yards away. So I will be watching it very closely.

I was just wondering if TV allows multiple ownership of home for rent.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Well the home may have passed but I am curious as to how deep he drilled to see if there could be a future problem????

Our insurance carrier gave us a quote for the sinkhole coverage no questions asked and no inspection.

Spk, I'm not sure what they did for that inspection as I wasn't present. I do know that they needed to look around inside the house - I made arrangements with our homewatch person to be there to let the inspector in. Externally, I believe all they looked for was any obvious cracking in the observable foundation, sidewalk/driveway, etc. I think our insurance agent also mentioned that they check with whatever source for reports of previous sink hole occurrences in the surrounding area.

Wish I had more specifics for you - sorry!

Bill :)

[skyguy79]

I never had to have an inspection to obtain or retain sinkhole coverage. I wonder if the inspection requirement depends on the insurance company and/or on the location of the property with The Villages.Are you sure you have the Sinkhole coverage and not just the Catastrophic? I don't believe that the first ever requires an inspection since it's the lesser of the coverage. If you're not sure, check with your agent!

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Since living in The Villages, my house has been hit by three hurricanes, my CYV neighborhood was decimated by a tornado, and my house was struck by lightning. Just waiting for that sinkhole to develop.

That's quite a collection of stories to tell. How many days have you lived here?

[graciegirl]

That's quite a collection of stories to tell. How many days have you lived here?

I think he/she needs to switch churches.

[The Village Girl]

Since living in The Villages, my house has been hit by three hurricanes, my CYV neighborhood was decimated by a tornado, and my house was struck by lightning. Just waiting for that sinkhole to develop.


Oh dear.... do tell us where you live so we can stay clear.

Oh wait... I think I found your house when I was driving around tonight. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/skgang/Other%20Pics/DestroyedHome.jpg

[swimdawg]

I think he/she needs to switch churches.

Catching up on posts while riding in The Village Airport Van on my way to paradise.

Drum roll please.....Swimdawg Post of the Day Award goes to GRACIE!

[Mark1130]

I, like many others here I am sure, mad a mad dash to my insurance policy to see how my coverage was worded.

My agent told me when I bought the policy I had sinkhole coverage. It does state on one line item under Premium Adjustments a charge of $25.00 for sinkhole loss coverage.

Someone reassure me before I call my agent that this is the accepted sinkhole coverage.

[mrfixit]

Since living in The Villages, my house has been hit by three hurricanes, my CYV neighborhood was decimated by a tornado, and my house was struck by lightning. Just waiting for that sinkhole to develop.

...OH YES.>>>>>The "simple sisters" in 2004. "Frances" and "Jeanne".
....Florida had...4 hurricanes in 6 weeks...... and ....
.............................The Villages only got "kissed" by 2 of them.

......Then their ugly cuzzin' "WILMA" stopped by in 2005.

AND then..02-Feb-2007...along came their "windy" Brudda-in Law "Tornado Tommy"
... I named it Tommy after MY Bro-in-Law ..he is "windy" in many ways.
He can toot-talk-burp-AND-walk...ALL at the same time.
That Dude is talented.

...sure am glad YOU were O.K. ...and ONLY had "stuff" damaged.

[VillageSitter]

Mark, You better check with your agent. My sinkhole coverage is $245.61 per year. I own a designer, not sure what size home you are insuring.

[784caroline]

Make sure you know how your policy defines a "sinkhole". Is is a sudden ground collapse (owners required to vacate property by a government authority) or is it gradual movement of the earth that simply causes foundation or wall cracking (most common form and typically called sinkhoile activity)......and if both are covered, what are the deductibles for each definition.

BTW you need both types of coverage!!

[CarGuys]

Yes, you were the smart one.

You can now relax. Enjoy that popcorn.

Yep looking FORWARD to the time to slow down, Say I wonder if those gophers in my yard are the sink hole culprits!

Anyone seen my lake? It disappeared?

:shocked: :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[CarGuys]

Oh dear.... do tell us where you live so we can stay clear.

Oh wait... I think I found your house when I was driving around tonight. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/skgang/Other%20Pics/DestroyedHome.jpg

How do you get my house pic at closing! Yep up in 60 days!

[CarGuys]

Nope. But I'm a fast learner!

Hold off on that new pool! Nature's sinkhole crew might help you out with the excavation
.
Happinow. Just add water and it's instant pool.:ohdear:

Just kidding!

H

[Sweetgirl]

I, like many others here I am sure, mad a mad dash to my insurance policy to see how my coverage was worded.

My agent told me when I bought the policy I had sinkhole coverage. It does state on one line item under Premium Adjustments a charge of $25.00 for sinkhole loss coverage.

Someone reassure me before I call my agent that this is the accepted sinkhole coverage.

Mad dash to my insurance policy? Same here Mark. The picture of the home with the sink hole really drives home the point & need to ensure that our home is properly covered. We are with All State and we were told that our next billing will show they are changing their sink hole policy...our deductible will be 10% of insured valve of the home Ooch! :shocked: $500 deductible for other damages. Our Premium charge is also $27 for sink hole coverage

[graciegirl]

Yep looking FORWARD to the time to slow down, Say I wonder if those gophers in my yard are the sink hole culprits!

Anyone seen my lake? It disappeared?

:shocked: :1rotfl::1rotfl:

We have your gophers figured out. They are Turtle mounds.

They are also protected. BUT you can move them I think.

[senior citizen]

...

[BOMBERO]

Just for our own personal knowledge I typed in "sink holes in Marion County" into the search engine and came up with a company that repairs them.

"SECURE FOUNDATION SYSTEMS THE SINKHOLE EXPERTS".

After their long advertisment and explanation is a MOVABLE MAP of all the areas in and around Marion County and actually all of central Florida showing where the sinkholes are. Red dots and the yellow dots....or circles.

I tried to "send the link" but it wouldn't work. I tried to copy and paste the entire article to here, but ditto, it wouldn't work. So, for whomever is concerned before building or buying........you can move the map around and see where other sinkholes have occurred.

Try typing in the company name. I believe they are in Marion County. Not looking at their ad right at the moment. It would have been easier to include the hyperlink....for sure.

Sinkholes of Marion County, FL | SFSI in Ocala & Spring Hill FL (http://www.securefsi.com/sinkholesnear-marion.asp)

THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO ADD THE HYPERLINK......or just type this in.

Secure Restoration Systems - Sinkhole, Fire, Flood, and Storm Restoration Services in Florida (http://www.securerestorations.com/default.asp)

http://www.securefsi.com/sinkholesnear.asp

[lightworker888]

Just got this link, which is from 2008 and it doesn't look like there are many sinkholes in Sumter. Maybe I'm not reading it right, or maybe most have occurred since 2008.

Sinkholes of Sumter County, Florida , 2008 (http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/pages/11100/f11158/f11158.htm)

LW888

[janmcn]

That's quite a collection of stories to tell. How many days have you lived here?

Coming up on 12 years.

[cappyjon431]

I have very vivid memories of when this sink hole appeared in Winter Park, about 30 years ago. I was living in miami at the time, but it made all the headlines:


http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd376/cappyjon431/sinkhole.jpges.

[senior citizen]

...

[cappyjon431]

this was a brief summary of that sinkhole formation:

On May 9, 1981, a large sinkhole collapsed in Winter Park, Florida, swallowing a house, five Porsches at a luxury car dealership, and half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The sinkhole collapse occurred when carbonate bedrock had dissolved to the point that it could no longer support the weight of the overlying soil and sediment. The city of Winter Park stabilized and sealed the sinkhole, converting it into a 107-meter-wide (350-foot-wide) urban lake.

Read more: Karst Hydrology - river, system Karst Hydrology - river, system (http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Hy-La/Karst-Hydrology.html#ixzz1lzHrIVFR)

[senior citizen]

...

[senior citizen]

...

[senior citizen]

...

[graciegirl]

Apparently , as I just discovered, the sinkholes are not that much of a secret, dating back quite a few years. If one was buying a resale, would the realtor divulge that other sinkholes had formed in the area?

Even if only on a golf course, it could prove dangerous. Again, we don't want to have our heads in the sand and end up not covered by insurance if it ever did happen. I'm not losing any sleep over it, but then again, if one looks at the photos and really ponders that this could happen........what then?

Surprise! More sinkholes in The Villages (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvillake.html)

What then is this. We lose another day of precious time worrying about something that rarely happens. We do NOT have that time to waste. Buy insurance. Be happy.

Life is short. We are in the fourth quarter.

[senior citizen]

...

[Russ_Boston]

I now understand why the Daily Sun doesn't report it. And next time I will ignore it as well. :icon_wink:

Florida is the land of sinkholes. Not sure why it is the obligation of any paper to report on this type of issue. No one was hurt, it's property damage and not from something newsworthy and unusual like a car driving into a home. Should they report a lighting surge that knocks out my wiring and costs 10K to fix?

There is enough coverage of sinkholes for me to have known that they exist and I need to have coverage.

Let's hope these people are protected.

[janmcn]

I am not a geologist, only an observationist. There seems to be a direct correlation between pumping large amounts of water out of the ground and sinkholes. For instance, when there are hard freezes in Polk county and sprinklers are being run several nights in a row to protect the strawberry plants, then hundreds of sinkholes develop shortly thereafter.

Quoting from Tampa Bay Times: "Heavy rains, massive pumping of groundwater and other factors can speed sinkhole formation, but Florida's Swiss-cheese geology and sandy soil have remained the same for eons. Thus no natural events explain the explosion in sinkhole claims in the past five years".

[UpNorth]

I am not a geologist, only an observationist. There seems to be a direct correlation between pumping large amounts of water out of the ground and sinkholes. For instance, when there are hard freezes in Polk county and sprinklers are being run several nights in a row to protect the strawberry plants, then hundreds of sinkholes develop shortly thereafter.

Quoting from Tampa Bay Times: "Heavy rains, massive pumping of groundwater and other factors can speed sinkhole formation, but Florida's Swiss-cheese geology and sandy soil have remained the same for eons. Thus no natural events explain the explosion in sinkhole claims in the past five years".

I've read that most of The Villages' potable water supply comes from the Florida aquifer, and that the aquifer level is being depleted to the point where it will no longer be a viable source in the near future. The Villages does use reclaimed and "grey water" for irrigation in some area, but the fact remains that there may be a water crisis in the future. And that will require using river water which will need to be piped in where available and heavily processed. When you look at it, the land that The Villages is built on only needed to support cattle and horses in the past. Now we have dense development and loads of irrigation needs. And there is more on the way. Is there enough water available to support the build-out Villages in the future? As we pump out the aquifer, can we expect more large sinkholes?

[spk7951]

Could you give me the name of your carrier? My insurance carrier cancelled my policy.


Our homeowners policy is with Security First Insurance through our Allstate agent.

[spk7951]

Spk, I'm not sure what they did for that inspection as I wasn't present. I do know that they needed to look around inside the house - I made arrangements with our homewatch person to be there to let the inspector in. Externally, I believe all they looked for was any obvious cracking in the observable foundation, sidewalk/driveway, etc. I think our insurance agent also mentioned that they check with whatever source for reports of previous sink hole occurrences in the surrounding area.

Wish I had more specifics for you - sorry!

Bill :)


Maybe the way I should look at it is that nothing should surprise me when it comes to insurance companies.

[GatorFan]

This would be covered under catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage which is automatic coverage on property policies in Florida subject to all perils deductible.

[VillagesFlorida]

The insurance gal at Allstate told us the other day that no company is writing sinkhole coverage any longer on homes in Marion County. I wonder if those who have it now will have probelms getting their coverage renewed?

[CarGuys]

We have your gophers figured out. They are Turtle mounds.

They are also protected. BUT you can move them I think.

Thanks Gracie! I had so many options of what those mounds were?

I saw so many in the pasture behind the home that I figured it was gophers or moles?

A Turtle? Never would have guessed that one!

Now back to the sinkhole thread.

[Bill32]

Thank you

[Barefoot]

The insurance gal at Allstate told us the other day that no company is writing sinkhole coverage any longer on homes in Marion County. I wonder if those who have it now will have probelms getting their coverage renewed?

Our agent explained that sinkhole coverage has increased a lot in cost so we pay a higher policy rate for our renewal (Sumter County). We've been with this company for five years. He said that sinkhole coverage isn't available for new policies being written. I find this hard to believe.

[senior citizen]

...

[graciegirl]

I "hear you" however, in our town of 16,000 people, I'm fairly certain that our daily local newspaper would indeed write about a sinkhole swallowing up the front lawn, the porch, the backyard, the golf course, or God forbid, the house, even if it was a minor sinkhole. Now, I agree they might not cover a small thing like a power outage......but since we have volunteer firemen, they do cover a story of a clothes dryer in a home that catches on fire, etc.

It's news to some people I guess.

Again, it's nothing to lose sleep over, however, it is wise to be knowledgeable on the facts of sinkholes and those maps sort of tell the story (some areas are more vulnerable than others).

As far as getting coverage, from what I've been reading, it's near impossible to get sinkhole insurance coverage...which would mean the homeowner would lose their investment. Most people who sell their northern homes put down that "profit" onto the home in THE VILLAGES..........thus, they would lose their lifetime of equity from a fully paid up northern home.

It all boils down to.....how much is one willing to risk "if" the worse case scenario ever occurred. Only individual property owners & potential buyers know what they would do. Again, every area has "something" worth pondering..........and yet again, in some areas the good outweigh the bad.

It's all a personal preference.

Senior. You are jumping to the wrong conclusion. You can get coverage for sinkholes.

And the worse case scenario is on the horizon. We don't LIVE forever. I am taking my chances on falling into the earth here before I have to...say fall into the earth. An eventuality for all of us.

THIS part of Florida. This wonderful place. This terrific time is a safe bet for ME.:clap2:

[VillagesFlorida]

Our agent explained that sinkhole coverage has increased a lot in cost so we pay a higher policy rate for our renewal (Sumter County). We've been with this company for five years. He said that sinkhole coverage isn't available for new policies being written. I find this hard to believe.

Are you saying that you were informed that sinkhole coverage is no longer available in Sumter County? We are in the process of switching insurance companies and we are able to get sinkhole coverage. We live in Sumter County. I was told that very few insurance companies will insure for sinkhole loss.

[senior citizen]

...

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

We just both like to keep well informed. Actually, this morning we were looking at all the virtual tours of the newest model homes and loved them all.

Again, not losing sleep over the sinkholes. We've never been hasty to come to a final decision, preferring to do our research ahead of time.

We've always vacationed in Florida for the past 47 years of our marriage, but central Florida is a hidden gem for sure. Sinkholes or not.

We like the fact that TV is surrounded by lakes and horse farms and very very GREEN.........plus the home designs and prices can't be beat....again, we were very impressed with The Villages..........more so than we thought we might be. However, we still feel we should know everything about the area that there is to know. Common sense, no matter what our age.

ACTUALLY, we kept reminding each other that we have many options and should not rush into anything. Having owned many many homes in our lifetime and remodeled many of them, we want this final purchase to be just that.

Having lived in Florida twice before, in the early 1970's and again in the early 1990's, returning both times to Vermont.........we also have to decide do we want to move full time or just be snow birds. We have options.

We are constantly discussing it. Our plan at the moment is to take a long leisurely road trip and check out other areas on the way down to THE VILLAGES again........both seacoast and foothills of the Carolina mountains, etc.

Having JUST retired a year ago, we want to enjoy the journey before we put our present home on the market for sale in a not so great real estate climate up here..........so doing the research ahead of time is a "natural thing" for both of us. When the sinkhole controversy came up, it was very natural to do the research on it. I did read that scientific minds seem to think it is on the increase.

p.s. Every town has something worrisome or not so great about it; up here everyone has the right to free speech and to express an opinion or to question or look into things that might be negatives........we don't disallow other opinions if they question why Vermont has so many pot holes and frost heaves. We sold our last house to a Floridian who was just escaping Andrew back in 1994. It was a beautiful house; she compared it to a Florida house which it was not.........Florida doesn't have to deal with frost and sub zero temps. Anyway, I appreciated all the input about the sinkholes, maps and the difficulty in getting insurance for such and all the private messages as well on the subject. NOT EVERYTHING IS A JOKE IN LIFE. SOME PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. THANKS.

:agree: My home equity is a lifetime of work and savings. To invest in a property only to be told that "maybe"you can insure, and get true full coverage of your assets, is not good enough for me. And to be told down the road as claims increase, that we will no longer cover you against loss, is not good enough. A red flag went up when I checked for homeowners insurance with all of the large companies, and found that none of them would write a policy in Florida. They would refer you to the smaller carriers. My current company, whom I've been with for 20 years, would not write a policy there. True, we will all die, and none of this will matter, but if a catostrophic loss happens in my senior years, it does matter!

[Posh 08]

:agree: My home equity is a lifetime of work and savings. To invest in a property only to be told that "maybe"you can insure, and get true full coverage of your assets, is not good enough for me. And to be told down the road as claims increase, that we will no longer cover you against loss, is not good enough. A red flag went up when I checked for homeowners insurance with all of the large companies, and found that none of them would write a policy in Florida. They would refer you to the smaller carriers. My current company, whom I've been with for 20 years, would not write a policy there. True, we will all die, and none of this will matter, but if a catostrophic loss happens in my senior years, it does matter!

Miss Sam and I will have to look more into this before any more headway can be made.

[janmcn]

:agree: My home equity is a lifetime of work and savings. To invest in a property only to be told that "maybe"you can insure, and get true full coverage of your assets, is not good enough for me. And to be told down the road as claims increase, that we will no longer cover you against loss, is not good enough. A red flag went up when I checked for homeowners insurance with all of the large companies, and found that none of them would write a policy in Florida. They would refer you to the smaller carriers. My current company, whom I've been with for 20 years, would not write a policy there. True, we will all die, and none of this will matter, but if a catostrophic loss happens in my senior years, it does matter!

This is why Citizens Insurance, the state run insurer of last resort was established and now has become the largest insurer in Florida. All the large insurance companies, State Farm, Nationwide, etc. stopped writing policies in the coastal counties within the last five years. Do you know when the last hurricane hit Tampa? 1921 That's right 90 years ago. The Villages has had more hurricanes than Tampa.

[Barefoot]

Are you saying that you were informed that sinkhole coverage is no longer available in Sumter County? We are in the process of switching insurance companies and we are able to get sinkhole coverage. We live in Sumter County. I was told that very few insurance companies will insure for sinkhole loss.

VF, I think we're basically saying the same thing. I was also told that very few insurance companies will insure for sinkhole loss, unless you are an existing customer. My Insurance Broker said we're better to stay with our existing company and pay the larger premium because it is very difficult to get sinkhole insurance for newbies. Of course this applies only to the companies with whom our Broker deals.

I'm sure it can't be impossible to get Sinkhole Coverage in Sumter County for newbies. Otherwise, how would they be selling a multitude of new homes? Also, in the case of purchasers requiring a mortgage, I'd think mortgage companies would require Sinkhole Coverage.

[Tickled_pink]

Would anyone out there be willing to give the name of your insurance company that DOES provide sink hole insurance besides Security First Ins that has already been mentioned?

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

This is why Citizens Insurance, the state run insurer of last resort was established and now has become the largest insurer in Florida. All the large insurance companies, State Farm, Nationwide, etc. stopped writing policies in the coastal counties within the last five years. Do you know when the last hurricane hit Tampa? 1921 That's right 90 years ago. The Villages has had more hurricanes than Tampa.

Some new info on Citizens Insurance.

Fla. House OKs alternative hurricane insurance - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/03/2623408/fla-house-oks-alternative-hurricane.html)

[Advogado]

Here is a very good POA article on the subject: http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201105.pdf

However, since it is from last May, it may not be up to date on the availability of insurance coverage.

[Tickled_pink]

Here is a very good POA article on the subject: http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201105.pdf

However, since it is from last May, it may not be up to date on the availability of insurance coverage.

Thanks for the link Advogado.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Article on sinkhole protection costs could increase by 429% statewide.

Proposed sinkhole insurance rates likely will force people to drop coverage - Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/banking/proposed-sinkhole-insurance-rates-likely-will-force-people-to-drop-coverage/1182526)

[CTgolfer]

I want to thank all those on the forum who suggested we check our home insurance policies to see if we have coverage for both Sinkhole and catastrophic ground collapse. I am happy to say our policy through Security First (purchased through Allstate near Wallmart on 466) covers both.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Here is a very good POA article on the subject: http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201105.pdf

However, since it is from last May, it may not be up to date on the availability of insurance coverage.

Thanks for info. Helpful..

[GatorFan]

The loss at Cane Garden would be covered under Catastrophic Ground Collapse not sinkhole.

[angiefox10]

The loss at Cane Garden would be covered under Catastrophic Ground Collapse not sinkhole.

I'm pretty sure I don't have that!!!!

[aljetmet]

The loss at Cane Garden would be covered under Catastrophic Ground Collapse not sinkhole.

I thought I read today that a house must be condemned to collect under Catastrophic Ground Collapse. Also thought that every one has Catastrophic Ground Collapse in their insurance but not necessarily sink hole insurance.

I guess I have to Google this again just to make sure.

[Tickled_pink]

I thought I read today that a house must be condemned to collect under Catastrophic Ground Collapse. Also thought that every one has Catastrophic Ground Collapse in their insurance but not necessarily sink hole insurance.

I guess I have to Google this again just to make sure.

I think you are correct. At least that is how I understand it.

[aljetmet]

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/sinkhole/sinkhole_2008.pdf

[pauld315]

The loss at Cane Garden would be covered under Catastrophic Ground Collapse not sinkhole.

Was the house condemned and ordered vacated ? That is one of the criteria that must be met for Catastrophic Ground Collapse to pay anything

Below is from Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse Coverage (http://knowledgebase.findlaw.com/kb/2009/Sep/32551.html)

Catastrophic ground cover collapse, on the other hand, covers only a small portion of damages caused by sinkhole activity. Under Florida law, catastrophic ground cover collapse includes geological activity resulting in the following:

Abrupt loss of ground cover
A depression in the ground clearly visible to the naked eye
Structural damage to the building, including the foundation
Government condemnation of the insured structure and an order to vacate the premises

By the express terms of the coverage, catastrophic ground cover collapse only covers damages when the insured property is condemned by a governmental agency and ordered vacated.

[GatorFan]

I thought I read today that a house must be condemned to collect under Catastrophic Ground Collapse. Also thought that every one has Catastrophic Ground Collapse in their insurance but not necessarily sink hole insurance.

I guess I have to Google this again just to make sure.

Do you think the county building department let them stay in home? We spoke to our claims office today and was advised catastrophic ground collapse would be the peril covered under and it looks from pictures, repairs would be done.

[CarGuys]

I'm pretty sure I don't have that!!!!

We have both!:popcorn:

[thistrucksforyou]

If there was sinkhole activity near your home it very well may not be reported here by the homeowner. However, it would seem that legally that you would have to make that disclosure on selling unless it happened in an easement nearby.

It is something that you can choose to protect yourself from by buying insurance or save the money so as to repair or replace the damage unless it would be the horrible scenario where the whole house collapsed into a hole and I don't think that has happened....or has it? I have only been here four years.

To the person who said there had been sinkhole activity in two places in the village of Caroline, which is pretty close to LSL, (for those not familiar to the area,) how bad was the damage, and was it repaired and how was it repaired? It helps to know this for those who worry. Also IF there is activity in your village, does it make sinkhole insurance go up or become unavailable? Does anyone know about the insurance issue?

When the ground is prepared for construction, huge pipes are placed underground and there is always some settling to the ground that has been disturbed during construction. Sand is a new element for many of us. Can an engineer tell us exactly how sinkholes are fixed?

And here are hugs for all who are worrying. Of course it is our life savings in this property. We need to seek more information about insurance protection and repair and rate of occurance.

I know that the vacant lots around us are regularly run on back and forth by huge trucks and large equipment here to do other stuff and I am guessing that may be done to compact the sand.

After talking with my realtor agent there, I was told any activity on any adjacent lot of sink hole activity has to be disclosed, and if you are in an active area you can not get insurance for it....I only ask this because I was considering buying a home close to Cain Gardens...He is going over there to check it out for me.....

[Russ_Boston]

I thought I read today that a house must be condemned to collect under Catastrophic Ground Collapse. Also thought that every one has Catastrophic Ground Collapse in their insurance but not necessarily sink hole insurance.

I guess I have to Google this again just to make sure.

Just got my final insurance two days ago. It happened to be the same agent as the one for the Cane house. She indicated that this incident would be covered under Catastrophic coverage. Sinkhole coverage is for the more common problem where a sinkhole causes settlement damage that may or may not be visible by looking at the ground but causing issues with the home that can be costly to fix. Also she indicated that as of a few months ago it is now almost impossible for her to get people written up for sinkhole coverage (she would need inspections ($$) to pass etc.). Catastrophic ground collapse coverage is provided by all providers. Fortunately we are just rolling over our current coverage (we had vacancy protection since we were not there yet) so we have both catastrophic and sinkhole.

Just FYI: We went through Sumter/Marion insurance with ASI as our provider.

[carol_piirto]

Everone needs sinkhole and or catastrophic ground cover insurance (and you probably do already ) if you live anywhere in Central Florida. Because you have one sinkhole, there is no guarantee that it will continue to expand. From what I understand, the engineers check out the depth of the cavern below the interior and exteriors of the houses and the perimeter of the cavern and determine the element of safety, the need for pylons & concrete etc.

In the case of the Cane Garden sinkhole, the engineers, I hear, have determined there is no chance of expansion. What you see is what they got.

Let's hope for no more sinkhole surprises! Thank goodness no one was hurt.

[Fourpar]

[quote=carol_piirto;455854]Everone needs sinkhole and or catastrophic ground cover insurance (and you probably do already ) if you live anywhere in Central Florida. Because you have one sinkhole, there is no guarantee that it will continue to expand. From what I understand, the engineers check out the depth of the cavern below the interior and exteriors of the houses and the perimeter of the cavern and determine the element of safety, the need for pylons & concrete etc.

In the case of the Cane Garden sinkhole, the engineers, I hear, have determined there is no chance of expansion. What you see is what they got.

Let's hope for no more sinkhole surprises! Thank goodness no one was hurt.[/quote

...Well, that's good news. I wonder if a prospective buyer of one of those houses would share that warm and fuzzy feeling????

[graciegirl]

[quote=carol_piirto;455854]Everone needs sinkhole and or catastrophic ground cover insurance (and you probably do already ) if you live anywhere in Central Florida. Because you have one sinkhole, there is no guarantee that it will continue to expand. From what I understand, the engineers check out the depth of the cavern below the interior and exteriors of the houses and the perimeter of the cavern and determine the element of safety, the need for pylons & concrete etc.

In the case of the Cane Garden sinkhole, the engineers, I hear, have determined there is no chance of expansion. What you see is what they got.

Let's hope for no more sinkhole surprises! Thank goodness no one was hurt.[/quote

...Well, that's good news. I wonder if a prospective buyer of one of those houses would share that warm and fuzzy feeling????

It appears to be Central Florida's version of Cincinnati's basement flooding....but much less often occuring. It is a bad thing, but not blameable on people.

[VMI-74]

Just bought a villa in Hemingway with my Mom. We have a house also bought 3 years ago. We have sink hole coverage but were told 2 weeks after closing that insurance companies were no longer writing sink hole coverage in 32162 zip code. They were offering it prior to our closing and 2 weeks later, NOT! If anyone knows of a company that will add this coverage, please let me know.

Thanks Kathy and Ruth

:22yikes:

[tv2016]

I'm buying a house in Sunset Pointe and have only found one company that offers sinkhole coverage (in addition to the required catastrophic coverage). Does anyone have any experience with Southern Insurance Group or Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company?

A few other companies will inspect the house for $70 after the policy is in place and then decide if they are willing to offer sinkhole coverage. I think most decide they are not willing.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Was the sinkhole filled and repaired, or are there people working on it?

[Carla B]

TV 2016:

I have no experience with claims with Universal Property & Casualty as of yet, but they are the only one we found that would insure owners of rental condos in South FL east of I-95. To me that is not a very good recommendation. They must have thousands of properties E of 95 on their rolls and a hurricane with large property losses could wipe them out.

That is what happened to Southern Family Insurance/Poe Companies a few years ago. The state had to step in and pay the claims. (Of course, the Poe family also diverted premiums to their personal accounts and declared them to be dividends But even if they hadn't raided premiums they still wouldn't have been able to cover all the losses.) Our condo association was one of the claimants following Hurricane Wilma when Southern Family/Poe went insolvent and it took some time to get a negotiated settlement with the state. The good thing is that Florida backs up these companies, the bad thing is we all pay for it in surcharges and higher premiums.

Did Universal quote a premium and did it seem out of line with quotes of companies who would write insurance, except for sinkhole?

[CarGuys]

Will there be a Grandfather clause for those of us who have a paid up policy now in place?

Just wondering Russ!

[shcisamax]

I don't know if this is completely out of the question but it doesn't seem there is THAT great of an incidence in TV of sinkholes. That said, when it happens to you, it is devastating. And everyone wants the peace of mind of coverage. Is there any sort of mechanism that TV could put in place where The Villagers, themselves, contribute to a fund which would cover in the event of a sinkhole. There are how many homes? 40,000? and if everyone contributed $100 a year, that would be $4,000,000. Certainly enough to handle rebuilding 10 homes at $400,000 apiece which is probably on the high side? I am just playing with figures and really have no idea how many homes are there or what the average cost is but it just seemed ridiculous that insurance companies make us all nuts and maybe we can self insure.

[Russ_Boston]

Will there be a Grandfather clause for those of us who have a paid up policy now in place?

Just wondering Russ!

There was in my instance.

[Carla B]

I talked to someone in TV who had a sinkhole claim on their designer home. Their cost out of pocket would have been $102,000. You don't have to rebuild the entire house if it's not catastrophic ground collapse. You have to stabilize the foundation by drilling tunnels and filling them and then repairing sheetrock etc. to make the house plumb again. The house required 27+ tunnels, I believe.

Re self insurance: our condo association would have been happy to self-insure but Florida law bans condos from doing that. However, I think it would be worth exploring in TV, since these are single family homes. I just looked at our condo budget and see that we pay a total of $335,000, per year which equals $840. per owner and that only takes care of the outside and the common areas. We pay another $800+ for liability and dwelling coverage which only covers the interior.

Another thought, I was wondering how the new homes in Sanibel, Fernandina etc. are getting sinkhole coverage if most companies are no longer writing in Sumter Co. Or is it that they are not writing in zip code 32162? If so, aren't the houses south of 466A in a different zip code? Just curious.

[CTgolfer]

I don't know if this is completely out of the question but it doesn't seem there is THAT great of an incidence in TV of sinkholes. That said, when it happens to you, it is devastating. And everyone wants the peace of mind of coverage. Is there any sort of mechanism that TV could put in place where The Villagers, themselves, contribute to a fund which would cover in the event of a sinkhole. There are how many homes? 40,000? and if everyone contributed $100 a year, that would be $4,000,000. Certainly enough to handle rebuilding 10 homes at $400,000 apiece which is probably on the high side? I am just playing with figures and really have no idea how many homes are there or what the average cost is but it just seemed ridiculous that insurance companies make us all nuts and maybe we can self insure.

This is one of the most ingenious ideas I've heard in a long time... wow!

[shcisamax]

I am glad you liked it. Would someone who has access to the information and an insurance acumen like to do the research?

[Carla B]

Good job for the POA, I'd think.

[mac6115cd]

Found an informative site at:

Sinkhole Maps of Florida Counties (http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php)

It's only for 2008, but it gives a nice summary of sinkhole locations. From what I can see, sinkholes are relatively common and insurance is highly recommended.

[shcisamax]

From what I see, there are no sink holes in TV? Did they all happen after 2008 or maybe I am not reading the map correctly..

[cappyjon431]

Found an informative site at:

Sinkhole Maps of Florida Counties (http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php)

It's only for 2008, but it gives a nice summary of sinkhole locations. From what I can see, sinkholes are relatively common and insurance is highly recommended.

The thing to remember is these maps only give details on reported sinkholes. Of course if a sinkhole opens up in a residential area (eg. TV) the sinkholes will be reported. But think of all that pastureland out there with unreported sinkholes. I say this because I am a cave diver and some of the best cave dives I have ever done in Florida were sinkholes (which opened up to the aquifer) in some farmers' fields that no one knew about.

The bottom line is to remember that these type of survey maps probably underreport, so the incidence is probably significantly higher.

[l2ridehd]

I believe everyone has the catastrophic insurance as that is a Florida state requirement. It's the casual damage that is the issue. Many many homes in TV have foundation cracks that may or may not be caused by sink holes. They are all caused by some type of settling. So how do you insure against that without causing your rates to skyrocket? $100 per house assumes 100% sign up which would never happen and even if it did the amount would quickly be used up by repairing settling cracks of all types. We need a solution and it has to be provided by insurance companies. Probably the best answer would be a high deductible casual damage type solution. Stop the frivolous claims but protect you against a large cost type fix. Maybe a 10K or 20K deductible.

[shcisamax]

Why do you assume at $100 you would not have 100% sign up? The people who reported the additional cost to their insurance reported twice as much. Also, I was just throwing out those figures. I have no idea if there are 40,000 homes. I just took the 85,000 (apx. population) and divided it by two...it is an avenue that might be explored. And my understanding is the 85,000 will be 110,000 in the near future. If the insurance companies are going to cover it, there is no need but if they are going to not cover it going forward, or only pay 90% on the significant damage, the villagers should look at the possibility to insure themselves. It would be definitely less expensive and better coverage. Of course, you are right about the definition of coverage. This would not be for cracks in the foundation but for a big hole on your property and associated issues..like your house goes missing. :)

[GatorFan]

This would be a question for your State representatives. The State of Florida Regulates and approves everything insurance companies in Florida do including premiums, deductibles, coverages, cat funds, guarantee funds, Citizens recoupment fees, you name it they control it.

[shcisamax]

So TV could not self insure? Set up a fund to cover sinkholes? But of course the insurance companies wouldn't be thrilled to see someone moving in on their territory and they are huge contributors to political campaigns.

[OldDave]

I've only been on here less than a week and only started thinking of moving to the Villages a bit before that. (We hope to move in summer of 2013.) I was already afraid of hurricanes, and terrified of gators. NOW it's sink holes. I appreciate all of the posts on this thread. I am puzzled about however, that only one person mentioned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. I've read this several places. This appears to be a state run agency that does provide Sink Hole coverage. (and I agree from my reading that everyone with home owners is covered for the complete eating of your house..or actually just making it unliveable.

Is there a reason no one seems to use Citizens? Is it not a good deal? Does it also cover hurricane damage? Perhaps this isn't the right thread, but is hurricane damage covered my normal homeowners in Florida, do you need something else? Do you need the federal flood insurance?

Sure appreciate any help, and I've really enjoyed meettingfolks on this site. Very friendly, helpful, and some of you are very funny...which I really enjoy.

[shcisamax]

I wonder if there is gator insurance....OldDave, I'm with you on the gator issue. Found myself on google last night learning about gators vs crocs. Glad I am not moving/living on a lake down there. I would never sleep. I was told by the sales agent that when they get to be 5 ft the gator police come and take them away. But still, with those choppers, 4 1/2 feet is going to hurt.

[GatorFan]

To set up a self insurance fund, you need State Approval and the fund is regulated by the state. I am sure insurance companies would welcome you to set up a self insurance sinkhole fund.

[shcisamax]

Too bad. I didn't even know there was a problem until this thread was posted.
Gatorfan: It's good to have someone on who really knows a lot about this. Maybe you have a suggestion or idea as to how everyone can get covered? I guess the question is: What insurance companies will cover sinkhole? for new owners.

[Posh 08]

Too bad. I didn't even know there was a problem until this thread was posted.
Gatorfan: It's good to have someone on who really knows a lot about this. Maybe you have a suggestion or idea as to how everyone can get covered? I guess the question is: What insurance companies will cover sinkhole? for new owners.

On my Pro/Con list it's one of the BIG cons.

[shcisamax]

Honestly, when I went on the geo map...it only goes to 2008, it just didn't look like there was anything on there in Sumter. maybe a couple. Marion is a mess. Either I am not reading that map correctly, and if I am not, I would love someone to correct me, or the holes weren't there in 2008 or they didn't get listed.

[JimJoe]

Honestly, when I went on the geo map...it only goes to 2008, it just didn't look like there was anything on there in Sumter. maybe a couple. Marion is a mess. Either I am not reading that map correctly, and if I am not, I would love someone to correct me, or the holes weren't there in 2008 or they didn't get listed.

A lot of building in Sumter county has occurred since the information was obtained for the 2008 report. Would increased building either increase the likelihood of sinkholes or the reporting of them?
JJ

[janmcn]

I've only been on here less than a week and only started thinking of moving to the Villages a bit before that. (We hope to move in summer of 2013.) I was already afraid of hurricanes, and terrified of gators. NOW it's sink holes. I appreciate all of the posts on this thread. I am puzzled about however, that only one person mentioned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. I've read this several places. This appears to be a state run agency that does provide Sink Hole coverage. (and I agree from my reading that everyone with home owners is covered for the complete eating of your house..or actually just making it unliveable.

Is there a reason no one seems to use Citizens? Is it not a good deal? Does it also cover hurricane damage? Perhaps this isn't the right thread, but is hurricane damage covered my normal homeowners in Florida, do you need something else? Do you need the federal flood insurance?

Sure appreciate any help, and I've really enjoyed meettingfolks on this site. Very friendly, helpful, and some of you are very funny...which I really enjoy.

Citizens Insurance is the state run insurance of last resort only available to people who have no other options. From what I read on this forum, there is still property insurance available through private companies in The Villages. All the major insurance companies pulled out of the coastal counties in the past several years. When and if this happens in TV, your only option is Citizens. Citizens provides all the same coverage as normal homeowners; ie hurricane, sink hole, etc. for about the same price. Hopes this helps answer your questions.

[shcisamax]

Good question.

[GatorFan]

https://www.citizensfla.com/about/CitizensAssessments.cfm

[PaPaLarry]

Hot spot for sinkholes

Sinkhole claims to insurance from 2006-2010. Percent is percent of statewide total, which was 24,671. The Tampa Bay area had 72 percent of the total claims in the state.

Hernando 6,036 24.5%
Pasco 5,932 24.0%
Hillsborough 4,450 18.0%
Pinellas 1,466 5.9%


Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

[PaPaLarry]

OIR Business UnitsUpcoming EventsPublic Records RequestAssociations, Boards and Councils Consumer ResourcesAgents/Agency ServicesSearchSite MapHome

Sinkholes
Florida has more sinkholes than any other state in the nation. Section 627.706(2)(a), Florida Statutes requires authorized insurers to cover catastrophic ground cover collapse, but damage, outside a catastrophic ground cover collapse, caused by a sinkhole may not be covered by your policy if it does not specifically include sinkhole coverage. For more information on what every Floridian should know about Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse, see the Department of Financial Services guide. For tips on settling your sinkhole claim where to find help, click here.

For more detailed information about Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse in Florida, please see the following studies Web sites:


Sinkhole Data Call Report -- 2010
Deloitte Sinkhole Report -- 2006
Insurance Study of Sinkholes -- 2005
Sinkholes in Florida (County Maps) Fla. Center for Instructional Technology, University of South Florida
Areas of Sinkhole Occurrence: Florida, 2008
Dept. of Environmental Protection

Office of Insurance Regulation News Releases on Sinkholes:

/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=3669 /PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2657/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2550 /PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2423

During the 2010 Legislative Session, the Office identified increased sinkhole claims as one of the cost drivers affecting homeowners rates. The Office heard from the industry that there has been a substantial increase in the frequency of claims, and that these claims are being filed outside the traditional sinkhole alley in Hernando and Pasco Counties. In August 2010, the Office issued a data call to commercial residential property insurers to collect claims data related to sinkhole frequency and severity of claims, and the geographic location of those claims. On November 8, 2010, the Office issued its report based on the data provided (see first Web site link, above).

[graciegirl]

Hot spot for sinkholes

Sinkhole claims to insurance from 2006-2010. Percent is percent of statewide total, which was 24,671. The Tampa Bay area had 72 percent of the total claims in the state.

Hernando 6,036 24.5%
Pasco 5,932 24.0%
Hillsborough 4,450 18.0%
Pinellas 1,466 5.9%


Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation


PaPa Larry. Your header above "Hot spot for sinkholes refers to the Tampa Bay area. Correct???????????

Trying to keep people from seeing the doctor for blood pressure peaks.

[Eve2278]

Does this happen all at once or over a period of time...hours, days etc..? I've never seen anything like this and it's a little scary.

Woke up one morning and looked across to my neighbors house and a sink hole was forming. Just happens. The Village people came out ASAP and filled it. here's a site that answers some question about sinkholes in Fla..:pray:

FGS - Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/feedback/faq.htm#1)

[Eve2278]

here is a site that ans some questions about sink holes in Fla

FGS - Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/feedback/faq.htm#1)

[janmcn]

Woke up one morning and looked across to my neighbors house and a sink hole was forming. Just happens. The Village people came out ASAP and filled it. here's a site that answers some question about sinkholes in Fla..:pray:

FGS - Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/feedback/faq.htm#1)

Could you tell us what village you live in or at least what county?

[Bob45]

I was told by a Villages insurance agent this morning that it was NOT a sinkhole. And that it was covered by the regular home coverage. Not the sinkhole coverage.

Bob

[JoeC1947]

Woke up one morning and looked across to my neighbors house and a sink hole was forming. Just happens. The Village people came out ASAP and filled it. here's a site that answers some question about sinkholes in Fla..:pray:

FGS - Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/feedback/faq.htm#1)

Did they sing YMCA too?

Just kidding. I noticed that the sink hole in Sunset Point has been filled in. Does anyone know if the house has been condemned?

[Carla B]

I was told by a Villages insurance agent this morning that it was NOT a sinkhole. And that it was covered by the regular home coverage. Not the sinkhole coverage.

Bob

Which occurrence are you referring to? The one near Cane Garden?

[buggyone]

Exactly WHAT did the insurance agent say was the cause of that huge hole - the one near Cane Gardens?

[Happinow]

I talked to someone in TV who had a sinkhole claim on their designer home. Their cost out of pocket would have been $102,000. You don't have to rebuild the entire house if it's not catastrophic ground collapse. You have to stabilize the foundation by drilling tunnels and filling them and then repairing sheetrock etc. to make the house plumb again. The house required 27+ tunnels, I believe.

Re self insurance: our condo association would have been happy to self-insure but Florida law bans condos from doing that. However, I think it would be worth exploring in TV, since these are single family homes. I just looked at our condo budget and see that we pay a total of $335,000, per year which equals $840. per owner and that only takes care of the outside and the common areas. We pay another $800+ for liability and dwelling coverage which only covers the interior.

Another thought, I was wondering how the new homes in Sanibel, Fernandina etc. are getting sinkhole coverage if most companies are no longer writing in Sumter Co. Or is it that they are not writing in zip code 32162? If so, aren't the houses south of 466A in a different zip code? Just curious.

We are a new build South of 466A in Sanibel and our zip is 32163

[PaPaLarry]

PaPa Larry. Your header above "Hot spot for sinkholes refers to the Tampa Bay area. Correct???????????

Trying to keep people from seeing the doctor for blood pressure peaks.
Yes Gracie! But if you Google "Florida Office of Insurance Regulations" you can get much information. From what I can see, (and I am not a "pro") most sinkholes in Florida are south of The Villages. I'm sure this Thread is going to produce articles, down the road in all 3 papers. Makes me think twice about gambling without "sinkhole Ins". Right now I have it.

[Bob45]

Which occurrence are you referring to? The one near Cane Garden?

She said the one in Sunset Point. And it was not a sinkhole. It was called a ground catastrophe. Also said sinkholes happen slowly over time. A ground catastrophe happens quickly. I didn't go into detail with her and I may have mis-understood. I was focused on questions about my own policy.

Bob

[Carla B]

Thanks for clearing that up. It makes sense...catastrophic ground collapse is covered under the main policy homeowners' policy.

[Russ_Boston]

The idea of self insure is not doable for many reasons.

Think about:

Who would collect the money? Who would record the properties in the fund? Where would the money be stored/saved? Who would arrange for audits? And pay for the audits? Who would do this work without getting paid? Who would manage the claims? Who would investigate the claims? Etc Etc!

There is a reason that insurance companies exist and a reason that most of them employ thousands of people. Even companies that I know of that self insure their health fund (for example) have to hire an insurance company to handle all the processing of money, claims etc.

Bottom line: Sounds simple and neat but not doable.

[shcisamax]

Gee, maybe TV could take it on...they do kind of have everything else wrapped up. Maybe they can put it under THEIR umbrella insurance? After all, it is in the best interest of TV to sell their houses and from what I have seen, they are problem solvers on the macro level. If none of their houses going forward can get sinkhole.. I really have no idea.

What I do know is that as of this writing, I have been told only ONE company is now insuring for sink hole. Going forward, that will change because understandably they will not want to be the only one to cover risk. So instead of starting from the premise of how difficult or nothing can be done, people who do not already have it need to start figuring out how to obtain this insurance.

With all due respect, it is a non issue for people who already have it; If they were facing the same dilemna, perhaps they would be using their thoughts and posts to discover solutions rather than discussing how difficult it will be. This issue is a perfect example of "Necessity is the mother of invention." Any positive ideas should be considered. And Tv should not be ruled out automatically; it affects their business model. :) mho

[Posh 08]

Gee, maybe TV could take it on...they do kind of have everything else wrapped up. Maybe they can put it under THEIR umbrella insurance? After all, it is in the best interest of TV to sell their houses and from what I have seen, they are problem solvers on the macro level. If none of their houses going forward can get sinkhole.. I really have no idea.

What I do know is that as of this writing, I have been told only ONE company is now insuring for sink hole. Going forward, that will change because understandably they will not want to be the only one to cover risk. So instead of starting from the premise of how difficult or nothing can be done, people who do not already have it need to start figuring out how to obtain this insurance.

With all due respect, it is a non issue for people who already have it; If they were facing the same dilemna, perhaps they would be using their thoughts and posts to discover solutions rather than discussing how difficult it will be. This issue is a perfect example of "Necessity is the mother of invention." Any positive ideas should be considered. And Tv should not be ruled out automatically; it affects their business model. :) mho

Agree.

[Bambi]

Drove down Legacy Lane at 9 am this morning-nothing unusual.. Returned two hours later and found flagmen directing traffic and about eight trucks just past the gate. A LARGE sinkhole had opened in a resident's back yard on Legacy just past the gate. It looked about 3-5 feet deep and was between the house and the road. It must be " sinkhole season." Hope they had insurance.

[keithwand]

We are a new build South of 466A in Sanibel and our zip is 32163

I had no idea we had a different zip code than the other TVers. Is the rest of TV 32162?

[shcisamax]

Sure hope zip 32163 is a good one for sink hole insurance.

[janmcn]

I had no idea we had a different zip code than the other TVers. Is the rest of TV 32162?

Most of the rest of The Villages is 32162 except for the Lake County portion which is 32159.

[spk7951]

Drove down Legacy Lane at 9 am this morning-nothing unusual.. Returned two hours later and found flagmen directing traffic and about eight trucks just past the gate. A LARGE sinkhole had opened in a resident's back yard on Legacy just past the gate. It looked about 3-5 feet deep and was between the house and the road. It must be " sinkhole season." Hope they had insurance.


Not to sure that was a sinkhole but it may be soon. Went by that area around 11:15 on the way to Oakleigh and the water was flowing down the road. Some workers were trying hard to get the water shut off and when we went back by there around 2 they had a large hole dug in someones yard. Looked more like a water main break to me.

[CarGuys]

We are a new build South of 466A in Sanibel and our zip is 32163

Have you called a agent?

These and other posts have made others aware of limited or no sinkhole insurance in some new areas. That is something the Governor is working on now.

Some insurance companies will have you do the test first.

People should have insurance pre-quotes in hand before the build.

I know that in Tamarind there is at present only one company that will write for this new area.

[Advogado]

The sinkholes that I know about are close to golf courses. Does anyone know if the golf courses have their own wells and could be depleting the aquifer?

[Russ_Boston]

Sure hope zip 32163 is a good one for sink hole insurance.
Don't count on it.

[shcisamax]

Russ: Are you basing that on a fact, something you know, or just commenting?

[villages07]

Drove down Legacy Lane at 9 am this morning-nothing unusual.. Returned two hours later and found flagmen directing traffic and about eight trucks just past the gate. A LARGE sinkhole had opened in a resident's back yard on Legacy just past the gate. It looked about 3-5 feet deep and was between the house and the road. It must be " sinkhole season." Hope they had insurance.

Per today's paper, this incident was a water main break and not a sinkhole.

To Advo.... Golf course irrigation is primarily via reclaimed water in the various ponds.

[CarGuys]

Russ: Are you basing that on a fact, something you know, or just commenting?

I can't remember which thread(s) or where I read this but it was posted that sinkhole insurance in some new developements will not be available. ALso in FLa papers. Bill might have the links he is the good at that!

Fla legistation is at this moment working on this. Coverage once mandated has expired from the law.

It goes back to.

1: a non established record of activitity in the new developed areas.

2: insurance companies wanting to gouge and or ignore the homeowners

3: a past history of sink hole fraud in certain parts of FLA

The best advise I have is for all who are building new in TV to get to you insurance agent and get the facts straight from them. You can also spend under 500 and have professional companies test your land.

I do know for a fact that there are no multiple sinkhole carriers competeing for your business. This drives the price up and up!

When there is a tract record of few claims in five years or so the rates may remain the same and not go up much. IMHO

Russ has done his homework I agree with him.

We were very very lucky and got our insurance just under the gun.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Herv, rather than looking back for prior threads on whether or not someone felt sinkhole coverage will or won't be available in the new areas, I elected to contact our agent and get the scoop from her directly:

Rita Canty with Brightway Insurance out of Jacksonville - (904)646-1850.

Our policy on our patio villa in Duval was underwritten by Security First Insurance Co. through them just over a year ago. Brightway currently represents 41 of the 44 "admitted" (ie. approved by the state) companies that underwrite H.O. insurance in FL. Other insurance agencies only work with a few companies.

Here's what I got just a bit ago from my phone conversation with Rita:

- It is not necessarily easy to get sinkhole coverage added to a H.O. policy.....but it is not impossible if your home is considered viable to be covered. She did acknowledge that over the past two years, it has gotten more difficult. However, she was unaware of any companies refusing to write sinkhole coverage in any specific areas.

- Each request for coverage is reviewed on a case-by-case basis - a company wants to assess their risk in providing sinkhole coverage for your property. There is a process to go through - it is not as simple and straightforward as, say, calling your insurance agent and changing the deductible on your car insurance policy on the spot.

- Nearly all companies are now requiring some type of pre-coverage inspection which will help them assess the current condition of the property relative to sinkhole potential. She said most of the companies are using a third-party organization that specializes in such inspections - SDII was the company that did ours. SDII Global Corporation > Home (http://www.sdii-global.com/sdii-dnn/) The insurance company split the cost of the inspection with us so our out-of-pocket for the inspection was $75 (early 2011) - and this 'split' was mentioned up-front and voluntarily by Rita at the time.....no arm-twisting on our part. Your experience with another company might differ.

My suggestion would be to check with the agent of your choice about what the process is for the company/ies they represent IN ADVANCE of purchasing a property if you are locked in to wanting sinkhole coverage. We lucked out - the whole sinkhole coverage concept was new to us when we bought. Fortunately, our home passed inspection and we were able to get the coverage added a few months later......though it was not inexpensive (it added 19% to the total cost of our H.O. policy for this year!). If you find you're having problems, contact Rita for her input. I'd think if any insurance agency would be able to help, it would be them given that they're representing nearly all the companies able to write policies in FL.

Disclaimer: We have absolutely no affiliation, direct or indirect, with Rita or Brightway Insurance.

Bill :)

[Russ_Boston]

Russ: Are you basing that on a fact, something you know, or just commenting?

No fact. But unlikely that any part of Sumter County would be covered (In My Opinion) regardless of the zip. If the insurance company doesn't like the risk in 32162 then I don't think the new area would be covered. Same basic geography.

[CarGuys]

Thanks Bill, Your a good mentor and a " Go to Resource"

I did exactly what you recommend. Like you we went to our agent and we were lucky with getting our policies. In fact I had several close friends in Tamarind work with me also.

My Post was for all the new or soon to purchase buyers reading. I believe that we are not starting panic but as per the TOTV I feel it is a nice gesture to give people a heads up.

Some attack that we are starting a panic. I was shocked to find out how close we came to NOT getting coverage or a huge deductible.

As you most correctly stated. You and I both found that a call to your agent is priceless.

I would someday hope like a used home inspection a new lot would have the requirement to provide sinkhole inspection to give those peace of mind.

Good companies with technology of ground sonar and test drilling can determine a yea! or nay!

I am afraid that these rates are going to climb unless Fla law restores insurance sinkhole reasonable coverage.

[Russ_Boston]

Good companies with technology of ground sonar and test drilling can determine a yea! or nay!

I was told that these type of tests are many thousands of $$

[aljetmet]

So I'll definitely contact an agent before putting a deposit on a lot. But say I pick a lot and by the time they come to test it's sold to someone else.
Wonder if TV will give you a rebate if you back out of a lot cause you cannot get sinkhole coverage or the coverage has a very high deductible or high cost.

[janmcn]

So I'll definitely contact an agent before putting a deposit on a lot. But say I pick a lot and by the time they come to test it's sold to someone else.
Wonder if TV will give you a rebate if you back out of a lot cause you cannot get sinkhole coverage or the coverage has a very high deductible or high cost.

That's an excellent question for your sales person. Please let us know what he/she says in response.

[graciegirl]

That's an excellent question for your sales person. Please let us know what he/she says in response.

You can't insure what you don't own. Inquire now. Do your due diligence.

And even if there is a danger anywhere in Florida of sinkholes, The Villages isn't having any trouble selling those lots.

Dance while you can still hear the music.

[Posh 08]

You can't insure what you don't own. Inquire now. Do your due diligence.

And even if there is a danger anywhere in Florida of sinkholes, The Villages isn't having any trouble selling those lots.

Dance while you can still hear the music.

I think he was talking about a sink hole inspection. A very good idea. I will be doing same before dancing.

[graciegirl]

So I'll definitely contact an agent before putting a deposit on a lot. But say I pick a lot and by the time they come to test it's sold to someone else.
Wonder if TV will give you a rebate if you back out of a lot cause you cannot get sinkhole coverage or the coverage has a very high deductible or high cost.
Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sinkhole-near-cane-garden-48578-post465110/#post465110)
You can't insure what you don't own. Inquire now. Do your due diligence.

And even if there is a danger anywhere in Florida of sinkholes, The Villages isn't having any trouble selling those lots.

Dance while you can still hear the music.

"I think he was talking about a sink hole inspection. A very good idea. I will be doing same before dancing."Posh

How could they inspect a lot for sinkholes before you choose a lot and put a deposit on it??? Just asking. And my point is that sinkholes happen, they are fairly rare. Central and West central Florida has more than the rest of the state. That known and given, the lots are still selling here pretty fast and people are taking their chances. May I have this waltz, Posh? ;).

The cheery thought around here is that if you don't ever have a sinkhole, you have a good chance to be hit by a drunken golf cart driver.;)

OR...CAN YOU HAVE A POTENTIAL LOT INSPECTED.??AND HOW DO THEY DO THAT? AND WILL THEY CHARGE YOU FOR THAT? And even after that can you be sure?

[aljetmet]

Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sinkhole-near-cane-garden-48578-post465110/#post465110)
You can't insure what you don't own. Inquire now. Do your due diligence.

And even if there is a danger anywhere in Florida of sinkholes, The Villages isn't having any trouble selling those lots.

Dance while you can still hear the music.

"I think he was talking about a sink hole inspection. A very good idea. I will be doing same before dancing."Posh

How could they inspect a lot for sinkholes before you choose a lot and put a deposit on it??? Just asking. And my point is that sinkholes happen, they are fairly rare. Central and West central Florida has more than the rest of the state. That known and given, the lots are still selling here pretty fast and people are taking their chances. May I have this waltz, Posh? ;).

The cheery thought around here is that if you don't ever have a sinkhole, you have a good chance to be hit by a drunken golf cart driver.;)

OR...CAN YOU HAVE A POTENTIAL LOT INSPECTED.??AND HOW DO THEY DO THAT? AND WILL THEY CHARGE YOU FOR THAT? And even after that can you be sure?

I wonder if I should start a new thread on this?

With the multitude closures on homes south of 466A I wonder how many people have:

1> Tried to get sinkhole coverage?
2> How many denied?
3> If coverage was given how much and what is the deductible?

I wish I knew how to start a poll. hint hint please!

So in the meantime I'll :popcorn:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.....I wish I knew how to start a poll. .....

This should help:

Talk of The Villages - FAQ: Reading and Posting Messages (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_polls)

Bill :)

[twotogo]

I heard that someone received a letter from their insurance company that their sinkhole coverage was canceled. The catastophic sinkhole coverage was not canceled. Has anyone else had their sinkhole coveraged canceled?

What did you do? Can you get S.H. coverage from Florida Citizens Ins? What would the cost and the deductible be?

We have visited The Villages for two years and will be putting our home up for sale in April. I need to be sure I will be covered when the home is built and in the future. Thanks in advance for responding.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

twotogo, in addition to seeking feedback/input here on TOTV, it's undoubtedly best that you also contact an insurance agent regarding your questions and concerns. Plenty of referrals in this thread and others regarding various insurance agencies if you don't already have one in mind.

Bill :)

[CarGuys]

twotogo, in addition to seeking feedback/input here on TOTV, it's undoubtedly best that you also contact an insurance agent regarding your questions and concerns. Plenty of referrals in this thread and others regarding various insurance agencies if you don't already have one in mind.

Bill :)

Bill is Spot on- This is no longer a stick your head in the sand and it will go away concern. If you are buying a lot find out of coverage is available.

If the TV wants to sell homes and FLa underwriters are no providing a service to the new clients then TV may want to consider and underwrite ther own insurance for us. Now that will start a stink on this site! :shrug:

Call agents get quotes on total sink hole coverage first That is both major and minor damage.

Folks in St James and Tamarind Grove area got in under the wire or those that took it did. TOTV saved our hides. I would never have looked into that coverage without help from my fellow posters.:pray:

[JimJoe]

Per today's paper, this incident was a water main break and not a sinkhole.

To Advo.... Golf course irrigation is primarily via reclaimed water in the various ponds.

So what caused the water main to break? Up north breaks are usually ground movement caused by freezing and thawing..
Why would a new pipe in TV just break if it was not ground movement?
JJ

[Posh 08]

Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sinkhole-near-cane-garden-48578-post465110/#post465110)
You can't insure what you don't own. Inquire now. Do your due diligence.

And even if there is a danger anywhere in Florida of sinkholes, The Villages isn't having any trouble selling those lots.

Dance while you can still hear the music.

"I think he was talking about a sink hole inspection. A very good idea. I will be doing same before dancing."Posh

How could they inspect a lot for sinkholes before you choose a lot and put a deposit on it??? Just asking. And my point is that sinkholes happen, they are fairly rare. Central and West central Florida has more than the rest of the state. That known and given, the lots are still selling here pretty fast and people are taking their chances. May I have this waltz, Posh? ;).

The cheery thought around here is that if you don't ever have a sinkhole, you have a good chance to be hit by a drunken golf cart driver.;)

OR...CAN YOU HAVE A POTENTIAL LOT INSPECTED.??AND HOW DO THEY DO THAT? AND WILL THEY CHARGE YOU FOR THAT? And even after that can you be sure?

Working on it. Get this place sold first then away we go.

[Carla B]

I heard that someone received a letter from their insurance company that their sinkhole coverage was canceled. The catastophic sinkhole coverage was not canceled. Has anyone else had their sinkhole coveraged canceled?

What did you do? Can you get S.H. coverage from Florida Citizens Ins? What would the cost and the deductible be?

We have visited The Villages for two years and will be putting our home up for sale in April. I need to be sure I will be covered when the home is built and in the future. Thanks in advance for responding.

It's possible that insurance companies will not renew policies with sinkhole coverage. The reason I say this is that when we lived in Palm Beach County, our HO policy was not renewed by Allstate Floridian, along with 95,000 others. This was due to hurricane losses, even though we never had a claim. Even our agent's policy was not renewed. The big insurance companies left Florida and gradually smaller companies moved in. Probably when the whole issue of sinkhole claims eventually settles down more insurance companies will step in and offer the coverage.

Allstate Floridian offered us one alternative: Universal Property, with whom we could retain our $500 deductible. Citizens would have been much more expensive with a higher deductible. Our insurance in TV is up for renewal in July and we'll have to see what happens.

[CarGuys]

The big insurance companies left Florida and gradually smaller companies moved in. Probably when the whole issue of sinkhole claims eventually settles down more insurance companies will step in and offer the coverage.

Our insurance in TV is up for renewal in July and we'll have to see what happens.

Couldn't have said it better Carla! I'm betting that next year all our rates go up or are gone until this all settles down.

Wonder how many say go un-protected and just let the bank take it when it disappeares?

[senior citizen]

Thanks Bill, Your a good mentor and a " Go to Resource"

I did exactly what you recommend. Like you we went to our agent and we were lucky with getting our policies. In fact I had several close friends in Tamarind work with me also.

My Post was for all the new or soon to purchase buyers reading. I believe that we are not starting panic but as per the TOTV I feel it is a nice gesture to give people a heads up.

Some attack that we are starting a panic. I was shocked to find out how close we came to NOT getting coverage or a huge deductible.

As you most correctly stated. You and I both found that a call to your agent is priceless.

I would someday hope like a used home inspection a new lot would have the requirement to provide sinkhole inspection to give those peace of mind.

Good companies with technology of ground sonar and test drilling can determine a yea! or nay!

I am afraid that these rates are going to climb unless Fla law restores insurance sinkhole reasonable coverage.

Everyone thinking of purchasing in The Villages would understand your gesture of giving people a "heads up". It's not panic to educate oneself about potential problems. The old adage........."Buyer Beware" still holds true.

Also, as far as another thought , by others, that maybe those who did encounter a lot with sinkhole "issues" would just give it back to the bank.
Well, not everyone takes out a mortgage. I would think most would use the profits from their earlier home to buy the new home or lot/property and without the sinkhole insurance in their Homeowners Policy....would be totally devastated.

I was just surprised to see our HO policy up here in Vermont rise in cost as well as the insurance agency offer us a $5,000 deductible to save $100 a year. This on the heels of the devastating Vermont floods (two last year, in June and August).............Mother Nature is unpredictable all over lately.

[villages07]

Couldn't have said it better Carla! I'm betting that next year all our rates go up or are gone until this all settles down.

Wonder how many say go un-protected and just let the bank take it when it disappeares?

I have ASI and it appears they significantly raised their rates somewhere around last May (plus or minus a month or two). For example, my renewal was for August and insurance went up somewhere around 20%, mostly due to sinkhole and "approved" rate increases. All the folks complaining about rate increases now are catching up to last year's approved rate hike.

It'll be interesting to see what happens to those coming up on this next year of renewals (i.e. after May'ish) to see there is another significant rate hike or other changes in sinkhole coverage.

Someone asked earlier, and never got a good answer.... for folks who have recently closed on new homes in Sanibel or St James...what has been your experience in obtaining sinkhole coverage as part of your HO insurance?

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Has the Cane Garden sinkhole been repaired yet?

[l2ridehd]

I was by there two weeks ago and they had repaired the underground and had filled the hole. They had not repaired the house porch or garage yet. I would guess they need to wait until the concrete they injected under the home has had a chance to cure. Probably takes 8 to 10 days for that. Looks like they will return it to as good as new. Probably better then other homes right around it now.

[zonerboy]

Bought my home in the Villages from the Villages with mortgage by the Villages (i.e. Citizens First) with home insurance by the Villages.
So if it disappears into a sinkhole, I'll let the Villages worry about it.

[Posh 08]

Bought my home in the Villages from the Villages with mortgage by the Villages (i.e. Citizens First) with home insurance by the Villages.
So if it disappears into a sinkhole, I'll let the Villages worry about it.

I like it Zoner, I like it. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[TommyT]

Bought my home in the Villages from the Villages with mortgage by the Villages (i.e. Citizens First) with home insurance by the Villages.
So if it disappears into a sinkhole, I'll let the Villages worry about it.

:a20: :a20: :a20: :bowdown:

[F16 1UB]

I have ASI and it appears they significantly raised their rates somewhere around last May (plus or minus a month or two). For example, my renewal was for August and insurance went up somewhere around 20%, mostly due to sinkhole and "approved" rate increases. All the folks complaining about rate increases now are catching up to last year's approved rate hike.

It'll be interesting to see what happens to those coming up on this next year of renewals (i.e. after May'ish) to see there is another significant rate hike or other changes in sinkhole coverage.

Someone asked earlier, and never got a good answer.... for folks who have recently closed on new homes in Sanibel or St James...what has been your experience in obtaining sinkhole coverage as part of your HO insurance?


Ours (ASI) went up 31.9% due mid May 2012. Have to start winning some more bass tournaments.

[CarGuys]

Bought my home in the Villages from the Villages with mortgage by the Villages (i.e. Citizens First) with home insurance by the Villages.
So if it disappears into a sinkhole, I'll let the Villages worry about it.

If they get crazy and raise the insurance rate next year I'm with you.

[Lynnelf]

We just got our homeowner's insurance through AAA. We were told that we just made the deadline before significant changes would take place in FL regarding sinkhole insurance coverage. (We close April 12, changes take place April 15.) The change would be in the deductible for the sinkhole insurance. Presently, it is 1,000. After the 15th the deductible will increase to 10% of purchase price. (sinkhole claims only.) We still have to get an inspection of the property before they will issue the insurance so I am hoping we pass!

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

I was by there two weeks ago and they had repaired the underground and had filled the hole. They had not repaired the house porch or garage yet. I would guess they need to wait until the concrete they injected under the home has had a chance to cure. Probably takes 8 to 10 days for that. Looks like they will return it to as good as new. Probably better then other homes right around it now.

Thanks for the update. I was just curious how long it takes to correct the damage.

[Nipper]

We have homeowners through The Villages. When I called to add sink hole coverage, I was told we would have to have an inspection which costs $140. And I think the lady said, hardly anyone passes the inspection. She was right. We had a hairline crack (what stucco houses doesn't have a hairline crack?) and were turned down. This is all due to new rules approved by Florida legislature.

[Villageshooter]

This is getting serious. Insurance rates going up, deductable increasing. The shifting sands will be our demise of our future .We need a crystal ball.

[GatorFan]

Cane Garden was not a sinkhole claim. It was classified as catastrophic ground collapse which is included in policies.

[janmcn]

Cane Garden was not a sinkhole claim. It was classified as catastrophic ground collapse which is included in policies.

What is the technical difference between a sinkhole and a catastrophic ground collapse?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

What is the technical difference between a sinkhole and a catastrophic ground collapse?

See post #36 in this thread.

Bill :)