chacha..... Sinkhole protection is contained in homeowner's policies, but, everyone should check to make sure they are covered.

I have Traveler's Insurance through The Villages Insurance company. Initially, sinkhole coverage was a standard protection subject to the 'all perils' deductible I chose. Last year, Travelers pulled this out of its base policy and made it an add-on protection. Cost was about $100 BUT the deductible is 10% of the value your dwelling is insured for. So, for a $250K dwelling (house only, not the land), you would pay the first $25K in sinkhole repairs out of pocket before insurance kicks in. That's a lot of exposure.

Other insurance carriers have a more reasonable $500 or $1,000 deductible for sinkhole claims.

As others have noted, the chance of you suffering sinkhole damage to your dwelling or land is very small, but, repairs are very costly.

As to who pays for repairs on public roads or in Villages common areas... I imagine the county pays for the roads and the CDD (is this insured???) pays for common areas.

There are homes in TV that have had severe and very expensive sinkhole problems. I guess it's like hurricanes... a risk you take to live here.

Homeowner insurance policy annual renewals are showing sink hole coverage as a rider and not part of the basic policy. Apparently the marion and sumter county region is at risk as are other areas of the state.

Recently my renewal which is 07/09 included a rider for this coverage and with the recent surge in sink holes it makes sense to me to carry it.

Do you remember what it cost?
 

How much additional did it cost do you remember. I would like to add the cost to my basis in my cost of the villages spreadsheet.
Thanks from the numbercruncher.

Lighten up Chucky. If you can't control it, why not get a chuckle out of it. Laughter is the best medicine.

gemorc....

I'm still not sure if you were kidding or serious. Never crossed my mind on your original post that you might be goofing with us about Lopez driving range and Al Hambra pond.

I am assuming now that you were kidding...right?

My rider cost $139 ... FWIW ...

John

Both statements are true.

Thanks John, I think at 39 cents a night the insurance would be worth it to avoid the worry and nightmares. I will add it to my annual expense in the villages projections and the numbercrunching continues.

I understand that sinkholes are very rare, but VERY expensive if it is under your home ... so I got the rider ...

John

There have been anywhere from 3-5 sink holes spotted at the Lopez course...several of their smaller ponds are empty....

AND yes the beautiful pond on El Camino at Alhambra is missing!!

On Friday there was sink hole issues on El Camino Real right in front of the pond and all the way to the pond.

It was quite a scene...with state troopers, the water company, big dirt diggers, the sherriff's office, an ambulance (as a car swurved onto the side of the road to avoid the sink hole).

However...if you drive down El Camino today you will just see a lot more sand near the road, on the road and a very empty pond.

It certainly has brought in a lot of beautiful birds as they are feeding on the fish.

Anyone have pictures of the empty ponds that they can upload? I for one would be interested in seeing.

Posted without looking at the picture albums and sure enough there are some pictures. Thanks Sandy222.

And a terrible odor. I feel sorry for those living downwind from those ponds.

My name isn't Chucky.


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