If you’ve done your due diligence by acquiring a homeowner’s insurance policy, make sure your policy includes earth movement coverage. Without this form of coverage, many homeowners are left in a predicament if a sinkhole occurs or the earth beneath their property shifts. Steven Hall with Farmers Insurance has provided quality products to each of his Mountain Grove, Missouri, clients for years. Below, he and his team explain the importance of sinkhole, property collapse, and earth movement coverage.

Standard Homeowner's Insurance Policies Generally Exclude It

While you hope your homeowner’s insurance policy covers damages in the event of an accident, most exclude earth movement. This includes sinking, ground subsidence, mudslide, ground movement, or any earth movement consisting of the ground beneath your home. Sinking, rising, shifting, settling, cracking, bulging, or expanding may not be covered either.

Many homeowners experience the eventual shifting of the land beneath their home. The damage to your home’s foundations can be irreparable. Additionally, the risk of the property continuing to shift will need to be assessed—if your home slides into another, for instance, you could face liability issues. 

What Does It Cover?

Depending on your current homeowner’s insurance policy, you can add an earth movement rider or purchase a separate policy entirely. This coverage includes covering the replacement value of your home in the event of a sinkhole or other earth movement issues affecting the foundations and safety of your property. In addition, if you or your family are displaced during this type of event, your policy will generally kick in coverage to provide you with temporary housing until your home is rebuilt. 

If you live in a high-risk area, in the long run, it pays to completely protect yourself against earth movement, sinkholes, or other natural disasters. Whether you’re looking for auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or specific coverage, such as earth movement coverage, Steven Hall with Farmers Insurance has you covered. Call him at (417) 926-7900 or visit him online for more information.