Florida residents face more than their fair share of natural disasters, but few are as terrifying as sinkholes. In the blink of an eye, the ground underneath your home can disappear, swallowing your house and everything you own. While Florida law requires homeowner’s insurance companies to protect residents against these potentially catastrophic losses, you may need additional coverage to address some of the most common sinkhole risks.

A Guide to Homeowner’s Insurance & Sinkholes

What Is a Sinkhole?

Many areas, including Florida, are composed of soft limestone, which is riddled with caves and caverns hidden deep underground. Over time, the roofs of these caves become unstable, and they eventually collapse. Many caves are small, which is why many sinkholes only cause damage to foundation and roads; others are large enough to consume entire neighborhoods. Once the ground collapses, there’s usually nothing to be done but evacuate nearby homes and hope for the best.

What Homeowner’s Insurance Do Florida Residents Need?

Because Florida homeowners are uniquely vulnerable to sinkhole damage, the law requires insurance companies to include coverage for catastrophic events in every homeowner’s insurance policy. If the ground level suddenly and noticeably drops, causing such extensive damage that your home is evacuated and condemned by the state, your home insurance company is required to honor your claim.

When Do You Need a Rider?

Not all sinkholes result in catastrophic losses, so you may still be on the hook if ground cover movement doesn’t leave your home uninhabitable. Without a sinkhole rider in your homeowner’s insurance policy, you might have to pay out-of-pocket if a sinkhole damages your foundation or destroys the driveway without damaging your house. Because these disasters can occur anywhere, every Florida resident should consider adding sinkhole coverage to their homeowner’s insurance policy.

Florida homeowners need comprehensive coverage designed to protect them against various risks, which is why Wesley Chapel residents trust Family First Insurance Services. Their agents take the time to find a policy that offers the coverage you need, backed by one of the nation’s leading carriers. For your free homeowner’s insurance quote, visit their website now or call their offices at (813) 994-3900.