Sinkholes can be one of the most devastating types of property damage, and they are more common in Florida and Georgia than in many other parts of the country.
These natural occurrences can cause massive structural damage to homes and businesses, leaving owners unsure of how to proceed.
If you’ve experienced sinkhole damage, understanding how to handle your insurance claim is critical to receiving the full compensation you deserve.
At Allegiant Public Adjusters, we are experts at navigating the complex sinkhole claims process, ensuring your claim is handled efficiently and accurately.
A sinkhole occurs when the ground beneath a property collapses, usually due to the erosion or dissolution of bedrock.
Over time, water can erode the bedrock beneath the surface, creating voids that cause the ground to sink or cave in.
In Florida and Georgia, sinkholes are common because of the limestone and other soluble rock formations that are susceptible to erosion.
There are two main types of sinkholes:
Both types of sinkholes can affect your property’s foundation, leading to cracks in walls, floors, ceilings, and even the external structure.
Sinkhole damage isn’t always immediately obvious, but there are several telltale signs you should look out for.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible:
One of the first signs of sinkhole activity is the appearance of cracks in the walls or floors.
These cracks often appear in a stair-step pattern along brickwork or in the drywall, and they may widen over time.
If you notice that your floors have begun to sag or slope, it could be a sign that the foundation of your home is shifting due to sinkhole activity.
Uneven floors may also cause doors and windows to no longer open or close properly.
Sinkholes directly impact the foundation of a building.
You may notice cracks forming along the foundation, which could worsen as the sinkhole causes the ground beneath your property to shift.
In addition to cracks, gaps in the exterior of your home or building could indicate the presence of a sinkhole.
These gaps often appear near windows, doors, or along the foundation.
Another clear sign of a sinkhole is when the ground around your property begins to sink or shift noticeably.
This might cause the ground to crack or pull away from the base of your home, which is a clear indication of the damage below.
Navigating the claims process for sinkhole damage can be complex, especially in Florida and Georgia, where sinkhole claims are common.
Here’s an overview of how we help clients manage their sinkhole damage claims:
Before you file a claim, it’s important to understand the details of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Not all policies cover sinkhole damage, so reviewing your coverage is essential.
We will help you identify:
We make sure to thoroughly review your policy to ensure that your claim is submitted with the right information and expectations.
After reviewing your policy, we conduct a detailed inspection of the sinkhole damage.
We use advanced tools like 3D LiDAR scanning to accurately document every aspect of the damage, including cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors.
This includes:
Having a comprehensive assessment ensures that no detail is overlooked, providing the strongest possible evidence for your claim.
In many cases, your insurance company will request additional documentation to substantiate your claim.
This can include expert opinions from geologists or engineers who specialize in sinkhole damage.
We help coordinate these evaluations and ensure that you have the right experts involved in your claim.
Our goal is to provide irrefutable evidence that strengthens your case and ensures a fair payout.
Once all necessary documentation is gathered, we submit your claim to the insurance company.
This process includes:
Our team ensures that your claim is complete and that you have all the necessary documentation to maximize your payout.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
We take the lead in negotiating with your insurance company to secure the best possible settlement for your sinkhole damage.
If your claim is denied or the offer is too low, we will:
Throughout the process, we fight for timely and fair compensation.
We’ll handle the back-and-forth with the insurance company so that you don’t have to deal with the stress of constant follow-ups.
At Allegiant Public Adjusters, we make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Handling a sinkhole claim requires a thorough understanding of both the science behind sinkholes and the intricacies of the insurance claims process.
Here’s why you should choose Allegiant Public Adjusters to help with your sinkhole claim:
With Allegiant Public Adjusters, you can rest assured that your sinkhole claim will be handled professionally and efficiently.
If you’ve noticed signs of sinkhole damage, don’t wait—get in touch with us immediately.
Our team is ready to help you through the claims process, ensuring you get the compensation you need to repair your property and restore your peace of mind.
Contact Allegiant Public Adjusters today for a free consultation.
