Sinkholes are one of the most frightening types of ground movement a property owner can face. In a matter of hours—or sometimes even minutes—an entire section of land can collapse, taking homes, businesses, vehicles, and infrastructure with it. While sinkholes are more common in states like Florida, Illinois residents are not immune to them. Soil erosion, underground water flow, and construction activity can create conditions where the ground suddenly gives way, causing devastating damage. At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, our Illinois sinkhole damage lawyers represent property owners in insurance disputes, making sure they receive the coverage they are owed.
Insurance Coverage for Sinkhole Damage
Many Illinois property owners assume their insurance policy will automatically cover sinkhole losses, but this is not always the case. Standard property policies often contain exclusions for “earth movement,” which may include sinkholes. Some insurers require additional coverage, sometimes called “sinkhole insurance” or “catastrophic ground collapse coverage.”
When coverage does apply, a sinkhole claim may include:
- Structural repairs to foundations, walls, and floors;
- Stabilization of the land or soil beneath the property;
- Replacement of personal belongings, business inventory, or equipment destroyed in the collapse;
- Relocation costs for displaced residents or tenants; and
- Business interruption coverage for companies forced to close.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often dispute these claims, arguing that the damage was due to “settling” or other excluded causes. Our Illinois sinkhole attorneys know how to challenge these tactics and prove that sinkhole activity was the cause of the losses.
