State Farm Property Insurance Florida

The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa., Watchdog column [The Morning Call, Allentown ...

Heard late one September night were unusual and alarming, like nothing they had heard before.

They didn't immediately know it, but the ripping and tearing that echoed in the darkness were the sounds of their home's foundation collapsing into sinkholes.

They discovered the damage the next day. Walls had cracked. Bricks snapped loose from the exterior wall of the bedroom where they had been sleeping. A water pipe burst in the basement. One corner of their house sank about 4 inches.

"I'll never forget the noise," Belinda Sell hasn't condemned their home, but the Sells moved out because they don't believe it is safe, and because the water and sewer service was shut off. They don't think the home is repairable, at least at a price they can afford. And they rightfully are worried about the long-term stability of their property.

They still are paying the mortgage because they don't want to foreclose and ruin their credit.

The Sells say they don't want to point fingers at anyone, but they question how their requests for help have been handled. And they wonder why sinkhole coverage isn't standard on homeowners insurance, especially in sinkhole-prevalent areas like the being exceptions. She said agents typically review with customers what is covered under the homeowners policy, and then review what is not covered and what could be added.

The Sells were unaware, though neighbors have since told them, that at least two sinkholes had opened up in their neighborhood in the past 30 years. One was in the street adjacent to their home.

They are particularly unhappy with and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees held a joint hearing on the topic in September.

"While the state cannot be the ultimate insurer for all people, it is a core function of government to protect life and property," Baker said at the hearing.

Florida homeowner sues State Farm after sinkhole claims denied ...

Most people in Florida know that sinkholes can cause considerable damage to a home and property. Because sinkhole damage can cost a homeowner a lot of money, many Florida residents have insurance to cover repair bills and other financial burdens arising out of a sinkhole. What happens, however, when the insurance agent refuses to cover the costs?

A Florida homeowner and realtor, who owns numerous properties across Florida, has had some unfortunate luck. He has filed 12 sinkhole claims on 12 different homes, but four of his claims have been rejected. In an effort to use the insurance that he wisely purchased for his properties, he is suing State Farm for the costs of repairs on the four homes they refuse to cover.

It is obvious that sinkholes have dramatically altered the Florida landscape. There has been an increase in sinkhole claims from 2,000 in 2005 to 6,000 in 2010. While many may think that a sinkhole, or at least the damage they cause, is easily visible, it turns out many people debate about just what a sinkhole could be.

ABC Action News asked a tenant of one of the Florida realtor's homes about whether he thought there was a sinkhole on his property. While the tenant did not believe there was any sinkhole damage, several neighbors clearly said that they believed the house suffered from sinkhole damage. One neighbor pointed to the numerous cracks as evidence.

If you have insurance that covers your home from sinkhole damage and your insurance company refuses to pay you for a claim, it is important to work with an attorney that specializes in sinkholes. Legal assistance can help you preserve your rights with your insurance company.

Source: ABC Action News, " I-Team: Man files 12 sinkhole claims on 12 homes ," Michael George, Oct.

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