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SINKHOLE
INFORMATION |
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Citizens Policyholders:
As of
September 1, 2007 for new policies, and
October 1, 2007 for renewing polices
you will be able to "Opt-out" of
Sinkhole Coverage
(if your mortgage
company will let you). The savings will vary
from county to county for dropping that coverage. Pasco
and Hernando are the only counties that you must
Map of sinkhole occurrences in West Central Florida in 2004 from the Florida Geological Survey.
From Sinkhole.org's website:
IMPORTANT
NOTICE REGARDING SINKHOLE INSURANCE TO ALL Common signs (remember that this kind of sinkhole damage will not be covered if you no longer have sinkhole coverage)
Policy Changes in Sinkhole Coverage from Citizens Website: Sinkhole Changes for Personal Residential Multiperil Policies (pdf) Sinkhole FAQs for Agents (pdf) 4. What is the difference between a “sinkhole” and a “catastrophic ground cover collapse”? (from Sinkhole FAQs for Agents) A “sinkhole” is the settlement or systematic weakening of the earth supporting property covered under Section I of the policy. The settlement or systematic weakening must result from movement or raveling of soils, sediments, or rock material into subterranean voids created by the effect of water on limestone or similar rock formations. “Catastrophic ground cover collapse” is a sudden collapse of the home rendering it uninhabitable and condemned by the local authorities. Catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage will be added to the base policy form for personal residential policies.
HAC has learned that "Catastrophic ground cover collapse"
is a rare occurrence and that sinkholes are much more common, especially in
Pasco and Hernando counties. Who really benefits by
policyholders not having sinkhole coverage? The 2007 Florida Statutes 627.706 Sinkhole insurance; catastrophic ground cover collapse; definitions.
Senate Bill 2498, passed
during the regular 2007 legislative session, added a section to Florida Statute
627.351 which states Citizens (and only Citizens) is not required to send
non-renewal notices dealing with the removal of sinkhole coverage in Pasco and
Hernando Counties, but instead may use a notice of coverage change to notify
policyholders of the removal of sinkhole coverage.
A website containing the database of all sinkholes in Florida.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/sinkhole.htm Click on the graphic above.
More Sinkhole Information: The Florida Department
of Environmental Protection. University of Florida Extension. A good graphic description of sinkhole types. Sinkhole Information. A "Poster" of sinkhole
occurrences in Florida in 2004 from the Online hazard mapping has added Florida Sinkhole Report to its "RiskMeter Online" service.
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