Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a sinkhole?

The possibility of encountering a natural disaster like a sinkhole can be alarming for many drivers. Unfortunately, you have no control over such an incident, and it could severely damage your vehicle — it’s simply a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fortunately, your car insurance may cover damage caused by a sinkhole, and if it doesn’t, you should be proactive and choose the best car insurance.

What can a sinkhole do to my vehicle?

A sinkhole is a depression in the ground that fills with water after rainfall and has no way of draining properly. Eventually, this can cause the ground surface to cave in, taking anything above ground with it. In the auto insurance world, they qualify as a natural disaster.

If you encounter a sinkhole and your vehicle falls inside, it is extremely dangerous and can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage, suspension, wheels, and tires. The interior can also suffer from flooding damage, and your windshield can easily shatter (read our “Does Car Insurance cover flooding damage?” for more information).

Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a sinkhole?

Depending on the types of car insurance coverage you have, you may be able to receive compensation for vehicle damage caused by a sinkhole. As mentioned, insurers consider sinkholes a natural disaster and define any damage they cause as accidental.

If you experience this specific accident, you will need comprehensive insurance coverage, compensating policyholders for damages caused by any event that isn’t a collision. It also covers theft, vandalism, fire damage, and animal collisions.

Read more: Does car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?

The average cost of this insurance from the best comprehensive car insurance companies is around $13 per month. How much you pay depends on several factors, including your age, vehicle model and year, driving history, and your deductible.

When you agree to a higher deductible, which your insurance company takes each time you file a claim, you can enjoy lower monthly premiums. This is a good idea if you are a low-risk driver.

It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage does not include collision damage with another driver or liability coverage. That’s why many insurance companies offer several types of insurance packages.

If you only have collision coverage, you should consider shopping for a more well-rounded package and keep your eyes peeled for potential car insurance discounts.

Not all comprehensive plans cover sinkhole damage, especially if your insurance comes from a location where sinkholes are uncommon. There may also be specific limits to your coverage that can affect your claim. Therefore, you should always consult with your insurance company about the specifics of your plan.

What can affect my sinkhole damage claim?

You should also file a claim as soon as possible to meet your deadlines and show your insurance company that the damages are serious. Do your research on the best car insurance companies for paying claims.

Furthermore, certain states may also have laws and regulations that affect sinkhole damage claims. It’s also extremely important to document damage by taking photos to prove that your vehicle fell into a sinkhole.

When your insurance company assigns an adjuster, you may have to show them proof that your car was damaged by a sinkhole, not a car accident. As usual, you should also make sure all receipts for repairs are readily available so you can be reimbursed. (For more information, read our “What is the claims adjuster’s role in the car insurance claims process?”).

Who needs comprehensive coverage for sinkhole damages?

You may live in an area with a history of sinkhole activity. According to the United States Geological Survey, states like Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky, and Missouri experience more sinkholes than others and are more vulnerable to underground water washing away soft rocks and salt beds.

Over time, this creates a large, wide space underneath the Earth’s surface, which can eventually collapse.

Combining this risk with living in a region with heavy rainfall means you should have comprehensive insurance coverage. Since sinkholes can also be human-made and occur in areas with heavy mining and construction, you should confirm with your insurance company if your policy covers sinkhole damage.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a construction zone accident?

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Sinkhole Damage

Case Study 1: Emily’s Sudden Sinkhole Encounter

Emily was driving through her neighborhood when she unexpectedly encountered a sinkhole in the middle of the road. Unable to react in time, her car fell into the sinkhole, causing significant damage to the undercarriage and suspension. Fortunately, Emily had comprehensive car insurance coverage, which includes protection against sinkhole damage.

She immediately contacted her insurance company and filed a claim, providing all the necessary documentation and evidence of the sinkhole incident. The insurance company assessed the damages and approved Emily’s claim. Her comprehensive coverage covered the repair costs, and she paid her deductible. Emily was able to recover from the sinkhole incident without bearing the financial burden.

Case Study 2: Michael’s Flooded Vehicle

Michael parked his car on the street during heavy rainfall, unaware that there was an underground water problem that could lead to a sinkhole. Unfortunately, his car ended up submerged in the sinkhole caused by the collapsing ground. Fortunately, Michael had comprehensive car insurance coverage that specifically covered sinkhole damage.

He promptly contacted his insurance company and filed a claim, providing photographic evidence of the sinkhole and the resulting damage to his car. The insurance company processed the claim and approved the necessary repairs. Michael’s comprehensive coverage paid for the repairs, and he paid his deductible.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Shattered Windshield

Sarah was driving on the highway when a sinkhole suddenly appeared ahead, causing her to swerve and collide with a road barrier. Although her car didn’t fall into the sinkhole, the impact shattered her windshield and caused significant damage to the front of her vehicle. Fortunately, Sarah had comprehensive car insurance coverage.

She immediately contacted her insurance company and filed a claim, providing all the necessary documentation and police report. The insurance company reviewed the claim and approved the repairs. Sarah’s comprehensive coverage paid for the windshield replacement and the repairs to her car’s front. She paid her deductible and was grateful for having the right insurance coverage.

Read more:

• Does my car insurance cover damage to my windshield?
• Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a road hazard?

Car Insurance Coverage and Sinkholes: The Bottom Line

You can avoid paying hefty fees for sinkhole damage by securing the right comprehensive coverage plan before the unexpected happens. In addition, preparation is key when saving money on vehicle repairs, so it’s important to be financially and mentally ready for potential disasters.