1. 1365 POINTS
    Robert Attala LUTCF, PFP
    Agency Owner, A1 Insurance LLC, Arizona, California Agency
    Good question Usally earth movement is not covered on the home insurance. This is an excluded coverage and you might have to buy lets say earthquate insurance to cover that risk.

    Also if you live on a cliff or mountian and the soil gives way and the hosue shift or drops off the cliff you will not be covered. Good Luck
    Answered on April 11, 2013
  2. 1615 POINTS
    Ryan Andrew
    President, The Andrew Agency, Richmond, VA
    No. Homeowners insurance will not cover ground movement, shifting or sink holes. Homeowners insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental losses and shifting occurs over time. This condition is also specifically excluded in most policies. Shifting can become a major problem so I would recommend hiring a structural engineer to assess the situation and provide recommendations to fix the problem.
    Answered on June 6, 2013
  3. 37376 POINTS
    David G. Pipes, CLU®, RICP®
    Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
    The damage that is caused by earth movement is not covered under the basic homeowner’s plan.  If the issue is the gradual settling that a new home invariably experiences, that isn’t covered either.  There are many earth movement issues in addition to earthquake.  There are earth subsidence issues, sink hole issues and mine collapse.  These are generally excluded risks.
    Answered on June 30, 2014
  4. 21750 POINTS
    Jim Winkler
    CEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, Texas
    That is a great question! Unfortunately, the answer probably is not. As a rule, most houses will settle slightly, but not enough to cause major damage, so it typically isn't a named coverage. In places where landslides or earthquakes are a risk, then those dangers get coverage either as riders added to your policy, or as separate policies altogether. About the best thing that I can tell you is to contact your agent, and have them tell you whether you are covered or not. Good luck, and thanks for asking!
    Answered on July 1, 2014
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