Sinkhole Damage Public Adjuster in Florida
Cracking walls, sticking doors and sinking floors can point to ground movement. We review your coverage, document the damage and guide the claim.
- Free InspectionNo cost, no obligation.
- Licensed in FloridaFirm License# W807579.
- No recovery, no feeWe get paid only when you get paid.
- English & EspañolHablamos español.
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Sinkhole Claims Have Their Own Rules
Much of Florida sits on limestone that can dissolve over time, which can cause the ground to settle or collapse. Florida homeowners policies must include coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse, but broader sinkhole coverage is usually optional and must be purchased.
Sinkhole claims often involve engineers, testing and detailed reports. Northside Adjusters reviews your coverage, documents the damage to your home and works with the insurer through the investigation and the claim.
Sinkhole claims usually need testing by engineers or geologists. We review the insurer's findings with you and make sure your side of the claim is documented.
First Steps If You Suspect a Sinkhole
- Keep people and pets away from any depression or opening.
- Photograph cracks with a ruler or coin for scale, and date the photos.
- Write down when you first noticed each crack or problem.
- Report the claim, then call us for a free review.
Signs of Sinkhole and Ground Movement Damage
These signs do not always mean a sinkhole, but they should be checked.
Cracks in Walls and Floors
New or growing cracks in drywall, stucco, tile or the slab.
Depressions in the Yard
Low spots or holes that appear or grow near the home.
Doors and Windows That Stick
Frames pulled out of square by settling.
Sloping Floors
Floors that slope or separate from walls and baseboards.
Plumbing Problems
Broken pipes or leaks caused by ground movement.
Exterior Separation
Gaps around driveways, patios, pool decks or the foundation.
What Insurers Often Underpay or Deny
Sinkhole claims are technical and often disputed.
No Sinkhole Coverage
Without sinkhole coverage, only a catastrophic ground cover collapse may be covered. We check your policy first.
Blaming Other Causes
Insurers may say cracks come from normal settling, shrinkage or construction issues.
Limited Testing
Engineering reports may be limited in scope. We review the findings and what they mean for your claim.
Repair Method Disputes
Ground stabilization and building repairs can be costly, and the repair method matters.
How a Public Adjuster Helps with Sinkhole Claims
We help you understand a technical claim and make sure your damage is fully documented.
Documentation
Photos, crack measurements and a timeline of when the damage appeared.
Policy Review
We check for sinkhole coverage, collapse coverage and related limits.
Detailed Estimate
An estimate for building repairs alongside the engineering findings.
Negotiation
We communicate with the insurer and its experts through the investigation and settlement.
How Northside Handles Your Claim
The same steps for every claim, explained in more detail on our Claims Process page.
- 1
Call, Text or Send the Form
Call or text 888-888-8591 any time, or use the short form on this page. Tell us what happened and who your insurer is.
- 2
Free Inspection and Policy Review
A licensed adjuster inspects the property at no cost and reads your policy, declarations page and any letters from the insurer.
- 3
Documentation and Estimate
We photograph, measure and record the damage and its cause, then write a detailed repair estimate and contents list.
- 4
We Present and Negotiate
We submit the claim, meet the insurer's adjuster and experts at the property and negotiate the amount owed.
- 5
Settlement and Payment
The insurer pays the agreed amount. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement, capped by Florida law. No recovery, no fee.
Sinkhole Claims in Southwest and South Florida
Southwest Florida
Sinkholes are more common in west-central Florida, but ground movement and settlement problems also affect homes in Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda. We inspect in person.
South Florida
Homeowners in Miami-Dade and Broward also see cracking and settlement. We help determine what coverage applies and document the damage.
Sinkhole Damage Claim Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover sinkholes?
Florida homeowners policies must include catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage. Broader sinkhole coverage is usually optional, so check your declarations page or call us to review it.
What is catastrophic ground cover collapse?
In general, it is a sudden collapse of the ground that leaves a visible hole and makes the home unsafe to live in, as defined in the policy. Most cracking does not meet that definition.
Are cracks in my walls a sign of a sinkhole?
Not always. Cracks can come from settling or other causes. Testing by engineers or geologists is usually needed to know.
Who does the testing?
The insurer usually hires engineers or geologists to investigate. We review their findings with you and explain what they mean.
How long does a sinkhole claim take?
Often longer than other claims, because of testing and reports. We keep the claim moving and keep you informed.
What does it cost to hire you?
The review is free. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement, capped by Florida law. No recovery, no fee.
General information only, not legal advice. Your policy and Florida law govern your claim. Florida law and your policy set deadlines for claims and supplemental claims (section 627.70132). More answers on our FAQ page.
Other Damage We Handle
One loss often involves more than one type of damage. See every service on our Residential claims page.
All Residential Claims Our claims process Claim FAQ Denied or Underpaid Claims Public Adjuster Fees
Signs of a Sinkhole? Get a Free Review.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster today. The inspection is free, and if there is no recovery, there is no fee.
