We hate to hear news like this, but we want to take a minute to educate our clients about their homeowners policy.

Earthquakes and Sinkholes are NOT covered on any HO3 homeowner policy unless the coverage is added. You can buy a standalone earthquake policy, but it's cheaper to endorse that coverage to your homeowner policy. There is no standalone sinkhole policy available to our knowledge. However, you can add a sinkhole endorsement to most homeowner policies. Please note, Earthquake and Sinkhole are separate endorsements. Both will result in an increase of premium and could have a separate deductible.

Flood insurance can only be purchased on a standalone policy. NO homeowners insurance policy will cover flooding from outside water. Mudslides & Landslides may or may not be covered on Flood policies. You will have to check to make sure it's covered as each policy is different. Standalone landslide policies are offered by companies as well. Mudslides & Landslides are never covered on a HO3 homeowner policy and the coverage can not be endorsed to a policy. If flooding, mudslides, & landslides are something you are concerned about make sure to contact your agent.

Always take the time to read over your policy when it comes in the mail. Most of the time there are pages that say, "EXCLUSION" or "EXCLUDED" in big bold letters. That means whatever is being discussed on the page is not going to be covered. When in doubt always ask questions and never assume. Lastly, if you can't get answers to your questions, from your local agent or the company, start shopping your insurance elsewhere. If communication is poor now what will it be like when you have a claim?

Need a quote? Call us at 423-472-1744 or fill out the quote request form https://www.hoopins.com/request-a-quote

***Related blog posts:

https://www.hoopins.com/blog/tennessee-flood-insurance

https://www.hoopins.com/blog/areyoucovered

Link to News Channel 3’s full article: https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/44454338/cleveland-couple-all-we-want-is-our-house-fixed-after-house-is-wrecked-from-sinkhole?fbclid=IwAR3_uWica5z4oLIMx4zLnbDC9aRtgGa0ppbGTnfTOTRtDxGe-xZkkaUUJeo