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Perhaps you've observed cracks in the basement or
doors that won't close. If you suspect your property may be affected
by mine subsidence, call your insurance agent or insurance company
to report the problem.
An insurance adjuster, trained in identifying mine
subsidence, will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable time
to inspect the property. The adjuster will ask questions regarding
when the damage became noticeable, the extent of it, and about any
repairs that may have been made. The adjuster will survey the property
to make a determination as to whether mine subsidence is the cause
of damage.
If the damage does not appear to be related to mine
subsidence, the adjuster will explain why that may be the case.
The damage may be caused by some other insured peril. If mine subsidence
is the possible cause, further inspection and monitoring of the
property are necessary.
One of the Fund's geologists or engineers will make
an appointment to investigate the damage. The damage characteristics
and locations will be recorded and photographed. Small screws or
settlement points may be placed in the foundation or property, as
inconspicuously as possible, to measure elevation changes. While
a determination of mine subsidence can often be made at the first
visit, it is not unusual that it may take weeks or months to detect
a pattern. That's because the actual ground movement caused by mine
subsidence is extremely small at the surface. The Fund's geologists
and surveyors may need to make subsequent visits to compare changes
in movement.
After the data is gathered and analyzed, the results
will be reported to your insurance company. The insurer will explain
the findings and what can be done to protect your property.
Your property will be monitored, perhaps for an
extended period of time. This consists of the measurements mentioned
above, and other techniques may also be used to collect the most
accurate information possible. Monitoring of active mine subsidence
at a residence typically takes place about every six months.
The purpose of the monitoring is to gauge when movement
has stopped or slowed enough to make permanent repairs. If extensive
repairs are made too soon, they may be damaged before the mine subsidence
has finally stopped. You are encouraged to make temporary repairs
as needed to keep the property safe and functional.
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