December 20, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
A Pennsylvania lawmaker is asking for the state's insurance chief to take steps to make sure homeowners know their properties may not be protected from sinkholes.
Senator Bob Casey wrote a letter to Commissioner Michael Consedine, saying that many residents aren't aware that their standard home insurance policy doesn't include sinkhole coverage. He says all homeowners in the state should know coverage is "readily available."
"Across Pennsylvania, families have been devastated by sinkholes that have destroyed homes and livelihoods. Unfortunately, many Pennsylvanians don't find out they lack insurance coverage until it's too late," Casey said. "The Pennsylvania Insurance Department should make sure new homeowners are aware that their standard coverage doesn't include sinkhole insurance."
Casey added that the problem has become much more apparent in recent months, as the ground in many areas became saturated due to Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene.
One recent occurrence developed underneath part of Route 33 in Bethlehem Township. Crews from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were forced to shut down part of the roadway in order to make emergency repairs.
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