Is Your Property at Risk? The Growing Peril of Land Subsidence in Major US Cities and Why Homeowner Policies Fall Short

Land subsidence is causing many US cities like New Orleans, New York City, and Miami to slowly sink into the ground, which can damage buildings and infrastructure. When combined with rising sea levels caused by climate change, land subsidence increases the risk of flooding for homes and businesses. Research estimates land subsidence could decrease home values by 6 to 8% on average in affected areas. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage from land subsidence. Land subsidence has both natural causes, like retreating glaciers and tectonic shifts, as well as human causes, like excessive groundwater pumping and heavy construction.