Landslides, mudflows, sinkholes, and other forms of earth movement can cause catastrophic damage—cracking foundations, shifting walls, destroying landscaping, and even pulling entire structures downslope. Yet despite the severity of these events, most standard homeowners insurance policies exclude earth movement unless you’ve added a specific endorsement or secured coverage through a state-sponsored program, surplus lines insurer, or FEMA-backed policy.
To make matters worse, insurers often use vague or narrow definitions of “earth movement” to deny claims—even when the damage was clearly triggered by external forces like heavy rainfall, nearby construction, or flash flooding. If your foundation cracks after a storm or your retaining wall fails due to runoff, you may still face a coverage dispute unless your policy includes the right endorsements—and unless you have the right documentation to prove the sequence of events.
At Loti, we specialize in turning technical exclusions into defensible claims. We work closely with engineers, geologists, and mitigation experts to establish what caused the loss and whether it falls under your policy’s covered events. From cracking soil to full structural displacement, we help you connect the facts to the fine print—and advocate for the maximum recovery available.
OUR APPROACH
Earth Movement & Mudslides—When the Ground Gives Way, We Help You Stand Your Ground
Photograph all visible signs of displacement—sloping soil, collapsed retaining walls, cracked foundations, and hillside movement
Secure structural engineering or geotechnical reports that assess cause, risk, and potential future movement
Request your full policy and review the exact definition of “earth movement” as well as any specific endorsements or exclusions
Track all forms of damage, including to structures, hardscaping, landscaping, utilities, fencing, and nearby terrain
Take immediate steps to stabilize the site—installing barriers, drainage, or temporary support to prevent further loss
Key Steps We Help You Take After Earth Movement or Mudslide Damage:
We also help identify and activate any applicable coverages—such as separate flood policies that may cover mudflow, earthquake endorsements that apply to landslip, or state-run catastrophic coverage programs in areas like California or Washington.
At Loti, we don’t let technicalities bury your claim. With the right documentation, expert support, and a carefully structured narrative, we help ensure that earth movement is treated as a legitimate, compensable loss—not written off as an exclusion. When the ground shifts beneath you, we build the case that gets you back on stable footing.
FREE RALLYBACKS
The earth beneath our homes is constantly shifting, but sometimes these movements can become extreme and cause significant damage. Events such as earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and mudslides can lead to severe structural damage, resulting in costly repairs. The earth movement peril refers to these types of natural phenomena that can affect your home. However, coverage for earth movement is generally not included in standard homeowners insurance policies without additional endorsements or separate policies.
This detailed guide will explain what the earth movement peril is, what it typically includes, why it’s often excluded from standard policies, and provide specific examples to help homeowners understand when and how this coverage might apply.
Understanding the Earth Movement Peril in Homeowners Insurance: What You Need to Know
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