Types of Sinkhole Testing Companies

All sinkhole testing companies are not created equal. Just because an insurance company hires a professional geologist or professional engineer does not mean that you're always going to receive an unbiased report.

Bite The Hand That Feeds Them

Let's be realistic - you don't bite the hand that feeds you. Some sinkhole testing companies will only do work for insurance companies but NEVER for the homeowner! Whose side do you think the testing companies will be on - the homeowner's or the insurance company's? It is important to know what testing company your insurance company hires - and it is important to ask your insurance adjuster serious questions about who is doing the testing.

Question, Question, Question!

The best way to ensure your sinkhole claim is resolved satisfactorily is to ensure you are properly informed, that you ask the right questions, and that you get the right answers. Here are some questions to ask your insurance adjuster about the testing company they select to test your home for sinkhole activity.

What percentage of sinkhole testing are they hired by insurance companies for? What percentage of sinkhole testing are they hired by homeowners for? If the testing company does most of its work for insurance companies, are you sure you're getting a fair deal?
Who will the testing company actually send to my home? Many testing companies that do most of their work for insurance companies don't actually send a licensed professional geologist or professional engineer to examine your property! In fact, the people they send sometimes have no degrees in geology or engineering. Make sure you know exactly who is coming to your home, make sure you know their level of education and training. Ask if the testing company has performed criminal background checks on the people setting foot in your home! Believe it or not, some testing companies don't do background checks!
Will a licensed geologist and licensed engineer come to my home to inspect it? This is your home - don't you want a licensed professional to take the time to inspect your home in depth, instead of just relying on non-licensed "gopher" people who collect data and take pictures?
How many SPT borings will be drilled? Make sure the testing company does AT LEAST 3 SPT deep bore drillings! The only way to get a true picture of below ground activity is to do deep subsurface testing in at least 3 places - sometimes testing companies will only do 2 SPT borings, or sometimes they won't do any at all!
Will a licensed geologist physically examine the soil samples?
Will a structural engineer actually test any of the materials in my home?
How long will it take for the testing company to report its findings? Will the report be sent to me directly, or will it go through the insurance company first?

Make sure the testing company selected by your insurance company is unbiased and does work for BOTH homeowners and insurance companies! Remember the adage about "biting the hand that feeds you" - can you trust a testing company that only does sinkhole investigations on behalf of insurance companies and never for homeowners? If you're not completely comfortable with the professionalism and fairness of the testing company, demand a new one! Or pick up the phone and discuss the situation in a FREE consultation with experienced sinkhole attorney John Byrne by calling 813-413-6565 today!