Driveway Collapse Issue
Hello everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out because my driveway has collapsed. The storm drain runs beneath the dirt area shown in the photos, but there’s no sign of water leakage—the soil is completely dry. I live in Southern California, where rain is infrequent. The last significant rain was about three weeks ago, and since then, there’s only been a light sprinkle.
A city inspector visited and informed me that the city isn’t responsible for the situation because I live in a homeowners association (HOA). Since the area in question is an easement, they recommended I contact the HOA for assistance, as they are technically accountable.
I reached out to the HOA, but they suggested it appears to be a “builder issue,” and stated that the property owner is responsible for the landscape and hardscape. However, I don’t believe this situation pertains to landscaping. Is that accurate? They have yet to provide any updates as they are currently reviewing the CC&R’s.
I’ve also seen suggestions from others in engineering discussions that a broken or failed drainage pipe could have caused the sand to infiltrate, leading to the small sinkhole.
I have insurance with SafeCo, and I’m wondering what my chances are of having a claim approved. Is SafeCo easy to work with? This would be my first insurance claim.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi there,
I’m sorry to hear about your driveway situation. It sounds really frustrating, especially with the back-and-forth between the city and the HOA. Given the details you’ve shared, it does seem like the drainage issue may have contributed to the collapse, which could help your case when approaching your insurance.
When it comes to your claim with SafeCo, it typically depends on your specific policy coverage and the details surrounding the incident. Here are a few pointers to consider:
Document Everything: Make sure to take plenty of photos of the damage, any visible drainage issues, and all communications with the city and HOA. Documentation will be key in your discussions with SafeCo.
Review Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with your homeowners insurance policy, particularly sections that pertain to structural damage and coverage for drainage issues. If you have coverage for exterior structures or improvements, that might be helpful.
Initial Claim Submission: When submitting your claim, be as clear and detailed as possible about what happened. Explain the situation with the HOA, mention the city inspector’s input, and any engineering opinions you’ve received.
Communication with SafeCo: Insurance companies can vary in how they handle claims. Some customers have positive experiences while others do not. Your success with SafeCo will largely depend on how the details of your incident align with what’s covered in your policy. They may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
Follow Up: After filing the claim, keep in touch with them to check on the progress and provide any additional information they might need.
Seek Legal Advice: If the response from your HOA or insurance feels insufficient, it might be worth consulting with a legal expert who specializes in property or HOA issues.
Good luck! I hope you get the support you need to resolve this matter.