Driveway Collapse Situation
Hello everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my driveway, which has collapsed. There’s an easement where a storm drain runs beneath the dirt area shown in the attached photos. Thankfully, there’s no water leakage, and the dirt remains dry. I live in Southern California where rain is infrequent; the last significant rain was three weeks ago, and we’ve only had some light sprinkles since then.
I spoke with a city inspector who informed me that they aren’t responsible for the issue due to my being part of an HOA. They suggested reaching out to the HOA since the easement falls under their jurisdiction. When I contacted the HOA, they claimed it appears to be a “builder issue” and stated that the property owner is responsible for any landscaping and hardscaping. However, I believe this situation isn’t related to landscaping — am I mistaken? They mentioned they’re reviewing the CC&Rs but haven’t provided any further updates.
I’ve also noticed that several people in the engineering subforum are suggesting that a drainage pipe may have broken or failed, which could have led to the sand shifting and causing the mini sinkhole.
I have coverage with SafeCo. What are my chances of getting my claim approved? Are they known to be cooperative? This would be my first ever insurance claim.
Thanks in advance for your help!
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation with the collapsed driveway and the back-and-forth between the city and the HOA. Based on what you’ve described, it does seem like the drainage issue could be a significant factor, especially if others in the engineering community are suggesting a failure in the drainage system might have caused the collapse.
When it comes to dealing with your insurance, SafeCo is known for being relatively straightforward when it comes to processing claims, but experiences can vary. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the city, the HOA, and any other relevant parties. Take lots of photos of the damage and any signs of the drainage issue.
Get a Professional Assessment: If possible, consider hiring a contractor or structural engineer to assess the situation. Their professional opinion could be very helpful in supporting your claim and identifying the cause of the collapse.
File Your Claim: Once you have all your documentation and potentially an assessment, file your claim with SafeCo. Be honest and thorough in your explanation of the situation, including any evidence that suggests the drainage issue is the underlying cause.
Follow Up: After you file, stay in touch with your claims adjuster. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time frame, don’t hesitate to follow up. Persistence can sometimes make a difference.
HOA Involvement: Keep pushing the HOA for updates regarding their review of the CC&Rs. It may help to remind them that this is about safety and property integrity, and you may need their support in addressing the issue.
While there’s no guarantee with any insurance claim, having solid documentation and potentially a professional opinion can greatly improve your chances of getting your claim approved. Good luck, and I hope you get this resolved soon!