More than 1 million buildings in Pennsylvania sit atop abandoned, underground coal mines. These mines can deteriorate and collapse, causing the ground surface to sink. This mine subsidence can cause expensive structural damage.
The state Department of Environmental Protection's Mine Subsidence Insurance Program offers property owners affordable insurance for mine subsidence damage, which is rarely covered by standard homeowners insurance. Annual premiums are about 55 cents for every $1,000 of coverage; for example, an average policy of $175,000 costs about $95 a year.
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Some brochures and insurance applications also are available in the township office.