Usually not. Standard homeowners policies exclude settling, shrinking or expansion — including resulting cracking — of pavements, patios, foundations and floors, and exclude earth movement. Coverage may come into play when a covered sudden event, such as a burst pipe, caused the washout. Flood damage falls under separate flood insurance.
New Orleans Concrete Leveling isn’t an insurance agent, and every policy is different. This page explains the general rule so you know what to ask. Always check your own policy and talk to your agent or insurer.
The general rule: settling is excluded
Most homeowners policies in the U.S. are built on standard forms that exclude:
- Settling, shrinking, bulging or expansion, including resulting cracking, of pavements, patios, footings, foundations, walls and floors.
- Earth movement, such as subsidence and sinking ground.
- Wear and tear and deterioration.
A driveway, walk or patio that has sunk because the soil under it compacted or washed out over time falls squarely into those exclusions. In New Orleans, where the City measures average subsidence of about 0.2 inches a year, that describes most sunken concrete.
When coverage may come into play
- A sudden, accidental water discharge, like a burst supply line under a slab. Many policies cover the water damage and sometimes the cost of reaching the pipe. The settling itself may still be excluded, but it’s worth asking.
- A covered event that directly damaged the concrete, such as a falling tree.
- Flood. Flood damage is excluded from homeowners policies and covered, if at all, by separate flood insurance with its own limits on outdoor property.
What to ask your agent
- Does my policy exclude settling and earth movement, and are there exceptions?
- If a leak caused the washout, what’s covered — the water damage, the access, the slab?
- What does my flood policy say about driveways, walks and patios?
- What documentation do you need: photos, a plumber’s report, dates?
Paying for it yourself
Because it’s usually out of pocket, price matters. With mudjacking, typical jobs run $400–$900 for a sidewalk run, $600–$1,400 for a patio and $1,800–$4,100 for a full driveway (HomeGuide); foam runs about twice as much per square foot. See the cost guide and the cost estimator.
Bottom line
Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover concrete leveling, because settling and earth movement are standard exclusions. A sudden covered event, such as a burst pipe, is the main exception worth asking about. For a free estimate, call (504) 517-8336 — free estimate within 24 hours.
Quick answers
Will insurance pay if a burst pipe washed out the soil under my slab?
Possibly. Many policies cover sudden and accidental water discharge, and some cover related damage. Settling itself is still excluded. Coverage depends on your policy language, so document the leak and ask your agent.
Does flood insurance cover sunken concrete after a hurricane?
Flood policies have their own rules and exclusions, and driveways, walks and patios are commonly limited. Check your flood policy's property-covered section before assuming anything.
Should I file a claim for a sinking driveway?
For ordinary settling, a claim is likely to be denied under the settling and earth-movement exclusions. Talk to your agent first, especially if a specific event such as a leak or storm preceded the damage.
Get a written price for your slab
Free estimate within 24 hours. Two quick steps — or call (504) 517-8336.