Sinkholes aren't the only destructive force that the ground can produce. Soil problems can cause damage that is similar to sinkhole damage. Unfortunately, while insurance companies will cover damage caused by sinkholes, soil problems are not covered on your homeowner's policy. Despite the damage that may occur from soil issues, the insurance company is under no obligation to cover these damages:

Organic Decomposition

Just as limestone beneath the soil causes dangerous sinkhole-causing voids and cavities, the same type of situation can occur with organic material beneath the soil. As materials like roots, peat, collected mud, tree stumps, etc., are exposed to fungi, warmth, and moisture, they began to decompose. The cellulose is eroded and the organic matter is consolidated. The consolidation can cause voids in the ground, causing the soil above to cave in. These patches of decomposing material can cause damage that is similar to a sinkhole.

Shrinking and Swelling Clays

Clay, a common component of most soils, comes in different weights, colors, and plasticity levels. Different clay reacts in different ways to the presence of moisture. As moisture increases, the clay will swell, and when the moisture level decreases, the clay will shrink. The movement of large areas of shrinking and swelling clay may cause the alteration of nearby surface soils, and potential sinkhole-like damage. Plasticity tests performed on soil samples can gauge the shrink/swell potential of the clay in the soil.

Vegetation

Do not underestimate the power of slow-growing roots. As trees and shrubs grow, their root systems spread farther, and can actually lift or crumble a home's foundation. Roots, because of their water-absorbing ability also affect the plasticity of clay soils, which causes potentially dangerous shrinking and swelling of surrounding soil.

Change in Ground Water Level

There is always a certain level of groundwater that accumulates and drains underneath the soil. Significant changes in the groundwater level affect the surface of the ground, as well as any structures. When groundwater is high, the soil is firm and has balanced pressure. When groundwater drops, the buoyancy of the soil also drops, causing the surface of the soil to sink.

Any of these soil problems can contribute to structural damage similar to damage caused by sinkholes.