Justin Stoltzfus

Pennsylvania officials are trying to get the word out about a type of supplemental insurance that homeowners might not be aware they need. Roughly 1 million Pennsylvania homes sit atop abandoned mines, according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection. The damage these mines can cause to the homes on top of them is usually not covered by standard home insurance policies.

The Department of Environmental Protection therefore offers "mine subsidence insurance" --which covers cave-ins, structural damage from land sinking or settling, and water damage if the mine floods -- in many Pennsylvania counties where coal-mining companies have historically operated.

It's important to note that, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, mine subsidence insurance is necessary only for homes and buildings sitting atop abandoned mines. In the case of active mines, the companies doing the mining have responsibility for damage to nearby properties.

For those who want to take advantage of mine subsidence insurance, the Department of Environmental Protection website reveals some relevant details about this optional coverage, which is subsidized by a state fund.

  • Coverage options range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a yearly premium of $97 buying $150,000 worth of coverage. Seniors get a 10 percent discount.
  • Separate buildings like garages or sheds need their own mind subsidence coverage.
  • Mine subsidence insurance policies cover “appurtenances” like fences or other structures attached to a home, but there are limits to coverage -- payouts for appurtenances cannot exceed 10 percent of the total coverage.
  • Unlike traditional home insurance, mine subsidence insurance covers buildings but not damage to the personal possessions inside them.
  • Mine subsidence insurance comes with a fixed deductible of $250 a year for a residential policy or $500 a year for a commercial policy.

State officials recommend that any Pennsylvania residents whose properties sit on abandoned mines get covered, although this insurance is optional. In neighboring state Ohio, the coverage can be mandatory in certain counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

To find out whether your home or business is above an abandoned mine, the Department of Environmental Protection's website provides a ZIP code lookup that allows users to assess their risk. It also provides municipal maps showing the locations of abandoned Pennsylvania mines.