Mine Subsidence Insurance (MSI)

When buildings are constructed above mines, major damage to walls and foundations can occur if the mine subsides. Most insurance policies do not automatically cover mine subsidence damage to your home.

The Ohio legislature enacted a law in October 1987, that established the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. It allows individuals residing in certain counties to purchase insurance for protection from losses due to mine subsidence.

On January 1, 1993, changes in the mine subsidence law affected residents in 37 Ohio counties. Coverage depends on whether you reside in a "mandatory" coverage or an "optional" coverage area.

Mandatory and Optional MSI Coverage by County

MANDATORY
Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Vinton, Washington

OPTIONAL
Delaware, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Licking, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Summit, Wayne

Mine Subsidence Insurance Coverage

• Most insurance policies do not cover damage to a home due to mine subsidence. The Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund provides low cost insurance coverage in 37 Ohio counties for homes damaged due to mine subsidence.
• Report your claim to an agent or the insurance company. The company will notify the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriting Association, who administers and adjusts the claim.
• Insurance coverage is mandatory in 26 of the 37 counties, with a low annual premium.
• Available for 1-4 family dwellings having at least 50% of the living area occupied. Mobile homes and farm houses are also eligible.
• Coverage is the lesser of $300,000 or the amount of insurance coverage for the dwelling.
• Coverage includes costs of excavation, foundations, some underground utilities, driveways, sidewalks and private garages.
• Annual premium is $1 in mandatory counties and $5 in optional counties.
• Deductible of 2% of coverage available with a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $500.

Good Local Planning To Prevent Mine Subsidence Damage

• Make underground mine maps available at County offices and encourage their use.
• Incorporate underground mine maps into your comprehensive planning process and direct development to areas that are geologically stable.
• Use subdivision regulations to insure that developers have provided for geologic stability if underground mines are in the area. Specifically cite "underground mines" in your regulations. Areas more susceptible to subsidence can be set aside as open space if mine subsidence is cost prohibitive.
• Add "underground mines" to your site review checklists.
• Be aware that not all mines are mapped, particularly old mines dating to pre-1874. Mine maps are only a general planning tool.
• Gather detailed information about subsurface conditions through geotechnical investigations (core borings and analysis). This expense can be borne by the developer in many cases since the developer wants to ensure that stable geologic conditions exist.
• Compile a list of geotechnical firms operating in your region.