Property owners will be able to quickly check a new website to see whether their property is above or near an abandoned mine, and if it is they can get information instantly on how they can protect their property with mine subsidence insurance.

Coal has been mined underground in Pennsylvania for more than 200 years and the workings extend throughout 43 of the state’s 67 counties. More than 1 million homes in Pennsylvania sit atop abandoned mines.

Mine Subsidence Insurance is a nonprofit fund administered by the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence Insurance Board and the Department of Environmental Protection that pays claims if property is damaged by mine subsidence.

The insurance premium is about $1 for every $1,000 of coverage up to $250,000. Coverage is available to both residential and commercial buildings and there is a senior citizen discount for those older than 65.

Since the mine subsidence insurance program was created in 1961, it has paid more than $20 million in claim repairs.

The website enables residents to view maps of municipalities in Allegheny, Butler, Blair, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Washington and Westmoreland counties where mine subsidence problems are more frequent.

Residents in unlisted municipalities or other counties can complete an online, site-specific request form for the same information, or they can call the MSI help desk at 1-800-922-1678 to find out if their property is at risk. The help desk is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mine subsidence insurance is also available through some homeowners’ insurance agents.

For more information, visit the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program website.

11/4/2005