Hotter weather, stronger hurricanes and tornados, bigger hailstorms - these are all effects of climate change we can see. However, we can't see what is happening underground, so we must become aware of an emerging risk to buildings.
As the climate warms, the temperature underground in cities between the surface and bedrock can rise by as much as 27 degrees Fahrenheit according to Dennis J. Artese of law firm Anderson Kill. The rising heat causes soils to shift, settle, contract and expand resulting in damage to foundations.
Whether this damage is insured depends on property policy wording. All policies have an "earth movement" exclusion which may extend to any underground settlement or subsidence whether natural or man-made. Building owners should make sure their properties are structurally sound and repair any cracks or other signs of deterioration before major damage occurs. In case of loss, read your policy before reporting to determine which causes of loss are covered and which are excluded.