Residential Water, Electrical, Sewer Lines Covered By Hartford Steam Insurance

Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. (HSB) is offering a new service line coverage, which can pay to repair underground outdoor water, sewer and electrical service lines that fail because of damage that would be excluded under most homeowners policies.

“Most homeowners don’t know that they own outdoor service lines and are responsible for repairs,” said Rebecca Galovich, HSB assistant vice president for personal lines. “They only find out after an underground leak or break, when they must pay for repairs that can total $3,500 or more. Our coverage is the first insurance product specifically designed to fill that gap.”

Hartford Steam Boiler’s Service Line coverage is added to the policies of other insurance companies and will pay up to $10,000 per service line break. The coverage is provided as an enhancement to a company’s homeowners policies, or packaged in an extended coverage endorsement, with a deductible that follows the homeowners policy.

Hartford Steam Boiler said it will adjust the claims and provide product training for agents and insurers.

A service line is defined as underground piping and wiring that is located at the residence premises and provides service to the dwelling or other structure. Hartford Steam Boiler will cover a service line break, tear, rupture or collapse caused by ordinary use, freezing, root invasion, electrical arcing, or accidents such as a contractor digging.

Hartford Steam Boiler’s Service Line coverage can pay for hotels, meals, rent, or other living expenses when a family must leave their residence because of a covered accident, or for generators and other temporary equipment needed to remain in their home. Damage to outside property, including trees, shrubs, sidewalks, decks and landscaping are covered by Hartford Steam Boiler’s policy when caused by a service line failure.

Topics Homeowners