Home, Condo & Renters
Buried Utility Lines Coverage
Many homeowners do not know that the repair or replacement of service lines on their property may be their responsibility, and that homeowner`s insurance policies typically do not cover damage to them.

With Buried Utility Lines Coverage, a new enhancement to the Travelers homeowners policy, the homeowner is covered when one of these lines leaks, breaks, tears, ruptures, collapses or arcs. Should a covered loss occur, coverage is available to pay for the damage to the utility line, excavation costs and expediting expenses to make repairs.

Definitions:
"Disruption" means a leak, break, tear, rupture, collapse or electrical arcing of a "buried utility line" caused by or resulting from any of the following:

  • Wear and tear, marring or deterioration;
  • Mechanical breakdown, latent defect or inherent vice;
  • Rust or other corrosion;
  • Vermin, insects, arachnids, rodents or any other animals;
  • Presence, pressure or intrusion of any root system;
  • Artificially generated electrical current, including insulation breakdown;
  • Freezing, including frost heave and thaw; or
  • Weight of equipment, vehicles, animals or people.

"Disruption" does not mean an obstruction or improper pressure of a "buried utility line(s)".

"Buried utility line(s)" means the following property that you own or are legally liable to repair or replace:

  • Underground pipes, including any underground connections, valves or equipment associated with such underground pipes; or
  • Underground wires, including any underground connections or equipment associated with such underground wires; that provide a utility service such as water, sewage, drainage, electricity, gas, steam or communication services to or from the dwelling or other structure on the "residence premises".

"Buried utility line(s)" does not include any:

  • Part of any underground pipes or underground wires that is beneath or within:
    1. A body of water, including swimming pools, ponds, lakes or streams; or
    2. The dwelling or other structure on the residence premises. This does not apply to any part that is beneath a driveway, walkway or patio;
  • Underground pipes used to supply water to outdoor property, including swimming pools, hot tubs, fountains or ponds; or
  • Underground pipes or underground wires that are not connected and ready for use.

"One disruption" means all "disruptions" that are the result of the same event. If an initial "disruption" causes other "disruptions", all will be considered "one disruption".