Homeowners know that when a water line bursts, a gas line leaks or lightning fries their home’s electrical system, it can be a nightmare to repair.

While a homeowners insurance policy may provide some protection for service line failures on an insured’s property, such coverage is provided only for those causes of loss covered under the policy.

“Weather-related damage, or that caused by fire, lightning or even an earthquake, is covered under a properly endorsed homeowners policy,” explained Lisa Whitus, personal and commercial lines underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

“What isn’t covered is damage caused by normal wear and tear, rust and corrosion, collapse from a vehicle running over a line, or someone hitting and damaging a line when digging, which is where this endorsement picks up.”

Whitus explained that when utility lines servicing a policyholder’s property are damaged on the property, the landowner is financially responsible for the repair. To avoid financial peril brought on by such a service line failure, it’s advisable to consider adding underground service line coverage to your homeowners policy.

Service lines covered by the endorsement include compressed air, drainage, electrical, gas, sewer, telecommunications and water. Lines that run under a residence, under a body of water, or those that are not connected and ready for use are not covered.

Covered losses include those caused by external force from digging, freezing, mechanical breakdown, rust and corrosion, tree and root invasion, vermin, wear and tear, and weight stress.

In addition to paying for the direct damage to the covered service line, this endorsement also covers excavation costs and the replacement of outdoor property, including driveways, walkways and greenery. It also provides coverage for additional living costs or loss of rent caused by a failure. It also pays for temporary repairs and for expediting permanent repairs.

“The reality is that every homeowner has direct exposure to losses that can be caused by a service line failure,” Whitus said. “If you have water, electricity, internet or a phone line running to your home, certain perils are not covered without an underground service line coverage endorsement. Considering everything this endorsement covers, I have to say it provides a great coverage limit for an excellent price.”

To learn more about the affordability of underground service line coverage, contact your Virginia Farm Bureau insurance agent.