Buried Utility Lines Coverage
Everyday necessities, such as clean water, reliable electricity and steady heat, depend on the utility lines buried beneath the ground. When one of those breaks, repairs can be urgent, disruptive and unexpectedly costly. Buried Utility Lines coverage can help you handle sudden repair costs, giving you confidence that your home’s essential services are protected.
Included with: Advantage and Signature homeowners policies
Limit: Up to $10,000 per covered disruption
Deductible: $1,000
Availability, limits and deductibles may vary by state and policy.
Which buried utility lines may be covered?
In many cases, homeowners are responsible for certain underground utility lines that run from the street to the home.
Covered lines may include:
- Underground water, sewer and gas lines
- Electrical, power, and communication or data wiring
- Connections, valves and related equipment
What this coverage may help cover
Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t typically address repairs to these lines due to deterioration or wear and tear. Because the lines are underground, repairs often involve excavation and restoration.
The average claim for this type of repair is about $6,000.
Buried Utility Lines coverage may help pay for covered costs to repair or replace certain underground utility lines on your property, including:
- Excavation to access the damaged line
- Expedited repairs when immediate service restoration is needed
- Yard and landscaping restoration if repairs disturb outdoor areas
- New generation costs when needing to replace the existing lines with safer or more eco-friendly materials
- Additional living expenses or fair rental value if temporary relocation from your home is needed
Real-life scenarios
Water line corrosion
High water bills and damp soil lead a plumber to find a corroded underground water pipe between the street and the home.
Underground electrical failure
A partial power outage reveals a failed underground electrical line caused by insulation breakdown and electrical arcing.
Gas line damage from equipment
A contractor’s heavy equipment drives over the yard, rupturing an underground gas line and requiring emergency repair.
What it doesn’t cover
While this feature provides coverage for certain underground utility lines, there are also some exclusions that apply, including:
- Damage to septic and other underground tanks, wells or heating/cooling systems
- Sprinkler systems and storm drain pipes, or other similar pipes
- Lines not connected or ready for use
- Damage from fire, smoke, wind, hail, lightning, or other similar hazards (damage from these perils is typically handled under the standard homeowners policy).
- Pipes beneath or within a body of water, including pools, ponds, lakes or streams
- Pipes or wires beneath or within your house or another structure on your property
- Damage caused by electronic vandalism
Is this coverage right for you?
Buried Utility Lines coverage can be a deciding factor if you want broader protection for sudden, disruptive home repairs that aren’t typically addressed by standard homeowners policies.
It may be a good fit if:
- You want coverage for certain buried water, sewer, gas, or electrical/communication lines on your property
- Your home has older buried lines or wiring
- You want protection against out-of-pocket expenses for unexpected excavation and emergency repairs
Buried Utility Lines coverage is included with Advantage and Signature homeowners policies and can be removed if you prefer to opt out of this coverage.
Ready to decide?
Explore YourPlan homeowners coverage options, or speak with an Amica insurance representative about Buries Utility Lines coverage and other YourPlan benefits and features.
In many cases, homeowners are responsible for certain underground utility lines that run from the street to their home, such as water, sewer, gas or electrical lines located on their property.
No. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not address repairs to buried utility lines, especially when damage is caused by deterioration or wear and tear. Buried Utility Lines coverage is a separate coverage feature included with Advantage and Signature homeowners policies.
Buried Utility Lines coverage may help pay for covered costs to repair or replace certain underground utility lines on your property. This can include expenses related to excavation, emergency repairs, yard or landscaping restoration, replacing damaged lines, and certain additional living expenses if a temporary relocation is needed.
Yes. Unlike standard homeowners insurance, which typically does not address deterioration or wear and tear to buried lines, Buried Utility Lines coverage is designed to help with sudden repair needs related to these issues, subject to policy terms and limits.
Yes. Buried Utility Line coverage covers damage to underground utilities caused by frost heaving or thaw. However, it does not cover frozen pipes inside or under the home.
Buried Utility Lines coverage is included with Advantage and Signature homeowners policies and can be removed if you prefer to opt out. An Amica representative can help review your policy options and confirm availability in your state.
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