The coverage is added to the policies of other insurance companies and will pay up to $10,000 per service line break

The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (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.

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 will adjust the claims and provide product training for agents and insurers.

The company 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.

Rebecca Galovich, assistant vice president for personal lines of HSB, said: “Most homeowners don’t know that they own outdoor service lines and are responsible for repairs. 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.”

The company’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.

Hartford Steam Boiler is a provider of a range of specialty insurance coverages for business, home and farm.