Menu

Understanding underground service line coverage: Don’t ignore this hidden risk

Underground service lines can be damaged in several ways. Typical farm policies may not provide coverage for damage that happens, and the effects can be incredibly costly.

Underground piping in farm trench

Picture you own this farm, a beautiful place that not only provides flourishing crops, but also holds a stunning landscape with a big maple tree. For years it’s been the focal point of the farm with people often stopping to tell you how lucky you are to have such a beautiful tree on you property. Sure, you’re lucky, until one summer day when that maple tree expands its roots into a water pipe running underneath your property.

Contrary to popular belief, the reality is you, the property owner, are responsible for any underground service lines that run from the street to your farm. This includes any sewer and water piping, as well as underground electrical and communication lines connecting to your property. It is your responsibility to fix and pay for any of these lines should a problem occur.

How do service line damages happen?

Underground service lines can be damaged in a variety of ways. Some common causes include tree roots, animal interference, corrosion, weight of vehicles or equipment pressing down on the lines, and simple wear and tear. No matter the cause of the damage, the effects can be incredibly costly.

Typical farm policies don’t provide coverage for damage to underground services lines, which can mean big trouble for a farm owner should there be damage. Aside from repairing the actual line itself, you may need to dig up landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, or pastures to get to the damaged line.

What can you do?

The first step is to contact your insurance agent to determine if they will cover underground service line failures. At SECURA, you can add Underground Service Line coverage to your existing policies to ensure you are fully protected against the things that are, unfortunately, just out of your control.

Learn more about our Underground Service Line coverage.

Find an agent

Our independent agency partners will help you compare coverages and share industry insights as you shop for the right insurance policy for your needs.

Related articles

Small business insurance checklist

The first step to effectively choosing what coverages you may need is understanding what small business insurance is.

What to expect in a major claim

Five things you should expect from our SECURA claims team.

Protecting your hobby farm

SECURA considers a hobby farm to be small farms that the owners operate as a hobby instead of running it as a business.

Coverages may not be available in all states. Coverages described are subject to all the terms and conditions of the policy, including deductibles, exclusions, and limits of liability. Not all agents are authorized to write all types of insurance. Policies may be underwritten by SECURA Insurance Company or SECURA Supreme Insurance Company, affiliated companies referred to collectively as SECURA Insurance Companies. Please read the policy carefully. Any claim example is for educational and informational purposes only. The information in this document will not be used to determine the coverage of an actual claim presented. All claims are adjusted based on the relevant facts, conditions and coverages at the time of loss. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to your coverage form. Coverage is also subject to applicable deductibles and limits of coverage.

The information provided by SECURA on its Website (the Site) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however SECURA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. The information contained on the Website is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate at the time of publication, however it is generally to be used solely for informational purposes. The materials on this website are not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up to date. You should not act or rely only on information on this website.

The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness by SECURA. SECURA DOES NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBISTE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. SECURA WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL SECURA HAVE ANY LIAIBLITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SECURA would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time or accurate.

SECURA and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss of damage as a result of your reliance on the information contained within this website.