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Underground Utilities Insurance
Many liability policies limit or exclude damage to buried lines, and many contractors don't find out until they hit one. We read the forms for those exclusions before you buy, compare insurance companies that write boring, trenching and utility work, and match your limits to what your contracts require. Text us a photo of your current policy and we'll tell you what it says.
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Heavy civil
Coverage Built for Underground Utilities Work
Utility work means digging near existing lines, roads and buildings. Most standard contractor policies exclude this kind of work, so we place it with insurance companies that write heavy civil.
- XCU coverage for damage to existing lines and nearby structures
- Contractor's equipment for drill rigs, trenchers and vac trucks
- Pollution liability for strikes, spills and frac-outs
- Umbrella limits utility owners and municipalities require
- Bid, performance and payment bonds
- Workers comp and commercial auto for crews and trucks
Good to Know
Before You Buy
Underground work carries claims that many standard policies limit. We check each one with you before you sign.
- XCU. Some general liability policies exclude or limit underground damage, often called the XCU exclusion, so it's worth checking.
- Pollution. Many policies exclude pollution, so a separate contractors pollution policy may be needed.
- Line strikes. Striking an existing line is one of the biggest claim risks in underground work, so contracts often require higher limits.
- Equipment. Trenchers, vacuum trucks and locating gear need contractors equipment coverage. Liability doesn't cover your own machines.
- Bonds. Utility and public jobs often require performance and payment bonds.
- Locate records. Keep locate tickets and photos for every job. They help when a line strike claim is disputed.
Pair It With
Gaps Utility Contractors Often Miss
Underground work needs more than liability. These need their own coverage, and we check for each one when we quote.
Your Equipment Isn't Covered by Liability
General liability covers damage to others, not your own machines. Contractors equipment coverage protects those.
Pollution Is Usually Excluded
Many liability policies exclude pollution, so a contractors pollution policy may be needed.
Work Trucks Need Commercial Auto
Personal auto usually excludes vehicles used mainly for business. Commercial auto covers your trucks and the people who drive them.
Contracts Often Ask for Higher Limits
A commercial umbrella adds a layer above your liability, auto and employers liability, often for less than raising each limit.
Uninsured Subs Can Raise Your Premium
At audit, uninsured subs can be counted as your employees. Collect a certificate from every sub you hire.
Bonds for Public and Larger Jobs
Public and larger private projects commonly require performance and payment bonds, and we help with those too.
Questions
What Underground Utilities Contractors Ask Us
Don't see your question? Ask us directly. A licensed agent will answer, in English or Spanish.
What happens if we hit an existing line?
That's an underground (XCU) claim. Without that coverage, a line strike can be excluded. We make sure it's on the policy.
Do you write directional drilling?
Yes, including frac-out pollution exposure and drill rig equipment coverage.
The municipality wants $5M in limits. Can you do that?
Yes. We stack umbrella or excess limits on top of your liability and auto to meet the contract.
Bidding a Job That Needs Higher Limits or a Bond?
Send us the contract requirements and we'll match them.