If accidently hit a gas line at my Mom's house digging up tree stumps, who will be responsible for the bill to fix it and how much money?

Anonymous

You were supposed to call 811 before digging... Now you will be responsible for the repair cost and possibly a fine because you did not call 811. You did the digging. It's on you. Edited to add: Home owner's insurance will not pay for any of this. Don't freak out. Wait until the bill comes in the mail, then call the company and negotiate a payment plan. What's done is done. You know better next time.

champer

Insurance won't cover it. You broke it = you pay. Your mom will doubtless get the bill, since it's her property, whether she pays it or makes you do so is up to her. I'd guess, and it IS only a guess, you might be looking at a couple of thousand.

amy lynn

Home owner's insurance will not help because you didn't follow the proper rules before digging - you know - calling to get the lines marked. You will end up owing the bill. I have no idea how much the bill will be, but considering they sent out heavy equipment, you can expect at least $1,000 to $3,000. You should be able to set up a payment plan.

Spock (rhp)

yup -- this is on you. you KNEW the house had gas but failed to call the free underground line locator service, which would have alerted you to the location of the line. I expect this bill will be for several hundred dollars.

babyboomer1001

You cut the line so why wouldn't you think that you are responsible? Homeowner's insurance does not pay for things like that. If you are going to dig deep, you would be wise to check where the gas lines are. You either weren't wise enough or you just followed where your mother told you to dig and didn't think about it, and she didn't give it a thought. Regardless, it's like a general contractor hired to add a room to a house. It is his responsibility to know that he needs to get a permit before he starts the job. Lesson learned I hope. Perhaps, you can negotiate with your mother to get her to pay for some or all of it. If you can't, you cut the line - it's your responsibility. Even when a homeowner screws up, workmen need to take all safety and usual precautions. You will get a bill. If you can't pay it all at once, call and arrange a payment schedule.

fire4511

There is a reason that you call to have utility lines marked before your dig. You either did not do so, or ignored the fact that there was a gas line there You (or your mother) are responsible for the repair costs Without knowing the area, it is impossible to give an accurate estimate, but I would bet the bill will be at least $2500 and may be more

Who

you notify your (your mums) home oweners insurance company they send you (your mum) the bill - you than submit that to the insurance company IF the policy covers it - If not then you pay it so 11st thing you do is READ the insurance policy (and be warned - most do NOT cover accidental damage as standard - but coverage for accidents is offered as an option for an additioanl premium and even in this case - most only cover accidental damage to the house itself - NOT to damage to surrounding property and especially not underground pipes leading to the property my opinion - start saving up cos its down to you.

Richard

Yes, it is YOUR fault. Before you dig, you are supposed to call your local utilities which will mark your property to show where underground pipes, wires, etc. are located.

Eva

That's the way it works. You damaged it, you pay for it. If you don't pay it, they will file a judgement against you.

Oh Boy!

You're responsible to fix it/

real estate guy

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE. And NO!!!!!! insurance wouldn't cover it. WHY? because you didn't call the utility company and have them tell you where the lines were. Every area has a "miss utility" just for this reason. Many areas, it's actually a law to call them first.

Barry

Take no notice at all of the other insurance comments. Ask your Mom to contact her insurer as many policies cover this kind of accidental damage. Other than that you will be liable. You will know how much when the invoice arrives.

Judy

yup. you pay or your mom does.

Anonymous

You and mom will be paying for it.

Anna D

My guess is that the line is for mom's responsibility since it's on her property. I don't know if she'll make you pay or not.