By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that would require homeowner insurance policies sold in Massachusetts to include coverage for the cost of cleaning up accidental home heating oil spills.

Current law only requires companies to make the insurance available to a homeowner as a separate rider.

Supporters said that remediation and clean up can cost homeowners anywhere from $20,000 to $1 million. They noted that most homeowners do not have this insurance because it must be bought separately as a rider and most of them don’t even know it is available.

“This legislation is a necessity for homeowners protection and peace of mind,” said sponsor Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “The cost of remediation is expensive and can force residents to seek risky financial maneuvers. It is only fair that the state takes actions to protect its citizens from this danger. I urge the House of Representatives to move quickly on this legislation, too. It is in the best interest of the residents of Massachusetts. This is the right move, and the time to act is now.”