Service line coverage can fill in the gaps of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
While you may not consider what is going on underneath your home, it takes a lot to keep things running efficiently. As a homeowner, you will be responsible for utility lines, such as sewer pipes, water lines, and power lines.
As you may have assumed, it’s expensive to repair or replace damaged underground service lines. Without coverage, you could be looking at a bill of at least $7,000 and more.
Adding service line coverage to your homeowners insurance policy is affordable and protects your pocket if your underground piping or wiring is damaged or causes damage.
While it can cost the uninsured a small fortune to repair or replace service lines, this won’t be the case for those who purchase coverage. With service line coverage, your insurance company will cover you and protect your assets.
What Does Service Line Insurance Cover?
With the service line coverage add-on or endorsement, the following utility lines and pipes will generally be covered:
- Cable and telephone lines
- Drain pipes
- Internet lines
- Fiber optics
- Natural gas lines
- Power lines
- Water pipes
- Sewer pipes
- Steam pipes
- Sprinkler pipes
One of the perks of having service line coverage is that not only will your policy pay for your lines and pipes to be repaired or replaced, but for excavations and restorations as well. Meaning, if a pipe bursts and your backyard has to be dug up, you will not have to pay out of pocket to fix your landscape.
Depending on your insurance provider, your coverage amount may be anywhere from between $10,000 to $25,000.
While this is the most common range of coverage, less or more may be available. Always reach out to a professional insurance agent if you have any questions or concerns about your insurance options.
Damage Covered
- Collapse
- Corrosion
- Decay
- Deterioration
- Electrical breakdown
- Freezing
- Mechanical breakdown
- Pressure system breakdown
- Rust
- Tree root damage or other plant invasions
- Weight of equipment, vehicles, animals, or people
If your underground lines are damaged due to any of the above scenarios, service line coverage has got your back.
Detect Whether a Service Line is Down or Damaged
When a service line is down or damaged, you may experience a decrease in water pressure or loss of cable, internet, or electrical services.
When this happens, you may wonder if your service has been shut off temporarily or if damage has occurred.
One way to determine if your loss of service is temporary is to reach out to your gas, electric, or water company. You may also get in touch with your cable or internet provider if these are the services that have gone out or are not working correctly.
Your service providers can tell you if they are experiencing any technical difficulties on their end and if there are lines down near you that may be interfering with your service.
For sewer pipes, there are often signs that will alert you to damage. For instance, damaged sewer pipes usually emit odors and cause slow drainage, clogs, and backups. You may also notice mold and mildew growing on your walls or floors.
Damaged Service Lines
There are many ways that a service line can be damaged. In some cases, it may take years for damage to occur, but accidents do happen and lead to underground damage.
How Do Lines Become Damaged?
The average lifespan for underground pipes is 75 years, and 65 years for water lines and sewer lines.
Due to their long lifespan, the damage that occurs to lines and pipes typically comes from years of wear and tear.
When utility lines are found to be damaged, utility line workers often find the lines deteriorated, rusted, corroded, and decayed.
However, mother nature and technology play their part in damaged lines and pipes as well. Meaning, wiring used for communication or data transmission may become damaged, or freezing temperatures or tree roots can be held responsible for the damage.
What to Do If You Find Damaged Service Lines?
If you find damaged service lines, you must reach out to your service provider and insurance company.
You will want your provider to be aware of the damage right away so that they can fix the line or pipe and ensure your safety.
Informing your insurance company of the issue can make things go more smoothly when the time comes for you to be reimbursed. Your insurance company may also be able to give you advice on what you should be doing while you wait for your lines or pipes to be repaired.
If your home has become unsafe to live in while lines are being replaced or repaired, your service line coverage may cover the cost of a place for you to stay temporarily. As always, reach out to your insurance agent to know what options are available to you.
Stay Prepared with Frost & Remer
At Frost & Remer, we care about our customer’s needs, safety, and assets. It is important to us that our customers are worry-free. This is why we are here to assist you and get you the best coverage available, with a premium you can afford.
Knowing that you and your family will be protected and not have to dip into your savings should help ease your mind.
If you would like to receive a free policy review and full risk assessment, schedule a virtual appointment with us anytime. During that meeting, we can discuss bundles, discounts, and specialized add-ons.
You can also contact us to speak with one of our reliable and professional agents if you have any immediate questions or concerns.