What Is Service Line Coverage?
Homeowners and property owners are responsible for the utility, service lines, and pipes going from their home to the street or utility connection. Service lines are buried deep in your yard and include; water & sewage lines, gas lines, and electrical/power connections. Should any of these be damaged from a tree root or weather conditions, you are responsible for repairing and replacing these lines as the homeowner. Unless your homeowners policy adds service line coverage to your policy, this type of damage outside your home is not covered. You can also purchase this coverage directly from your local utility or water company. However, it is often easier and more cost-effective to add service line coverage to your homeowners insurance policy.
How Can Exterior Underground Utility, Water, and Sewer Lines Be Damaged?
Older service, water and sewer, and utility lines can fail due to collapse, old age, or plumbing backups. Tree roots from mature trees around your home can damage the lines and pipes around your home, causing a backup of the water and sewage lines. To excavate and repair this damage, the cost can be upwards of $15,000. We have seen underground service and sewer line damage happen in all types of homes; however, older homes with aging underground utility lines and pipes tend to be more susceptible. Seasonal weather changes can also make the lines and pipes more prone to damage.
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Underground service and utility lines can be susceptible to backups due to damage from age, tree roots, or collapse. The cost to replace service lines can be expensive.
How Much Does Underground Service and Utility Line Coverage Cost?
The average cost to add this coverage to your homeowners policy should be approximately $30 annually. The cost of the coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of repair should a utility line be damaged or need to be replaced.
Is Service Line Coverage Worth It?
If your exterior utility, sewer, and service lines are damaged or backed up, excavating, repairing, or replacing an external underground utility and service line can cost $10,000 +, depending on your property. The cost to add this coverage to your homeowners insurance policy is very inexpensive, and in our experience, we recommend you add service line coverage to your policy.
How Do I Add Service Line Coverage To My Homeowners Policy?
This is easy; you can contact your independent insurance agent or access your homeowners policy to add this coverage directly to your policy.
What If My Homeowners Policy Does Not Provide This Coverage?
If your homeowners policy does not provide service line coverage, you might be inclined to shop around for coverage. Rather than searching endless insurance companies online, you should contact an independent insurance agency such as The Overmyer Insurance Agency which works with many insurance companies, knows which companies offer service line coverage, and will recommend the appropriate coverage for you.
Contact our agency at 908-476-8685 or our website to review your policy or answer any questions.
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The Bottom Line:
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Protect your home or property on both the inside and outside. Knowing your homeowners insurance coverage is half the battle. Having an insurance advocate such as the Overmyer Insurance Agency on your side can give you peace of mind knowing you have sufficient coverage.
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Service and utility line coverage is an important component of your homeowners insurance coverage and should be added to the policy to protect against an unexpected utility line failure. The cost of the coverage is minimal on most homeowners insurance policies, and compared to the cost of a utility line excavation and replacement, we advise adding service line coverage if available.
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This is where the Overmyer Insurance Agency comes in.
Having sufficient coverage for the day-to-day risks we all face is critical.
We are here for you. Call or click for a coverage review or quote:
We look forward to helping you.
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Frequently Asked Questions: What is Buried Utility Lines Coverage?
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1. What is Service Line Coverage?
Service Line Coverage is a crucial addition to homeowners insurance policies that protect against the financial burden of repairing or replacing exterior underground utility, water, sewer, and power lines. Without this coverage, homeowners are responsible for the costs associated with damages outside their homes, such as those caused by tree roots or weather conditions.
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2. Do I need Service Line Coverage?
Consider factors such as the age of your home, the condition of your underground utility lines, and the potential costs of repairs. If you reside in an area with mature trees or experience seasonal weather changes, the risk of utility line damage increases, making service line coverage a prudent choice.
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3. How can Exterior Underground Utility, Water, and Sewer Lines Be Damaged?
Damage to exterior underground utility, water, and sewer lines can occur due to aging, collapse, plumbing backups, or interference from tree roots. The expenses for excavating and repairing such damages can reach upwards of $15,000. Older homes with aging underground utility lines are particularly susceptible, and seasonal weather changes can exacerbate the risk.
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4. How Much Does Underground Service and Utility Line Coverage Cost?
On average, adding service line coverage to your homeowners policy is approximately $30 annually. This cost is significantly lower than potential repair expenses, making it a cost-effective solution to safeguard against unexpected utility line failures.
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5. Is Service Line Coverage Worth It?
Considering the potential costs of excavating and replacing damaged utility lines, which can exceed $10,000, the nominal expense of adding service line coverage to your homeowners insurance policy is undoubtedly worthwhile. The Overmyer Insurance Agency recommends this coverage based on their experience and understanding of the potential risks.
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6. How Do I Add Service Line Coverage To My Homeowners Policy?
Adding service line coverage to your homeowners policy is a straightforward process. You can either contact your independent insurance agent or access your policy directly to include this essential coverage.
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7. What If My Homeowners Policy Does Not Provide This Coverage?
If your current homeowners policy lacks service line coverage, instead of navigating countless online options, consider reaching out to an independent insurance agency like The Overmyer Insurance Agency. We work with multiple insurance companies, can identify those offering service line coverage, and provide tailored recommendations to meet your needs.
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8. How Do I Contact The Overmyer Insurance Agency?
For a policy review or to get answers to your questions, you can contact The Overmyer Insurance Agency at 908-476-8685 or visit their website. Our team is ready to assist you in ensuring you have sufficient coverage for both the inside and outside of your home.