As a homeowner, you are responsible for the underground service lines that connect you to the outside world. From water and gas pipes to cable and power lines, these utilities can be expensive to replace if they get damaged. That’s why there’s service line coverage. You may wonder, what is service line coverage on home insurance? Let us explain.
What is a service line
Underground service lines are crucial to the everyday function of your home, yet many homeowners don’t know what they are or how they work. These pipes and lines connect you to the outside world by transporting gas, electric, water, sewer, cable and more to and from your house.
- Water pipes
- Gas lines
- Heating pipes
- Sewer pipes
- Electric power lines
- Cable and Internet lines
Chances are you have several of these service lines running under the ground from your property to the street. Like other things, these pipes and wires can get damaged due to wear and tear and other causes. If that happens, not only would your daily routines be disrupted, but it could result in costly repairs.
Furthermore, you would be responsible for paying for the repairs, as standard home insurance policies don’t cover damage to service lines on your property. This is why you need to add service line coverage to your policy.
What is service line coverage
Most home insurance companies offer service line coverage as an optional endorsement that you can add to your homeowner’s insurance policy. It protects you against the cost of repairing or replacing underground utility lines that run from the street to your home. Examples include water pipes, sewer lines, electrical wires and gas lines.
Even though they are located underground, these service lines can still leak, break, tear, rupture or collapse due to a variety of causes. Some of these causes include general wear and tear, corrosion, tree roots and freezing.
What does service line coverage typically cover?
Service line coverage can protect you from significant out-of-pocket expenses related to repairing damaged service lines. Check with your insurance company to find out exactly what the coverage will and won’t cover. Generally speaking, though, here are some things that your service line coverage could pay for:
What is typically not covered by service line coverage?
Here are some things that typically aren’t covered by service line coverage:
- Damage caused by homeowners
- Known issues with utility lines
- Septic systems
- Fuel tanks
- Piping or wiring that isn’t connected and ready for use
- Piping or wiring that runs through a body of water
Can I replace the service line materials with more environmentally friendly materials?
It all depends on your insurance company. If a service line needs replacing due to a covered failure, some insurance companies may offer extra coverage to replace your old service line with more efficient or environmentally friendly technology. Check with your carrier to be sure.
How does a service line get damaged
Believe it or not, there are many ways that wires and pipes buried beneath your yard can get damaged. Here are some common examples:
- Frost Heave and Line Freezing – Rainwater that collects in the soil can freeze in icy weather. This can shift the ground, causing sewer lines to heave upwards and possibly become damaged.
- Corrosion and Rust – Over time, iron and steel-based sewer lines can oxidize and corrode. Small holes develop and fluid can leak out, further damaging the pipe.
- Root and Tree Invasion – Pressure from nearby tree roots can collapse the water line between your home and the city’s water main. Also, roots can penetrate tiny crevices in pipes, then crack them as they grow.
As a homeowner, you would be responsible for paying for the repairs in each of these cases—assuming the broken pipe is on your property. Fortunately, optional sewer line insurance can help cover the costs.
- Wear and tear
- Rust, corrosion and decay
- Tree or root-caused damage
- Rodent damage
- Collapse from aboveground weight
- Freezing or frost heave
- Landscaping accidents
Should I get service line coverage
Service line coverage isn’t mandatory, so it’s your choice whether you add it to your homeowners insurance policy.
| Service Line Coverage Could Be Helpful If… | Service Line Coverage Could Be Less Helpful If… |
| You live in an older home with aging utility lines | Your home is new |
| Your property is surrounded by large trees with roots that could reach underground pipes | You live in a rural area without connections to many municipal utilities |
| Paying a little more for extra coverage gives you peace of mind | You’re comfortable enough financially to cover an unexpected expense |
How much do utility line repairs cost?
No two utility line repair projects are the same. Some may cost hundreds of dollars to fix, while others could cost thousands. The amount will vary depending on the severity of the problem. Keep in mind that the extent of damage can also determine how long you’re left without water, gas or electricity.
What is the deductible for service line coverage?
Service line coverage usually comes with a $500 deductible. This is the amount of a claim you’ll have to pay out of pocket, before your insuance coverage kicks in.
For example, let’s say a heavy truck parks on your lawn, accidentally crushing an underground sewer line. Replacing it will cost $4,000. After subtracting your $500 deductible, your insurance company would pay the remaining $3,500 for a covered claim.
How much does underground service line coverage cost?
Service line coverage typically costs between $20 and $50 per year, depending upon your insurance carrier.
