Homeownership comes with its share of responsibilities, including ensuring that the various service lines on your property are well-maintained and protected. But what happens if these service lines get damaged? Are you prepared for the potentially hefty repair costs? That’s where service line coverage comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions about service line coverage and why it’s essential for New Hampshire homeowners.
What is Service Line Coverage?
Service Line Coverage is insurance that protects you against unexpected expenses related to the damage of service lines on your property. These service lines can include power lines, phone and cable lines, water and sewer pipes, and more. Essentially, it covers the potentially costly expenses of excavation and repair of underground wiring and piping.
Why Do You Need Service Line Coverage?
As a homeowner in New Hampshire, it’s crucial to understand that the repair or replacement of service lines on your property is your responsibility, not the responsibility of the service provider. These expenses aren’t always covered by your basic homeowners policy. With service line coverage, however, you could be covered for repairs to the service line, including excavation costs, loss of use, and landscaping expenses, in the event of a covered loss resulting in a loss of service.
Understanding Service Lines
Service lines encompass various utilities and infrastructure on your property. Here are some examples of service lines:
- Power lines and electrical wiring
- Steam piping
- Telephone and cable lines
- Drainage
- Fuel lines
- Water pipes
- Waste disposal
- Sewer piping
- Private wells and septic systems
Causes of Service Line Damage
Service lines can be damaged by a variety of factors, including:
- Rust or corrosion
- Ground freeze
- Tree or other root invasion
- Landscaping accidents
- Rodents
- Wear and tear
- Mechanical breakdown
- Collapse from aboveground weight
- Artificially-generated electric current
- Freezing or frost heave
- External force from excavation
Cost of Service Line Repair
The average service line repair can range from $3,000 to $4,000, but costs can escalate depending on the affected line and the extent of the required repair.
What Service Line Insurance Covers
If a service line on your property is damaged by a covered cause of loss resulting in a service failure, your service line endorsement on your homeowners policy will pay up to the limit of coverage on your policy for the cost of repair.
How Much Does Service Line Coverage Cost?
The cost of service line insurance coverage varies depending on several factors. To get an accurate quote, contact our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for a personalized assessment.
Key Details About Service Line Coverage
- On-Premises Requirement: The affected service line must be located on your premises and provide a service to the residence or related covered private structures to be covered.
- Green Replacement: Some insurance companies will pay up to 150 percent of the cost of replacement with environmentally-friendly materials if a covered service line requires replacement.
- Deductible: The deductible for service line coverage is typically $500 per occurrence.
- Coverage Extension: The service line coverage endorsement extends coverage for breakage caused by the weight of equipment, animals, or people, and may also apply if you crush a service line while digging in the yard.
Is Service Line Coverage Worth It?
Considering that the average cost of a single service line repair can be several thousand dollars, service line insurance provides invaluable coverage. It ensures that you’re not left paying for costly repairs out of pocket, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home and finances are protected.
Conclusion: Secure Your New Hampshire Home with Service Line Coverage
Don’t let unexpected service line damage catch you off guard. With service line coverage from Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, you can rest easy knowing that your New Hampshire home is well-protected against the financial repercussions of service line failures. Give us a call today to speak with one of our licensed agents and explore your options for service line coverage. Protect your home and your peace of mind with Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance.