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The answers to all your questions about service line coverage

What is service line coverage?

Service line coverage is insurance against unexpected expenses related to the damage of service lines on your property, such as power lines, phone and cable lines, water and sewer pipes and more. It covers the potentially costly expenses of excavation and repair of underground wiring and piping.

Why do I need service line coverage?

If you are a homeowner, you may be surprised to learn 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. If you have service line coverage and a loss occurs resulting in a loss of service, you could be covered for repairs to the service line, including excavation costs, loss of use and landscaping expenses.

What is a service line?

The following are 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

How can a service line be damaged?

A service line can be damaged by the following causes:

  • 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

How much is the average service line repair?

The average service line repair runs roughly $3,000-$4,000 – but the cost can go much higher, depending on the affected line and the extent of the required repair.

What does service line insurance cover?

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 Hanover 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?

There are many different factors that can affect the cost of service line insurance coverage. Contact your local independent agent for a quote on a homeowners insurance policy that includes service line coverage.

Does the covered service line need to be on my premises?

Yes. In order to be covered, the affected service line must be located on your premises and provide a service to the residence or related covered private structures.

Can I replace the service line materials with more environmentally-friendly materials?

Yes. If a covered service line requires replacement due to a covered service line failure, The Hanover will pay up to 150 percent of what the cost would have been to replace with like kind and quality using materials that are considered green.

What is the deductible for service line coverage?

The deductible for service line coverage is $500 per occurrence.

What if I damage a service line while digging on my property?

The service line coverage endorsement extends coverage for breakage as a result of the weight of equipment, animals or people. Coverage would apply if you crush a service line while digging in the yard.

Is service line coverage worth it?

The cost of just one service line repair averages roughly between $3K and $4K. Service line insurance provides coverage for these costs, so you’re not left paying for the repair out of pocket. Talk to your independent insurance agent about your options for service line coverage for your home.

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LC OCT 2018-507