SEWER LINE INSURANCE: What Is It & Do You Need It?

Over time, you may save thousands of dollars by including sewer line and water service coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Policies and providers differ in what they cover when it comes to sewer lines and backups. The monthly cost of sewer line insurance ranges from $10 to $15.

Sewer Line Insurance

When a covered peril causes damage to a sewer line, homeowner’s insurance may pay for it. A homeowner’s insurance policy might cover repairs for a damaged sewer line resulting from common causes if they add a special endorsement. Your homeowner’s insurance might cover the cost of fixing the sewer line itself if it suffered damage due to a covered peril.

Replacement of a damaged sewer line is typically included in a standard homeowner’s policy’s “other structures coverage,” which also protects uninsured outbuildings like garages and detached carports. However, your policy’s dwelling coverage deductible for sewer line damage may be as high as 10% of your home’s total insured value.

A typical homeowners insurance policy typically covers sewer line damage due to fire, lightning, hail or windstorms, explosions, vehicles or aircraft, falling objects, or vandalism.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage to Sewer Lines?

Your insurance plan might cover damage to your sewer line as a result of hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning, fire, damage from vehicles, vandalism, or falling objects. The coverage for other structures, which is normally 10% of the insured value of your home, may apply to the sewer line if it is located on your property. However, the specific insurer may have different limits for this coverage.

However, there are frequently situations where regular homeowner’s insurance does not cover sewer line damage. For instance, repairs are typically not covered if the pipe damage was a result of poor construction or neglect. Generally, damages from pests, earthquakes, trees, or floods are not included.

You can get help with some problems with your sewer lines through Coverage B of your homeowner’s insurance. This covers other buildings on your property that are not attached to your home.

Sewer and Water Line Additional Coverage

#1. Service Line Coverage

Service line insurance covers all of your pipes and wires that supply your home with water and electricity. Insurance companies provide service line coverage as an endorsement of an existing policy. It covers wear and tear, rust and corrosion, tree and root damage, pests, collapse, and the weight of equipment, vehicles, and other heavy items that can crack sewer lines. It will pay for a wide variety of fixes, such as reseeding your lawn, digging up and clearing out obstructions, renting equipment, paying inspection fees, and fixing clogs and blockages.

#2. Utility Service Plans

Utility service plans pay for repairs to water and sewer lines. There is no replacement for service line coverage from an insurer, but these supplemental policies can be useful if you do not have it through your homeowner’s policy. To have your utilities covered, you will need to sign up for multiple service plans, one from each provider.

#3. Sewer or Water Backup Coverage

This will cover any flooding that occurs on your property as a result of a broken or leaking sewer line. It would be financially feasible to replace the ruined flooring, furniture, and other items caused by the leak. Although many homeowners insurance policies include coverage for sewer backups (also called water backup and sump discharge or overflow endorsements), this coverage does not extend to damage to the sewer line itself. Sewer backup endorsements may cover floor and possession replacement.

#4. Home Warranty

A home warranty is not the same as homeowners insurance, but it may include sewer line coverage. It is a separate policy that can come in handy for covering the expense of fixing or replacing electrical appliances and systems. It is important to check your home warranty to see if sewer line repairs and replacements are included.

How Do Sewer Line Endorsements Work?

You may be able to get protection for your home’s buried pipes and other utility lines with a sewer line endorsement, also called buried utility line coverage. A small sewer line break can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs and the need to dig up a large area. As part of the repair process, it may be necessary to dig up your yard and then fill it in again. Depending on the policy, sewer line insurance coverage may extend to the digging, fusing, welding, and cutting required to locate and repair a sewer line (including leaking seals).

Drain clogs and sewer line damage can be avoided with preventative measures like the correct disposal of grease and oils, the use of a drain catcher, and the avoidance of planting trees near sewer lines.

Sewer Line Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover repairs to the pipe connecting your home to the city sewer main if it becomes damaged. Sewer line insurance can shield you from the financial burden of unexpected maintenance needs. Coverage for your service lines safeguards the infrastructure that brings utilities to your home. Many homeowners insurance providers offer this type of protection as an optional add-on for a small percentage of your monthly premiums.

What does Sewer Line Insurance Coverage Cover?

It’s crucial to comprehend what a sewer line insurance policy typically covers because sewer line issues can be so complicated and the resulting damage can be so severe. Let us get into the nitty-gritty of what these policies typically protect against:

Repair and Replacement Costs
Cleanup and Restoration
Loss of Use
Personal Property Damage
Additional Living Expenses

What does Sewer Line Insurance not Cover?

Sewer line insurance can be a helpful supplement to a standard homeowner’s policy, but it is important to understand the policy’s limitations and exclusions to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The following are some exclusions of sewer line insurance coverage:

Pre-existing Conditions
Flood Damage
Negligence
Exterior Sewer Lines
Intentional Damage

Your policy should cover it if an insured peril causes the damage. It will cover if the damage is a result of:

Windstorms
Hail
Lightning strikes
Fire
Vandalism
Falling objects, like tree branches
Vehicles or aircraft
Explosions
Age and deterioration
Tree root infiltration
Ground settling
Clogs

If any of the following factors contributed to the issue, your service line insurance will typically not cover the cost of sewer line repairs:

Negligence
Floods
Earthquakes
Tree roots
Pests
Shoddy construction

Best Water and Sewer Line Insurance

Ask your current home insurance provider if they offer sewer line insurance before looking elsewhere. Sewer line coverage can be purchased as an endorsement or rider from many different home insurance providers.

You can either add a sewer line rider to your homeowner’s insurance or buy a separate sewer line warranty to cover the pipes that carry sewer away from your house. However, not all insurance companies promote the fact that they offer service line coverage as an endorsement. Inquire with your home insurance company or agent about any available riders. Also, check with your competitors. The following companies offer the best water and sewer line insurance coverage:

#1. Choice Home Warranty

Although Choice Home Warranty is not an insurance policy, it does provide protections that are normally not included in a standard homeowner’s policy. Sewer backups are just one of many home problems covered by their various policies. Unlike most home insurance policies, this one covers appliances as well. It offers 24/7 warranty service and is accessible in 49 states (Washington excluded). Options for Choice Home Warranty include two plans: basic and total. You can choose to cover the following things if you want to:

Pool/spa
Central vacuum
Septic system and septic tank pumping
Standalone freezer
Sump pump, well pump

#2. American Family

People who own cars, condos, homes, or businesses can get insurance from this company. American Family will give you a discount if you buy a bunch of insurance at once. You can get it in 17 states, plus Washington. It comes with basic policies that cover most things, but you can add more coverage if you want to. The following are things that its water and sewer line insurance covers:

Sewer line freezing
Latent or hidden defects
Pressure, mechanical and electrical systems
Deterioration, corrosion, rust, and decay
Normal wear and tear
Sewer line collapse

#3. Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance covers sewer lines as part of a package that protects service lines. People who already have ErieSecure home insurance or are looking to get it can choose from two plans that cover damage to sewer lines. People who have an Erie policy can choose between $10,000 and $25,000 in coverage limits. Erie’s service line endorsement includes the following service categories:

Sewer pipes
Water lines
Cable lines
Internet and electric wiring
Natural gas pipes
Propane pipes

#4. Mercury

Unlike Erie, Mercury does not offer its policyholders flexibility in coverage limits for its service line endorsement. Mercury, on the other hand, will pay for customers’ hotel stays if they are forced to relocate due to service line disruptions. For instance, if your sewer pipe is not working right, Mercury would pay for your hotel while the problem is being fixed, which could save you hundreds of dollars.

They offer protection for service lines as well as home insurance. The coverage is $10,000, and the deductible is a reasonable $500. This covers a wide range of service lines, such as sewer or water line repairs.

#5. American Water Resources (AWR)

Service line protection contracts are available from American Water Resources (AWR) to residents in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Sewer line coverage is available separately or as part of a bundle. These include protection for your sewer and water lines, with the option to expand to include other plumbing issues. American Water Resources charges $9 monthly for their most basic sewer line protection plan.

Repairs to sewer lines, refilling and reseeding, and repairs to sidewalks and roads that are directly connected to the sewer line service are all covered up to a maximum of $10,000 per occurrence. There may be a service charge of $50 per call. The warranty covers any necessary repairs for a full year after the initial 30-day waiting period.

#6. American Home Shield (AHS)

Our top recommendation for fixing sewer lines is American Home Shield (AHS) because of its unlimited plumbing coverage. AHS provides extensive coverage for plumbing systems and also for other major systems and appliances. The monthly premium can go up or down depending on which of the two service call fee plans you select from the company.

The service agreement from American Home Shield does not cover service lines that fall, break, or get damaged outside of your home’s foundation. There is no cover for septic tanks. Unfortunately, AHS will not pay for the cost of finding or getting to the cleanout for your sewer line if the technician can not do it easily. With American Home Shield, you can pick between a $100 or $125 service call fee. Your monthly fee will be less if you choose the $125 service fee.

#7. Liberty Home Guard (LHG)

When it comes to sewer line protection, another home warranty provider worth considering is Liberty Home Guard (LHG). It has an A rating from the BBB and receives rave reviews from customers on independent review websites.

Liberty Home Guard provides coverage in the event of leaks, breaks, or stoppages for the plumbing system within a 100-foot radius of an accessible point. LHG’s $500 limit on coverage for plumbing and sewer lines is in line with typical policy limits. LHG will not pay for sewer line blockages or leaks if the problem can not be fixed in a convenient place.

Most insurance companies cover both parts and pumping of septic systems, but Liberty Home Guard only covers pumping. For each claim, the service call fee is between $65 and $125.

How Much Does Sewer Line Insurance Cost?

Ask your homeowner’s insurance company if they cover sewer lines before you look at other companies. Numerous companies offer extras or “riders.”

The cost of sewer line insurance depends on what the coverage covers, but it should cost you around $40 to $160 a year. Your current insurance may cover sewer backups, but it usually only covers damage to the backups and not the line itself. You should check your coverage to see what is covered and what is not. A separate policy is best if the one you already have does not offer rider options. The monthly fee ranges from $10 to $15. However, it only protects sewer lines and nothing else. A new sewer line will set you back an average of $3,000–$6,000. Price and availability may change based on geographical location and other factors. To learn more, contact the service provider.

Shopping around and comparing quotes from various providers can help you find the most affordable policy for your home.

Who needs Insurance for a Sewer Line?

If you own a home or rent one out, live in an older home, have trees on your property, or live in a city prone to heavy rainstorms you may want to look into this insurance.

What is Line Insurance?

Lines of insurance cover things like cars, homes, and boats. Any insurance product, contract, or policy that is tailored to cover risks that are classified under one or more of the broad categories of insurance is referred to as a “line of insurance.”

What Is the Sewer Warranty in Kansas City?

Homeowners in Kansas City can now enroll in a warranty program to shield themselves from expensive repair bills. If crews need to dig under a public street or sidewalk to make repairs, the warrant will cover the cost of that as well, up to a total of $4,000

Does Insurance for Sewer Lines Cover Damage From Natural Disasters?

Natural disaster damage is typically not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. In some cases, it might be covered if it is an event that is considered to be very bad for your area.

Which Part of the Sewer Line Does the City Own and Maintain?

Laws about who is responsible for a sewer line vary from state to state and even from county to county. The city is usually in charge of maintaining the main sewer lines, while the homeowner is in charge of the sewer lines on their property. You can get help figuring out where the end of your property is by calling your local government or looking at your land survey, which is usually part of the paperwork you get when you become a homeowner.

Is Service Line Coverage Worth it?

If your sewer line breaks, having insurance for your water and sewer lines can save you a lot of money. If your home was constructed before 1950 or if your plumbing is made of older, more porous materials, such as clay or terra cotta, then this is a particularly good idea. This is less of a necessity for brand-new houses, but it is still smart to have as the property ages. Problems with a home’s sewer line can arise out of nowhere and cost the homeowner a fortune.

You can rest easy knowing that your sewer line insurance policy will cover any potential service line damage.

How Can I Keep My Sewer Line From Getting Damaged?

The best way to keep your sewer lines safe is to keep them in good shape and avoid damage that your insurance will not pay for. The proper disposal of grease and paper, the removal of tree roots, the repair of damaged plumbing connections, the clearing of clogged lines, and the installation of a backflow prevention device are all simple maintenance procedures that can prevent sewer backup, which is typically not covered by insurance.

Conclusion

If you have sewer or water line insurance, you will not have to worry about paying for expensive repairs after a break. If your home was constructed before 1950 or if your plumbing is made of older, more porous materials, such as clay or terra cotta, then this is a particularly good idea. While this is more pressing for older properties, it is still a good idea for newer homes as well. A sudden problem with a home’s sewer line can result in astronomical repair bills.

SEWER LINE INSURANCE: What Is It & Do You Need It?

Sewer Line Insurance