(800) 253-1482Service Line Coverage in Missouri
Summary: Service line coverage is a valuable add-on for Missouri homeowners, protecting against the high costs of repairing damaged utility lines like water, gas, or electric—expenses often not covered by standard home insurance. Most policies cover up to $10,000 per incident, including excavation and potential damage to landscaping, and may even help with temporary living costs if repairs leave your home uninhabitable. Also known as buried utility lines coverage, perils related to corrosion, freezing, and tree roots are covered but exclusions for certain types of losses and systems still apply. Due to its inexpensive yearly premiums, utility line coverage is a great way to protect against expensive repair bills, personalize your home insurance, and avoid breaking the bank. Estimated Read Time: 5 mins
Service line coverage, also called buried utility lines coverage, is an optional add-on for Missouri homeowners to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged utility lines connected to their property.
This endorsement can be added to a home insurance policy and typically covers damage to water, gas, or electric lines.
Do I Need Service Line Coverage?
Homeowners are responsible for repairing or replacing damaged service lines on their property, not the service provider. Service line coverage steps in to cover these costs, as they are often excluded from basic home insurance policies.
This includes the cost of excavation to access the damaged line.
Adding service line coverage to home insurance in Missouri also covers damage to plants, trees, and landscaping during excavation, and may even include costs for digging up patios or outdoor structures.
If repairs force you to leave your home, temporary living expenses might be covered by your coverage as well, however, this varies depending on your policy and carrier.
A service line coverage endorsement offers peace of mind by handling a wide range of repair-related expenses beyond just the utility line itself.
If you are a homeowner looking to avoid several thousands of dollars in repair for your utility lines, having this rider may be an important consideration.
Missouri Buried Utility Lines Coverage Programs
Depending on where you live, there may be optional or included protection for utility lines.
One of the more common examples is water service line coverage insurance policies offered by certain neighborhoods and cities.
When homeowners with such coverage suffer an appropriate loss, their policy kicks in and helps them cover the costs of repair or replacement.
However, there are a few considerations every homeowner needs to remember:
- Not all homes in Missouri have this opportunity.
- Being covered for water lines is important but there are several other utilities connected to most homes.
- Your coverage may provide thousands of dollars of coverage yet still fall thousands more short of the amount you need to cover the costs, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses even after receiving a reimbursement.
- Furthermore, if your home is uninhabitable, additional living expenses may not be covered.
To better understand how well you are protected, it’s important to compare your utility line coverage among multiple carriers to find the right policy for your home’s needs.
Is Service Line Coverage Worth It?
Without service line coverage, repairs for damaged utility lines can easily cost over $5,000, leaving homeowners with a large, unexpected bill.
Service line coverage steps in to handle these expenses, covering not just the repairs, but also the cost of excavation, outdoor property damage caused by the leak or break, and possibly living expenses if displaced.
For homeowners, adding service line coverage is a smart way to protect against surprise costs that basic home insurance typically doesn’t cover.
While coverage limits and deductibles vary by policy, a common deductible is around $500—making it a much easier financial hurdle to clear than the $5,000 to $10,000+ repair costs.
Utility line insurance coverage is worth considering to avoid paying for expensive repairs out of pocket when perils strike.
How Service Line Coverage Insurance Protects Your Home
If you suffer damage to your service line, such as a tree root damaging a water pipe, for instance, it’s up to you to fix it.
Your service line coverage can help, with most policies offering up to $10,000 per incident, once you cover your deductible.
Simply enroll in coverage and if you suffer a loss, file your claim, and once approved, you’ll receive a reimbursement for the repair costs.
While this underground service line coverage slightly increases your insurance premium, it provides crucial financial protection by covering excavation, labor, and damaged landscaping.
It’s more comprehensive than many utility service contracts and applies to most service lines on your property, making it a smart investment for homeowners.
Types of Utility Lines Covered
Service line coverage can protect various utility lines connected to homes in Missouri, including water pipes, gas and fuel lines, buried power lines, sewage, and connectivity lines like fiber optics and cable.
Examples of Perils
Not everything is covered by buried utility lines coverage, however, common perils include damages caused by degradation, such as rust, corrosion, and wear and tear, as well as damage from freezing, tree roots, pests, or heavy traffic.
Your endorsement can also cover mechanical or electrical breakdowns and may include costs for excavation, landscaping, and the repair or replacement of wiring and piping.
Despite not being a blanket coverage, homeowners receive broad protection for utility line issues through affordable protection.
What’s Not Covered by Utility Line Insurance
Because service line coverage generally does not include several specific items and systems, understanding these exclusions is essential for homeowners seeking to grasp the limitations of their policies.
Notably, service line coverage excludes water well systems, heating and cooling systems, and sprinkler systems.
Fuel tanks and unconnected piping or wiring are also not covered, nor are septic systems.
Additionally, any lines running under bodies of water, such as swimming pools, or those that go through or beneath your home, typically fall outside the policy's scope.
Wiring or pipes associated with outdoor property, including light fixtures, electric fencing, and sprinklers, are also excluded.
Finally, service line coverage does not extend to underground storm drainpipes or systems used to direct water away from the home, nor does it cover the cleanup of pollutants, hazardous waste, or sewage.
How Much Is Service Line Coverage in Missouri?
On average, you can add service line coverage to homeowners insurance in Missouri for only $10 to $50 per year. A much better option than the unexpected costs that come with repairs.
To learn more about the cost of protecting your home, shop and compare rates near you using our free, no-obligation quote tool below:
Shopping for home insurance can help you personalize your protection and enroll in coverage for less.
To learn more about protecting yourself with service line coverage, comparing your homeowners insurance options, or bundling your coverage, feel free to ask an agent by clicking the link or calling the number above to start saving today.
