(800) 956-3728 Service Line Coverage
Provides peace of mind for your water, gas, electric, and sewer lines.
What is service line coverage?
Service line coverage is an optional type of homeowners insurance that helps pay for repairs or replacement of underground utility lines that run from your home to the public utility connection, such as water, sewer, electrical, or gas. Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover these lines, which means if they fail or get damaged, you’re responsible for the full cost.
Whether it’s a broken water pipe, tree roots invading your sewer line, or damage to a buried power cable, service line insurance can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs.
What is service line damage?
Service line damage refers to physical harm, deterioration, or failure of underground utility lines—such as water, sewer, gas, or electrical—that connect your home to public services. Common causes include root intrusion, ground shifting, corrosion, wear and tear, and extreme weather events like freezing.
Service line damage typically occurs unexpectedly, and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover these repairs.
With service line coverage from Mercury Insurance, you’re covered1 in the event of costly and unforeseen expenses related to water, electricity, gas, and sewer service line damage.
1Coverages may be subject to certain restrictions and limitations and may not be available in all states. Please refer to your policy for specific policy terms and conditions. Ask your local independent agent for more information. Service Line coverage is not applicable to mobile homeowner risks, condominium owner risks and contents only risks.
What does service line coverage cover?
Service line coverage offers up to $10,000 per occurrence for damage to your exterior underground service lines, including:
- Water piping that connects from the dwelling or other structure to a public water supply or private well.
- Sewer piping that is part of a sewer lateral that connects from the dwelling or other structure to a public sewer or private septic system.
- Ground loop piping that connects to a heat pump.
- Heating systems piping, including geothermal, natural gas, propane, and steam.
- Compressed air piping systems that transport air from a compressor to various applications.
- Power lines that provide electrical service to the dwelling or other structure.
These covered lines fall outside what most standard homeowners policies protect, which may leave you surprised when you face costly out-of-pocket repairs. That’s where extra protection like water pipe insurance, sewer pipe insurance, and gas line insurance coverage becomes invaluable. If you rely on a private septic system, having septic system insurance coverage can help offset unexpected repair bills. Likewise, water main insurance and water service line insurance coverage can save you thousands when damage strikes underground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is service line coverage on homeowners insurance?
Service line coverage in a home insurance policy is an optional add-on that helps pay for repairs to underground utility lines that run through your property, like water, sewer, gas, and electric lines. These lines connect your home to public systems or private sources; if they get damaged, you’re typically responsible for fixing them.
Does house insurance cover sewer lines?
No, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage to sewer lines unless the damage is caused by something sudden and specific, like a fire or explosion. Most sewer line issues—like corrosion, tree root damage, or wear and tear—aren’t covered by a typical home insurance policy.
What is the cost of the deductible for service line coverage?
This type of coverage has its own $500 deductible, separate from the homeowners policy.
What is the average claim payment for a sewer/water line claim?
The average claim payment is $5,000, with excavation being the greatest cost of a service line repair.
If a service water line was damaged due to a "service line failure" and the water caused damage within the home, would I be covered for both?
As long as you have both a homeowners policy and Service Line Protection, it may be handled as a joint loss. Service Line Protection would cover the excavation and repair of the service water line and damaged outdoor property. Your homeowners policy may cover the resultant water damage within the home, subject to any exclusions that may apply.
Are tree roots in sewer lines covered by insurance?
They can be if you have service line coverage. Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of damage to underground pipes, especially sewer lines. When roots grow around or into the line and cause a leak or blockage, it’s considered physical damage, which meets the definition of a covered service line failure under this type of coverage.
Should I find my own contractor if something needs to be repaired or replaced?
You should hire and use your own contractor to make repairs to the covered service line. If you’re unable to locate a contractor, Mercury can help you find one.
What happens if there is a need for an emergency repair and there isn't time to submit the claim first?
If emergency repairs are needed, they should be documented as much as possible to assist the investigation to determine if coverage can be afforded. Photos can be very helpful, especially if the damaged parts have been discarded. You should always take action to prevent further damage and report the claim as soon as possible.
Are underground pipes covered by home insurance?
Not usually. Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover damage to underground pipes unless the damage is caused by a sudden, covered event (like a fire or explosion). Most of the time, issues like corrosion, shifting soil, or root intrusion are considered maintenance-related and aren’t covered.