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3 minute read Published on Feb 12, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Did you know that as a homeowner, you're actually responsible for the underground service lines that run from the city property line to your house? Most people don’t realize this, but if something goes wrong with those pipes or wiring, the cost to repair or replace them can be high—and it's usually not covered by standard home insurance. Enter service line coverage—an optional add-on that can help protect you from unexpected expenses if something happens to those lines.
Service line coverage protects you from unexpected costs if an underground service line on your property is damaged or fails. This type of insurance extends your home coverage to include essential water, sewer, power, utility, and communication lines running through, across, and under your property, such as:
The piping that connects your home to a public water supply, private well, retention pond, or cistern.
Pipes that carry water away from your home or other structures.
Water or steam pipes connecting an outdoor heating system to your home.
A power line that brings electricity to your home or other structures on your property.
Includes all wiring for phone, cable, internet, and fibre optics.
Pipes connecting to a heat pump system.
Some common issues that can happen with service lines include wear and tear, rust, corrosion, and general deterioration over time. Lines can also face problems like decay, defects, freezing, or even collapse (though not from sinkholes). And, of course, the breakdown of electrical, mechanical, or pressure systems is possible, too.
Because you're responsible for what’s beneath your ground, service line coverage can be a valuable add-on in the event of service line failure. Here’s what it typically covers:
Not every insurer offers the exact same coverage, so it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance company or broker to understand the options available to you. You can add service line coverage to a new policy if it's your first time buying home insurance or to an existing policy during your renewal.
Service Line Coverage helps protect you from unexpected costs if these underground lines are damaged or fail. It extends your home insurance to cover things like piping, wiring, valves, and more that run beneath your property. It also pays for things like excavation, temporary repairs, additional living expenses, and the cost of cleaning up the property afterward.
Service lines include the water, power, sewer, communication, and utility lines that run through, across, and under your property. Over time, these lines can face a range of issues—things like wear and tear, rust, corrosion, and general aging. They might also experience problems like decay, defects, freezing, or even collapse (except in cases of sinkholes). Further, they can experience electrical, mechanical, or pressure system breakdowns, too.
No, standard home insurance doesn’t cover underground service lines, and as the homeowner, you’re responsible for any costs if they fail. That's why it can be essential for homeowners to add service line coverage to their home insurance policy to help cover these costs if a line ever needs repair or replacement.
Since you’re responsible for everything beneath your property, adding service line coverage to your home insurance policy can be a good idea to protect yourself if one of those lines fails. To learn more about how service line coverage can protect you, reach out to BrokerLink. Our BrokerLink insurance advisors are ready to answer any questions you may have about your home, condo, or even tenant insurance.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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