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.
Understanding service line coverage
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:
Water pipes
The piping that connects your home to a public water supply, private well, retention pond, or cistern.
Drain pipes
Pipes that carry water away from your home or other structures.
Heating system pipes
Water or steam pipes connecting an outdoor heating system to your home.
Electrical service lines
A power line that brings electricity to your home or other structures on your property.
Communication lines
Includes all wiring for phone, cable, internet, and fibre optics.
Ground loop pipes
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.
What does service line coverage include?
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:
- Damaged lines – Covers repair costs for underground lines
- Excavation – Pays for digging up hard-to-reach lines
- Temporary repairs – Speeds up the repair process with temporary fixes
- Outdoor property – Covers clean up after repairs
- Additional living expenses – Helps with costs from displacement or loss of use of property due to service line issues
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.
What does service line coverage mean?
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.
What is a service line?
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.
Are underground pipes covered by home insurance in Ontario?
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.
Contact BrokerLink today
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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