Most homeowners are surprised to learn that damage to underground service lines on their property isn’t covered by standard homeowners' insurance—or by the city or township they live in.
For example, the City of Alpena recently notified residents that they’re no longer responsible for service line issues that occur on private property. But this isn’t unique to Alpena—most municipalities across northern Michigan operate the same way. That means if a water, sewer, electrical, or gas line breaks between your home and the street, you could be responsible for the full cost of repairs—including any excavation or landscaping needed to fix the problem.
Service Line Coverage is an optional but highly valuable addition to your homeowners insurance policy. It offers protection from unexpected and expensive repairs that most standard policies don’t cover. Watch this short educational video by our partners at Nationwide to get a better understanding.
This coverage includes:
The cost to repair or replace damaged underground service lines
Protection for lines that bring water, gas, electricity, or sewage to your home
Coverage for excavation work and landscaping damaged during repairs
Damage caused by tree roots, freezing, mechanical breakdown, wear and tear, and more
Adding this small but powerful coverage:
Provides peace of mind and protects your budget
Helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses
Does not impact your claim-free discount
Demonstrates the value of working with a knowledgeable, local insurance agent
At Top O’ Michigan, we understand the unique challenges that come with homeownership in northern Michigan—from freezing winters to aging infrastructure. That’s why we offer specialized protection tailored to our communities. If you're unsure whether you have this coverage or would like to add it at renewal, reach out to your local Top O’ Michigan agent today. We're here to help protect what matters most—above and below ground.
Alpena
514 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
Local: (989) 356-6133
Hillman
150 State St
Hillman, MI 49746
Local: (989) 742-4574
Traverse City
3183 Logan Valley Rd
Traverse City, MI 49684
Local: (231) 947-1164
Iron River
117 W Genesee St, Ste 1
Iron River, MI 49935
Local: (906) 265-5137
Petoskey
1170 Bay View Rd, Ste B
Petoskey, MI 49770
Local: (231) 347-4610
Gaylord
440 W Main St, Ste F
Gaylord, MI 49735-1401
Local: (989) 705-8664
Oscoda
PO Box 39
Oscoda, MI 48750-0039
Local: (989) 739-1461