Service Line Coverage: A Smart Add-On for Michigan Homeowners
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.
What Is Service Line Coverage?
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
Why It Matters
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
A Local Approach to Protection
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.
.png)