What Is Underground Service Line Coverage—And Do You Need It?

When you think about protecting your home, you likely picture the roof over your head, the walls around you, or the valuables inside. But there’s something just as critical that most homeowners overlook: what’s beneath your home.

We’re talking about underground service lines—those hidden heroes that bring water, power, gas, and internet into your home. If one of those lines breaks or leaks on your property, repairs can be expensive—and standard homeowners insurance typically won’t cover it.

That’s where Underground Service Line coverage from Erie Insurance comes in.

What Does Underground Service Line Coverage Include?

Erie’s Underground Service Line coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged underground utility lines that you’re legally responsible for as a homeowner. These may include:

• Water pipes
• Sewer lines
• Drainage
• Electrical wiring
• Compressed air
• Data/communications wiring
• Heating lines, including geothermal, natural gas, propane, and steam

It can also help cover costs related to excavation, landscaping, sidewalk or driveway damage, and even loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable during repairs.

How Do These Lines Get Damaged?

Even if everything seems fine today, damage to service lines can happen unexpectedly. Common causes include:

• Rust and corrosion
• Mechanical breakdown
• Wear and tear over time
• Accidental damage from digging
• Environmental and natural conditions, such as freezing, tree root invasion, or even animals and insects

Without coverage, you could be stuck with a bill for thousands of dollars—plus the headache of coordinating repairs on your own.

Why This Matters

Standard homeowners policies often exclude service line damage. That means if your sewer line collapses or your water pipe bursts under your lawn, you’re responsible for the full cost unless you have this optional endorsement.

While some utility companies offer service line coverage, those plans are often limited in scope and tend to cost more over time. Erie’s Underground Service Line coverage is typically more comprehensive—and more affordable—when bundled with your homeowners policy.

With Erie’s coverage, you can rest easier knowing you’re protected from a costly surprise. With an ErieSecure Home policy, the Plus bundle provides up to $10,000 in coverage and the Select bundle, up to $25,000

The Bottom Line – Underground Service Line Coverage

Underground Service Line coverage is a smart, affordable way to protect your home from the ground up. If you’re not sure whether your current policy includes it—or if you want to explore adding it—our team is here to help.

Have questions? Want to see if you’re covered?
Contact us today to review your policy or learn more about adding Underground Service Line coverage through Erie Insurance.