Madison, Wisconsin: ‘Water Line’ Insurance Offer Not Affiliated with City

The City of Madison, Wisconsin, has issued a warning to water utility customers concerning letters being sent to homeowners by a company claiming to offer insurance coverage for water lines to the home.

Madison Water Utility said it has received dozens of phone calls and inquiries from homeowners about letters from a company called Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) that offer insurance for water service lateral lines, the pipe that runs from the water main under the street to a home.

Callers are concerned that the letters appear to indicate that water lateral coverage is required by the City or has something to do with their existing sewer line coverage, the City said. Neither is the case. The company is not affiliated with the City of Madison or with Madison Water Utility, and the letters are simply part of a widespread sales campaign.

While it is true that water service line repairs are a homeowner’s responsibility, it’s a good idea to read the fine print before buying any insurance policy. It’s also important to note that water service lines are much smaller (1-inch diameter) than sewer lines and are often made of copper, while some older sewer lines are made of a brittle clay-like material.

Water lines are private property, and Madison Water Utility does not make any recommendations with respect to insurance coverage. Decisions about whether or not to insure water lines are completely up to the property’s owner.

People who received the mailers should talk with their homeowners insurance agent to see if this type of coverage is worth the cost.

Source: City of Madison

Topics Homeowners Wisconsin