Opinions on whether to purchase Sewer and/or Water Line Insurance?

This is what we were told, for what it's worth... When our water line broke and we paid to have it replaced, we lamented not having had the insurance. The people doing the work replacing the line told us that people often assume that with the insurance their line would be replaced, but it is often simply repaired. Something to keep in mind. I would not have thought this, and don't know how to much credibility it has.

We bought the ins years ago  and pretty much thought we'd never need it. But 2 years ago it came in very handy. We heard water running and saw no water in the basement. Called NJAW they immediately sent someone to determine if it was their issue (meaning on the street outside) or ours. Turned out it was ours and thanks to the insurance someone was here within 24 hours of our 1st call repaired the leak and we never saw a bill.  Yes we still have the insurance and are glad we had it rather than a bill of several thousand $'s.

Thanks for the input-

Do you have trees in your front yard whose roots might cause damage?  Take a few minutes to walk up and down your block to see if there are telltale asphalt or sidewalk patches indicating your neighbors have had their lines replaced.  

I've heard that the contractors who do the work are not the best, but regardless, better to pay less whether the contractor is top notch or not.  

I have both the water and sewer lines covered.  

I've heard mixed things about this question. Some years ago, I bought the water line protection, and I've kept it ever since. Then they started sending me the sewer line offers. I did not take that protection. Besides, wouldn't home insurance cover a sewer line problem?

unicorn33 said:

I've heard mixed things about this question. Some years ago, I bought the water line protection, and I've kept it ever since. Then they started sending me the sewer line offers. I did not take that protection. Besides, wouldn't home insurance cover a sewer line problem?

 In my experience, your homeowners generally would cover collateral damage occurring in your home due to stuff backing up, but would not cover the cost of the repair itself.  

Does anyone know if EOWC offers this option in South Orange?

We do have a couple of very large trees in the front yard.

I am responsible for my mother's house in Millburn. Built in 1929. About three years ago, I bought all of the water protection. I have paid about $1,000. so far for the protection. Meanwhile, I have received $1,200 in services from them.

The first experience was when I received a call from the tenant that the kitchen sink was backing up. I called a plumber who wanted $750. to replace a large pipe. Then I remembered that I had the insurance. I paid the plumber for the diagnosis and called N.J.A.W. The bill was $50. for the deductible. It took N.J.A.W.'s guy about two hours to remove the clog.

The second episode was in January when I had a leak in a pipe. I called N.J.A.W. and asked for a repair. Two days later, no one called. I called a plumber and fixed it for $535.00. Several weeks later, N.J.A.W. called to find out how happy I was with the repair. I told them I was tired waiting for their guy and called a plumber to fix it. They asked me to send a copy of the bill. A month later, I was reimbursed, minus $50.00.

Right now, I am at break even. Still, its an old house. I can sleep better at night.

Anybody have a line replacement through this plan? Looks like we'll be using it due to a leak in our line. The contractor who came out today told us they might only do a repair as opposed to a replacement. We'll see.