State Farm customers will be satisfied to know that the carrier offers a range of coverage options for sewer lines, though they are usually optional.
State Farm insurance is a household name, as it has been an insurance provider
for nearly a century. The company also offers a wide range of products, including car insurance
, homeowner’s insurance, and specialty add-ons. One of these specialty add-ons to the standard homeowner’s insurance policy is sewer line coverage
. It's with this one that State Farm covers sewer lines, but only under specific circumstances. Sewer line coverage with State Farm
The standard homeowner’s insurance policy with State Farm provides an array of protections for things like busted pipes. Most issues with sewer lines though, are not automatically part of the deal. You can, however, add some protection against water damage from a failed sump pump or septic system onto your policy.
The annual cost of this addition is dependent on the value of your home and breadth of coverage, but it is relatively inexpensive.
Common sewer line problems
Your septic system and sewer lines rarely get much thought, although they play a vital role in whisking away unwanted matter. Despite lying beneath the surface of your home, it can be disastrous when one of these things go wrong:
Bellied, or sunken, pipes
Deteriorated, or corroded, pipes
Many of these issues develop over time, which is why a standard homeowner’s policy designed to handle sudden, unpreventable disasters does not cover them.
Get a sewer line inspection
Having a State Farm policy that protects against sewer line problems provides some peace of mind. Preventing problems from arising in the first place is still recommended though. Septic tank and line inspection is your secret weapon in this regard.
You should schedule an inspection every three to five years, as these regular check-ups can detect when issues first begin. That way, you can often make a small repair or schedule a line cleaning, heading off problems before they worsen.
You might wonder what's involved in a sewer line and septic system inspection, especially since most of the system is out of sight and underground. Sewer line technicians use cameras and mirrors to peer inside your tank and sewer lines for close-up views of the internal workings of your septic system.
They can also perform a drainage test by digging narrow holes around the system to see if there's pooling water and waste that's indicative of a bigger problem.
Key Takeaway: Getting your sewer line and septic tank inspected every three or five years can help prevent costly repairs later on.
Will State Farm cover my sewer line problems?
Even with septic and sewer line protections added to your State Farm policy, not all potential septic problems are covered. In general, if an Act of God
or another individual damages your sewer lines, you’re in good shape in terms of coverage. Here are some other things potentially covered by State Farm with the homeowner’s insurance septic and sewer line add-on, or rider:
Limited repairs, replacement, and restoration
Landscaping after repairs
Additional living expenses from loss of use
Other sudden and unpreventable issues are typically covered, but a State Farm representative will have to determine if it falls within your policy. It's not unusual for only part of the cost of repairs or replacement to be covered, with the remainder left as your responsibility.
MORE: How to find and hire a plumber
Key Takeaway: While State Farm offers protection for most septic system problems, not all are covered and regular inspection is recommended to prevent costly damage.
FAQs
Does State Farm homeowners insurance cover septic systems?
Your insurance policy with State Farm is likely to cover damage due to sudden, uncontrollable events, such as damage from an electrical current or ice.
However, homeowners should be advised that there are common problems with septic systems that aren't usually covered by insurance, such as flushing chemicals or solids down the toilet, letting tree roots grow too big and damage the septic system, or not having proper drainage.
Homeowners also need earthquake and flood coverage add-ons to have their septic systems covered. Adding that extra coverage can get expensive though, and that's where Jerry
can help. This super-app can let you bundle your car and home insurance together into affordable plans from top providers, all without any paperwork or phone calls! Do I need sewer line insurance?
The short answer is 'not technically.' Sewer line insurance is not required, but it's a good idea
. Sewer line issues can be costly (and gross), so homeowners should seriously consider any add-ons they can purchase. 
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