Baltimore, Md., homeowners can now purchase from HomeServe USA emergency repair service plans to cover emergency repairs to their water and sewer lines.
On June 5, 2014, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., announced that the City of Baltimore would be partnering with HomeServe to make this coverage available to city homeowners. The optional service plans offer homeowners protection from the expense and inconvenience of water and sewer line blocks, leaks and breaks on their property, which often require urgent attention and can be costly to repair. Plan holders have access to a Repair Hotline that is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to bring approved local, licensed and insured contractors to their home for repairs.
“As discussed when we initially shared details on this new program, the problems facing Baltimore’s aging infrastructure are not exclusive to the city’s public water and sewer systems,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “The water and sewer pipes on private homeowner property are also deteriorating with age and are increasingly prone to leaks, breaks and blockages as they grow older.”
“Many Baltimore City residents may not be aware that DPW or their homeowners insurance does not cover repairs to their water line or sewer lines on private property,” Chow said. “Repair bills for these types of home emergencies can cost property owners thousands of dollars and cause a major inconvenience. With this service provided by HomeServe, Baltimore homeowners now have the option to protect themselves from the expense and hassle of repairs.”
HomeServe will offer a combined water and sewer line service plan to Baltimore residents at a discounted rate of $5.99 a month, available during the first year of the program. Customers continuing with the service plan after the first year will renew at the then current renewal price (currently $8.49 per month). Homeowners also have the option to purchase water or sewer line coverage separately.
“HomeServe is committed to building a long-lasting relationship with the city of Baltimore and we are proud to provide residents with access to these valuable protection plans,” said Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA. “This program allows Baltimore area homeowners to gain access to affordable protection plans should they find themselves faced with a service emergency.”
The City of Baltimore is not utilizing this program to generate revenue for its operations. HomeServe will be covering the cost of marketing and administration for the program, and charges to those who enroll in the optional service plans will not appear on the city’s water and sewer bill, but will be billed directly by HomeServe.
Source: HomeServe USA
