RAPID CITY, SD— Many city residents will be receiving letters this month from Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA), offering an optional protection plan covering exterior sewer/septic lines and exterior water service lines and additional coverage for interior systems.
City officials remind homeowners the letters – which will include the City’s name and logo — have the endorsement of the City and the protection plan offered is not a scam. The arrangement is part of a long-standing partnership dating back to 2018 between the City of Rapid City and SLWA. Through this partnership, Rapid City is able to offer the service line protection plans which are administered by SLWA, a subsidiary of HomeServe.
Since the partnership was launched eight years ago, almost 1,800 service plans are maintained for over 900 Rapid City customers, with more than $1 million in savings for the customers.
Many city residents will receive letters beginning next week from SLWA regarding the optional protection plan offered to homeowners.
Since the partnership was launched in 2018:
• 907 customers covered for home repair emergencies
• 1,785 service plans are maintained by Service Line Warranties of America
• 595 completed repairs since launching
• $1,029,082 in customer savings since launching
• 4.96/5 customer satisfaction rating
• $104,000 to the City of Rapid City
SLWA sends protection plan correspondence to Rapid City homeowners periodically, providing plan specifics and coverage options. Residents receive an initial mailer about the protection plan and then a reminder correspondence in a couple weeks. The City has authorized SLWA/HomeServe to utilize the City’s name and logo on all marketing and mailing materials, including correspondence. A presentation on the SLWA protection plan for Rapid City residents was provided at Tuesday’s Public Works Committee meeting.
The optional plan coverage includes:
• Exterior Water Service Line: Coverage from the home to the service main. $6.88/monthly cost with unlimited service calls and an $12,000 claim limit
• Exterior Sewer/Septic Line: Coverage from the home to the service main. $7.90/monthly cost with unlimited service calls and an $8,500/claim limit
• Combined Exterior Water & Sewer/Septic Line Coverage. $13.30/monthly cost
• Internal Plumbing/Drainage Line: SLWA offers additional products that cover interior services, which can be found on their website at slwofa.com.
“Repairs to service lines are the homeowner’s responsibility, all the way to where the line connects to the main, which may be located under a roadway.” said City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax. “It’s important for homeowners to know whether their homeowner’s insurance covers service line repairs. If it does not, a Service Line Warranty of America (SLWA) plan can be a reasonable option. These plans are not insurance; they are service line warranties, so there is no deductible when you file a claim. Service line repairs can be unexpected and costly, and having coverage in place can help ensure repairs are made quickly, protecting your home while reducing stress and financial burden.”
Truax says SLWA works with local, licensed contractors for the repairs. The City incurs no expense related to this program. The plans are voluntary and homeowners can select the coverage that is right for them.
Coverage begins 30 days after acceptance by HomeServe. Plans do not cover pre-existing conditions.
For more information, visit www.HomeServePeople.com .
