Protect your home - and hard-earned money - with service line coverage

Few people give much thought to the wires and pipes that deliver power and water to their homes.

Until, that is, it's too late.

Many homeowners don't know that they're on the hook financially to repair or replace damaged or destroyed exterior, underground service lines to their home. It can prove a costly surprise -- upwards of $7,000 or more depending on what's involved.

View an interactive demonstration of how situations like these can affect a home.

Repairing service lines isn't a simple fix, often requiring significant digging that can wreak havoc on landscaping, driveways or walkways. In addition, families sometimes must relocate while repairs are being done, adding to the cost.

The answer: Service line coverage

Service line coverage offers the protection homeowners need, filling a gap in standard homeowners' insurance policies that don't typically cover service lines. Some utilities offer service contracts, but they are typically expensive, offer limited coverage, and often only cover one type of service line.

The risk of a problem is real. Homeowners today rely on more service lines than ever before, including water, waste, drainage, irrigation, heating (gas, propane, steam and geothermal), compressed air, and communications lines, including cable, data transmission, internet access and telecommunications.

Preparation pays off

Service line damage happens more often than you think. And when it does, the costs add up quickly. Fortunately for these customers, they had the coverage they needed when trouble struck.

Highlights of Service Line Coverage

• Costs to reach damaged underground piping and wiring
• Repair or replacement of damaged exterior underground piping and wiring
• Coverage for outdoor property such as landscaping, driveways and walkways
• Additional costs to expedite materials and services for repairs
• Living expenses if your clients need to temporarily relocate, including hotels, meals and other expenses
• Environmental safety and efficiency condition allowing for 150% upgrade when replacement is required
• Damaged outdoor property including shrubs, trees, lawn and landscaping such as driveways and walkways
• Cost of generators and other temporary equipment that allows you to remain at home during repairs

Used with permission from Westfield Insurance

Goodville Mutual offered our agency a choice to pick a non profit who could benefit from a donation.  

On August 22, 2025 Jamie and Damian Rutt met with Todd Heisey from Goodville Mutual to present a check for $1000 to the Mount Joy Food Bank.    The helpers there serve the most needy in our community with fruits, vegetables and meats along with other needed supplies.  Please join me in thanking Goodville Mutual for this most generous offer.

-- Jamie Rutt, President, Rutt Insurance

Are you stuck at home wondering what to do with all of your free time? Can You Name Every Item in Your Home?

Most people don't think about the many items they have collected over the years. Items are used every day, but often never thought about. Many items are replaced throughout the years, but no thought is given to the increased value of inventory. Creating and maintaining an inventory of items in your home can help ensure you have purchased the right insurance coverage. In the event of a loss, it can help you settle a claim faster, and put less strain on your brain in an already stressful situation.

How do You Create Your Home Inventory?

Creating and maintaining your home inventory is easy with available software. Now you can download apps right on your phone to create, maintain, and update your inventory. Having online storage will allow you to access your inventory anywhere, any time. You never know when a claim may happen, but you can be prepared with an up-to-date online home inventory.

What Should You Include in Your Home Inventory?

You should take inventory of everything of value in your home, and update the list as you acquire new items. Here is a list of some of the most common items:

• Electronics (TV, Gaming Console, Computer)
• Kitchen and Household Appliances (Washer/Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator)
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Jewelry
• China
• Silverware
• Artwork
• Antiques
• Linens
• Books
• Guns
• Sporting Equipment

Some items like jewelry, antiques, and other special items, may need to be insured separately. Talk to one of the specially trained independent agents at Rutt Insurance to make sure you have the coverage that you need.

Summer Homeowner Tips

For many, there is no better time of year than summertime to be outside in the yard enjoying the weather and sunshine. Warm temperatures and longer days make the perfect backdrop for picnicking and barbecuing. A bit of time spent on seasonal maintenance can help keep your home in shape for the warmest season.

• Preparing your home for the warmer months should produce a sense of satisfaction, not dread at what might be damaged, broken or need replacing.

• Be sure to check both inside and outside the home for damage or wear and tear, as well as evidence of any unwanted guests, such as wildlife or rodents. Also, walk the property to make sure nothing looks out of place, and do a full-view check as well as a close visual inspection of the house.

Inside the House

• Check electrical outlets and cords for potential fire hazards, such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Extension cords and power strips are not designed to be permanent fixtures and should only be used on an interim basis.

• Clean or replace your furnace filter to help reduce any fire hazard. Likewise, clean your dryer vent and lint trap, as well as the space under your dryer.

Outside the House

• Check the windows and doors, as well as their frames for any evidence of damage, and walk the perimeter of the house for any obvious changes or damage. Also, have your roof regularly inspected by a professional to identify areas of potential leakage.

THINK LITITZ: Originally Published by Lititz Mutual Insurance Company

WHAT IS AN UMBRELLA POLICY?

Your home, auto, farm or business policies cover you for certain risks and specific limits. But sometimes you might need more coverage than these policies can provide. An Umbrella policy is designed to protect you against a catastrophic lawsuit or judgment. It provides an additional layer of coverage over and above the liability coverage found in your home, auto, farm, or business liability policies.

WHY DO I NEED AN UMBRELLA POLICY?

An Umbrella policy can help to protect you from a potential financial catastrophe. In today’s litigious society, it’s not uncommon to hear about very large jury awards. An Umbrella policy can help to protect the assets that you’ve worked hard for and accumulated over the years. Review the liability limits listed in your home, auto, farm, or business policies – if a large judgment was awarded against you, how would you pay it?

WHAT DOES AN UMBRELLA LIABILITY POLICY COVER?

An Umbrella liability policy covers you and your family or your business for most bodily injury, property damage and personal injury losses. Defense coverage is available for defending claims and suits if coverage applies. Defense costs are paid in addition to the policy limit. Limits of $1 million, or more, are available if you qualify. No matter where you travel, your Umbrella liability policy is with you. It covers you anywhere in the world. We offer Personal, Farm, and Commercial Umbrella Liability policies. Talk with your agent to learn more about Goodville Mutual’s Umbrella liability policy options. We developed these questions and answers to help you think about how an Umbrella policy might be valuable to you. We recommend that you seek professional advice from your attorney or accountant as it applies to your specific legal and financial needs.