ALLCHOICE Insurance https://allchoiceinsurance.com/ Serve. Educate. Protect Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:11:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ALLCHOICE-Beard-Logo-White-150x150.png ALLCHOICE Insurance https://allchoiceinsurance.com/ 32 32 Can I Get Home Insurance If I Have A Pit Bull? https://allchoiceinsurance.com/home-insurance-education/can-i-get-home-insurance-if-i-have-a-pit-bull/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/home-insurance-education/can-i-get-home-insurance-if-i-have-a-pit-bull/#respond Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:10:56 +0000 http://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=5216

Homeowners Insurance for Pit Bulls: Can You Get Coverage in 2025?

Yes, you can get homeowners insurance if you own a pit bull. While some insurance companies have breed restrictions, many now take a more individualized approach—focusing on your dog’s behavior and your responsibility as an owner. By working with breed-neutral insurers and providing proper documentation, pit bull owners can secure reliable, affordable home insurance coverage.

If you’re the proud owner of a pit bull, you already know they’re often misunderstood. Loyal, loving, and family-oriented, these dogs make incredible companions—but not every insurance company sees them that way.

When it comes to homeowners insurance for pit bulls, things can get complicated. Some insurers still view certain breeds—including pit bulls—as “high-risk” and may deny coverage or impose extra conditions. Insurance costs can also be higher for pit bull owners due to this perceived risk, but there are ways to manage or reduce these costs, which we’ll cover in this article. But don’t worry: if you’re wondering, “Can I get home insurance if I have a pit bull?”—the answer is yes.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about navigating homeowners insurance with a pit bull in 2025—and how to find coverage that protects your home and your pup.

Introduction to Pit Bull Homeowners Insurance

For many pit bull owners, finding the right homeowners insurance can feel like navigating a maze. Many insurance companies still impose breed restrictions, which can mean higher premiums, limited liability coverage, or even outright denial of coverage for homes with pit bulls. This is often due to outdated perceptions about the breed, rather than an assessment of your individual dog’s behavior.

Fortunately, not all homeowners insurance companies take a one-size-fits-all approach. Some insurance providers, like State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, are more progressive and willing to cover pit bulls, especially when they can evaluate your dog on a case by case basis. These insurers recognize that a dog’s temperament and training matter more than breed stereotypes.

Understanding the ins and outs of pit bull homeowners insurance is crucial. By knowing which insurance companies are more accommodating and what documentation you’ll need, you can better navigate the market and secure coverage that protects both your home and your beloved pet.

Why Insurance Companies Care About Dog Breeds

Home insurance includes personal liability coverage, which helps cover costs if your dog bites someone or damages property. With dog bite claims costing insurers over $1.1 billion in 2023, companies use breed data and risk models to decide what (and who) they’re willing to insure. The insurance industry relies on risk assessment processes that consider a dog’s breed, perceived risk, and historical data from various dog breeds.

Certain breeds, including pit bulls, are often flagged as high-risk—not necessarily because they’re dangerous, but because of claim severity and media attention. The perceived risk associated with certain dog breeds, including pit bulls and other dog breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans, influences insurance company decisions.

These are examples of certain dog breeds commonly found on banned lists, but the insurance industry evaluates various dog breeds differently depending on their risk assessment models:

  • Pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers

  • Rottweilers

  • Dobermans

  • Wolf hybrids

  • German Shepherds

But here’s the good news: more insurers are shifting toward evaluating dogs individually, based on training, temperament, and behavior.

You can read more of our blogs about Homeowners Insurance for more information.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims in 2024 averaged over $69,000 each (up from $58,000 in 2023), with total payouts exceeding $1.1 billion. Despite the stigma, pit bulls are not the most common offenders—many insurers are now realizing that responsible ownership matters more than breed.

States That Prohibit Breed Discrimination

Some states are cracking down on breed-based insurance denial. Breed specific legislation has been enacted in these states to prevent insurers from discriminating based on breed. As of 2025, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania have laws in place that prevent insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog’s breed. Instead, they must assess dogs on a case-by-case basis—giving pit bull owners more fair treatment.

If homeowners have questions about their rights or need help finding coverage, they can contact their state insurance departments for guidance.

Homeowners Insurance Companies That Cover Pit Bulls

If you’ve run into a wall with breed-restricted insurers, don’t give up. Several breed-neutral home insurance providers may offer coverage depending on your state and individual circumstances. Pit bull friendly insurers are those that do not deny coverage based solely on breed and instead focus on individual dog behavior.

Top Breed-Friendly Insurers: (Underwriting guidelines vary by state and are subject to change)

  • State Farm – Known for a breed-neutral approach. Typically, they evaluate a dog’s behavior and bite history rather than focusing solely on breed.

  • Allstate – Often conducts case-by-case assessments, considering factors like obedience training, temperament, and veterinary history.

  • USAA – Available to military families. USAA has historically reviewed dog behavior on an individual basis rather than enforcing breed bans.

  • Nationwide – May provide homeowners policies that consider a dog’s training and health record instead of applying blanket breed restrictions.

📝 Note: Insurance company policies and underwriting rules can change over time and may vary significantly by state. It’s best to consult with an insurance advisor to confirm current eligibility.

Companies That May Restrict Coverage:

  • Farmers

  • AAA

  • Travelers

  • Erie Insurance

These insurers may include pit bulls on their restricted breed lists or exclude liability coverage for dog-related incidents involving certain breeds. Always review policy details closely.

How to Get Homeowners Insurance with a Pit Bull

Here’s how to improve your chances of approval—and even lower your premium. Being a responsible pet owner and a responsible owner can help reassure insurers that your pit bull is well-trained and properly cared for, which may improve your insurability and lower your insurance costs.

Gather Your Dog’s Documentation

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification

  • Obedience training certificates

  • Behavioral evaluations

  • Spay/neuter records

  • Vaccination and vet records

Apply with Breed-Neutral Insurers First

Start with State Farm, Allstate, USAA (if eligible), or Nationwide. They’re most likely to consider your dog based on behavior rather than breed.

Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

Independent agents, like those at ALLCHOICE Insurance, have access to multiple carriers—and know which companies are most pet-friendly.

Consider Umbrella or Canine Liability Insurance

If you’re denied or want extra protection, consider:

  • Canine liability policy (standalone dog bite coverage)

  • Umbrella insurance (extra liability beyond your home policy)

These can protect you financially even if your homeowners policy has exclusions.

Managing Dog Bite Risks

Dog bite risks are a top concern for homeowners insurance companies, especially when it comes to pit bulls. While pit bulls are often labeled as high-risk due to their strength and reputation, research shows that most dog bite incidents are the result of poor training, lack of socialization, or irresponsible ownership—not the breed itself.

As a pit bull owner, you can take proactive steps to reduce these risks and reassure insurance providers. Regular veterinary check ups, obedience training, and proper socialization are key to preventing bite incidents. Demonstrating responsible ownership—such as keeping your dog leashed in public, providing a secure yard, and maintaining up-to-date vaccination records—can make a significant difference when applying for homeowners insurance coverage.

Insurance companies look at dog bite statistics and claim costs when setting premiums for pit bull owners. By showing evidence of your dog’s good behavior and your commitment to safety, you can improve your chances of getting affordable homeowners insurance and protect your home from the financial impact of dog bite claims.

Dog Owners and Insurance Responsibilities

Owning a pit bull comes with important insurance responsibilities. Most homeowners insurance policies include a personal liability portion that covers dog bite injuries and property damage caused by your pet. However, many insurance companies impose breed restrictions or exclude coverage for certain breeds, including pit bulls.

As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to be upfront with your insurance provider about your dog’s breed and history. You’ll likely need to provide information about your pit bull’s behavior, any training certifications, and details about their health and temperament. Failing to disclose your dog’s breed or misrepresenting their history can result in denied claims or even cancellation of your homeowners insurance policy.

To ensure you’re fully protected, work with insurance companies that evaluate dogs on a case by case basis, rather than relying solely on breed restrictions. Providing documentation of your dog’s training, such as a Canine Good Citizen certificate, and demonstrating responsible ownership can help you secure the right homeowners insurance coverage for your situation.

Dog Bite Claims and Insurance

Dog bite claims can have a major financial impact, with the average claim ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 . Insurance companies pay close attention to dog bite incidents when determining premiums and coverage options for pit bull owners. Because of the potential costs, many insurance companies are cautious about offering liability coverage for dog bites, especially for certain breeds.

To protect yourself, consider adding extra liability coverage to your homeowners insurance policy. Many insurers, including State Farm and Allstate, offer liability insurance that covers dog bites, but the amount and terms of coverage can vary. For added peace of mind, pit bull owners can also look into canine liability insurance or umbrella policies, which provide additional protection beyond standard homeowners insurance limits.

Understanding how dog bite claims are handled—and making sure you have adequate insurance coverage—will help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you’re prepared in the event of a bite incident.

Denied Coverage and Appeal Options

If you’re a pit bull owner who’s been denied coverage by an insurance company, don’t lose hope—there are still options available. Start by shopping around and reaching out to other insurance providers, as some companies are more willing to cover pit bulls or offer policies tailored to high-risk breeds.

Specialty insurers and companies that focus on pet-friendly policies may be able to provide the homeowners insurance coverage you need. You can also consider purchasing a standalone canine liability policy or umbrella insurance to supplement your existing coverage and protect against dog-related claims.

If you believe your denial was unfair, you may be able to appeal the decision or work with an experienced insurance agent who understands the needs of pit bull owners. Demonstrating responsible ownership—such as providing proof of training, certifications like the Canine Good Citizen, and a clean bite history—can strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing insurance coverage for your home and your pit bull.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

❌ Coverage Denied Due to Breed?

✅ Apply with State Farm or consider specialty liability policies designed for dog owners.

❌ Higher Premiums?

✅ Shop multiple carriers, provide training and health records, and consider higher deductibles to reduce your rate.

❌ Policy Canceled After Renewal?

✅ Review renewal notices carefully, and keep backup coverage like umbrella insurance in place to avoid lapses.

People Also Ask - Homeowners Insurance Pit Bulls

Yes, many insurers now offer breed-neutral policies or assess dogs based on behavior and training. Companies like State Farm and Allstate are good starting points.

State Farm, Allstate, USAA, and Nationwide are among the top carriers that don’t automatically exclude pit bulls from coverage, depending on the state and individual underwriting criteria.

Yes—always disclose your dog’s breed. Hiding this information can lead to denied claims or canceled policies.

Insurance companies don’t necessarily “hate” pit bulls, but they often label them as high-risk due to historical data showing a higher frequency or severity of bite-related claims involving certain breeds. This risk-based approach means pit bulls may face breed restrictions not because of individual behavior, but because of generalized liability concerns. However, many insurers are shifting toward evaluating dogs on a case-by-case basis—looking at training, temperament, and the owner’s responsibility rather than breed alone.

The Final Verdict - Homeowners Insurance for Pit Bulls

Owning a pit bull shouldn’t mean choosing between your home and your dog. Yes, some insurers still discriminate based on breed, but there are plenty of options available for responsible pit bull owners. With the right documentation, a little preparation, and help from a knowledgeable insurance advisor, you can get the protection your family (furry members included) deserves.

Let ALLCHOICE Insurance help you find a homeowners insurance policy that covers your home and loves your dog as much as you do.

How to get Homeowners Insurance

New ALLCHOICE customers:
Current ALLCHOICE clients:

Check out the Member Center or call us at 1-844-540-0463 to see if product is availbale and included in your policy. 

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Understanding Underground Service Lines vs Utility Coverage: What Homeowners Need to Worry About https://allchoiceinsurance.com/home-insurance-education/underground-service-lines-vs-utility-coverage/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/home-insurance-education/underground-service-lines-vs-utility-coverage/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:33:54 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16304

Understanding Underground Service Lines vs Utility Coverage: What Homeowners Need to Worry About

Two types of coverage. One buried problem. Know where your protection begins — and ends.

Picture this: You open your mailbox and find a letter warning you’re on the hook for big repair bills for the pipes and utility lines buried under your yard. It offers a service plan that sounds pretty crucial – but then you ask yourself, isn’t something called “Underground Service Line Coverage” already included in your home insurance? Are they one and the same? Do you need both? Or are you being sold something you already have?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at one of these mailers, scratching your head, and wondering what’s covered and what to do – you’re definitely not alone. This is a pretty common and often super confusing issue for North Carolina home owners – especially when you get down to the fine print and start reading about “what happens when the main is off your property.”

In this article, we’re going to cut through all the confusion. We’ll tell you exactly what underground service line coverage includes, how it differs from the utility company’s “service contract,” and why the difference actually matters when a pipe breaks or a line fails. And most importantly, we’ll give you some good advice on what to ask, what to look for, and how to make sure you’re not left footing the bill for something you thought was already covered.

Let’s start digging.

What is Underground Service Line Coverage?

Underground service line coverage is a pretty little-known part of modern homeowners insurance, but it’s becoming increasingly important. It helps protect you against the often-expensive repairs needed when utility lines – like water, sewer, electric, gas, or data – are damaged or fail due to wear and tear, tree roots getting in the way, freezing, or if they get knocked during digging.

This coverage applies to the part of the utility lines that you’re responsible for, which is usually from your home to where they connect to the public utility’s main line. If a line fails on your property and it’s your job to fix it, this is what helps cover the bill.

In North Carolina, lots of homeowners policies now offer this as an additional coverage (like the NCHOGE Underground Service Line Coverage), which may help pay for things like:

  • Excavation costs to get to and fix the damaged line
  • Repairing or replacing the damaged line itself
  • Restoring your landscaping and outdoor property (like trees, shrubs, driveways)
  • Temporary living expenses if the damage makes your home unlivable in the short term
  • Expedited repairs or temporary fixes

 

The good news is this is an optional endorsement that’s often added for a pretty modest premium (think $30-$50 per year), with coverage limits from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on who you’re with.

But, like any insurance, it has its limits. For instance:

  • It only goes up to where you become responsible, which is usually where your service line connects to the public utility main
  • It excludes things like septic tanks, wells, and sprinkler heads
  • And it won’t cover blockages unless there’s actual damage present

 

In short, underground service line coverage helps fill in a big gap in standard homeowners policies – making sure you’re protected against issues that aren’t covered by regular plumbing or utility failure language.

What is "Utility Coverage" / Utility Provider Offerings?

If you’re getting a letter or flyer worrying about the cost of broken pipes or damaged utility lines, chances are it’s from your local utility company – or a third-party administrator like HomeServe or American Water Resources. These are usually for what’s called utility line protection plans or service line warranties, which are not the same as real insurance.

Unlike underground service line coverage, which is part of your homeowners policy, utility coverage plans are contract-based service agreements. They’re designed to protect homeowners from repair bills on specific service lines – usually the ones that fall just outside your home and may be in the public right-of-way, like water or sewer lines between your home and the utility’s main.

What They Usually Cover:

  • Water service lines from your meter to the main
  • Sewer laterals from your home to the main sewer line
  • In some cases, interior plumbing or electrical lines (depending on the contract)

What They Usually Don’t Cover:

  • Any lines you’re not technically responsible for
  • Lines already covered under your homeowners policy
  • Damage caused by natural disasters (like floods or earthquakes)
  • Restoring landscaping, driveways or outdoor features
  • Temporary living expenses or emergency repairs

This is pretty important to keep in mind: these utility line protection plans are not insurance.

That means:

  • They may have waiting periods before coverage actually kicks in
  • There may be service call fees or deductibles
  • You usually have to use the contractor they provide
  • And claims are subject to the terms and exclusions of the contract, which can be totally different from one to another.

In the mailer we’re talking about, the utility company promotes coverage that kicks in when “the main is off the client’s property” – a clue that this plan may cover areas beyond what your homeowners insurance covers. But without clear terms, these offers can lead to a big mess – because you end up unsure of what you’re actually buying, and how it complements or duplicates your existing insurance.

That’s why its really important to pit these two types of coverage against each other – and we’re going to do just that in the next section.

You can obtain a homeowner’s insurance quote here:   ALLCHOICE Insurance Homeowner’s Quote

DID YOU KNOW?   Only about 9% of homeowners bother to take out service line coverage – and that’s despite the fact that the average service line repair can cost you upwards of $10,000.

How They Overlap and How They Differ

At first glance it looks like underground service line coverage and utility coverage are just two names for the same thing , but they’re not. Both are aiming to keep you safe from the financial hit of buried line failures, but they’ve got some big differences when it comes to the ownership, scope and structure.

Where They Overlap

Both types of coverage are all about repairing or replacing buried lines like water, sewer, or electrical lines, and they’ll cover damage caused by common problems like corrosion, root growth or freeze/thaw cycles. They may also involve excavation – that depends on the situation. And both are looking to reduce out of pocket costs for the homeowner.

But that’s where the overlap often ends – especially when it comes to where the line is located and who’s responsible for it.

Key Differences:

AspectUnderground Service Line CoverageUtility Company Coverage
ProviderInsurance Company (via endorsement)Utility company or 3rd-party (via warranty)
Applies toLines you own or are legally responsible for — typically on your propertyMay cover the line from your property to the utility main, including areas off your property
Claim ProcessFiled through your home insurance agentFiled with the utility plan’s service center
Contractor ChoiceYou may choose your contractor (depending on insurer)Often must use provider’s contractor
What’s CoveredLine repair/replacement, excavation, landscaping, temp repairs, ALETypically just the line repair/replacement
ExclusionsDamage beyond your responsibility, septic/well/sprinkler systemsDamage on your property, landscaping, loss of use
Regulated ByState insurance law (e.g., NC DOI)Contract law; may not be regulated as insurance
CostTypically $20–$50/year for $10k–$20k coverageMonthly fee; varies ($5–$15/month common)

Real-World Example:

Let’s say a sewer line collapses under your front lawn, and you’re responsible for fixing it.

If you’ve got underground service line coverage, your home insurance might pay for

  • Excavation
  • New pipe
  • Landscaping that got damaged in the repair
  • Additional living expenses if your house becomes uninhabitable

 

But if the same line fails under the sidewalk in front of your house, and the utility company owns that bit, your home insurance won’t cover it – but the utility plan might, assuming the plan includes that bit.

In a nutshell, the utility plan might fill in the gap left by your home insurance, especially beyond your property line. But it’s unlikely to match the breadth or quality of an insurance endorsement, especially when it comes to restoration, living expenses and flexibility.

Next up we’re going to look at how these differences play out in real life – and how you can use this knowledge in a practical way.

DID YOU KNOW?  A massive 70% of service line failures happen on the homeowner’s property, which means that the homeowner, not the utility company, ends up picking up the tab.

Specific Considerations for Your Situation

This blog article was inspired by a real-life question that’s been popping up a lot lately at ALLCHOICE Insurance. It started with a straightforward email from a client – just like a lot of other people – asking whether a letter they got in the mail offering “utility coverage” was something their current homeowners insurance already covered.

In this case, the homeowner got a flyer warning about potential underground utility failures and promising protection “when the main is off the client’s property.” No surprise, they went to their agent to see if they were already sorted for coverage under their ERIE policy.

Here’s what we discovered:

  1. The “Utility Coverage” in the flyer was from the utility company – not an insurer.       
      1. This type of coverage is basically contract-based and usually applies to bits of service lines that are outside the home and off the homeowner’s property. It fills a fairly narrow but important coverage gap – like from the edge of your property to the utility’s main line in the public right-of-way.
  2. The homeowner’s ERIE policy had the NCHOGE Underground Service Line endorsement.     
      1. This endorsement does cover damage to buried utility lines, including water, sewer, electric and data lines – as long as the homeowner owns or has responsibility for them. But it stops at the point where the line connects to the public main line – that’s according to the policy:  “In no event will a covered service line extend beyond the point of connection to the main service or utility line.”
  3. The ERIE endorsement offered far more benefits than the utility company’s flyer.
      1. Alongside just replacing the pipe, the insurance endorsement also covers:     Excavation costs |      Temporary repairs | Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if the home becomes uninhabitabl | Outdoor property restoration – like trees, walkways and driveways

 

None of these were even mentioned in the utility company’s flyer.

 

The ALLCHOICE Recommendation:

As one of our agents put it -What I’ve been telling folks is get both, just in case. Worst-case scenario they file it first with the utility company – see what they’ll cover – and then fall back on home insurance if needed.

That belt-and-suspenders approach makes plenty of sense for homeowners with older houses, or ones with long runs between their home and the public utility connections. But its super important to know exactly what each plan covers and where that ends.

So thats why we advise our clients to:

  • Take a close look at both policies and their fine print
  • Use the utility warranty as your first line of defense, if the issue occurs outside your property
  • Rely on your homeowners policy for broader protections – especially if the issue happens on your property and you’re responsible.

People Also Ask - Underground Service Line vs Utility Coverage

Underground service line coverage is an add-on to your homeowners insurance policy that covers the cost to repair or replace damaged utility lines that are buried on your property. These lines can include water, sewer, electric, gas, and communication cables - as long as you're legally responsible for them. The coverage usually includes excavation, temporary repairs, and even restoring any landscaping damage that happened during the repair.

For most homeowners, yes - especially if they've got older homes, mature trees, or extensive landscaping. Repairs to underground lines can set you back thousands of dollars, and without this endorsement, those expenses are typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance. For a relatively small annual premium, buried utility line coverage gives you some serious peace of mind and protection from unexpected repair bills.

Not as a standard thing. Homeowners insurance usually doesn't cover damage to underground electrical lines unless you've added a service line endorsement. With that endorsement in place, electrical lines that run from your home to the connection point with the public utility - and are your responsibility - are covered for many different types of damage, like wear and tear, corrosion, or accidental hits.

Yes, but only if you've got the right endorsement. Most homeowners insurance policies exclude damage to underground water or sewer pipes unless you've added service line coverage. This endorsement will cover things like pipe collapse due to roots or corrosion - but only up to the point where your responsibility ends.

Service line coverage is often a real bargain at the price. It plugs a gap in homeowners insurance that leaves homeowners with a hefty repair bill on their hands when the unexpected happens. If your house is an older one, or if you have big trees hanging over your service lines, this coverage could end up saving you a small fortune in the event of a failure - thousands of dollars that you wouldn't have to dip into your savings.


How to Decide What You Need & What to Ask

So, now that you know the difference between underground service line coverage and utility service contracts, how do you decide what’s right for your home? It starts by understanding your unique situation — your home’s age, layout, and exposure — and asking the right questions.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing Coverage

1. Where’s my responsibility start and stop?

Ask your local goverment or utility company where your ownership begins and where it ends – its usually from your foundation to the utility main, but some homeowners are responsible beyond that.

2. What’s the connection point to the utility main?

Knowing this helps you figure out where your homeowners insurance stops and where the utility plan might kick in.

3. What kinds of damage are covered?

Are things like corrosion, tree roots getting into the pipes, or just plain old wear and tear included? The ERIE service line endorsement covers those things – but many utility plans may not.

4. Does it cover excavation, landscaping, or restoration?

Home insurance endorsements usually do, but utility plans typically do not.

5. What are the policy limits and deductibles?

ERIE’s endorsement provides a certain limit (as noted in your policy declarations), minus a small deductible. Make sure the utility plan’s limit is enough to be worth it.

6. Does it cover temporary repairs or help with living expenses (ALE) while you’re getting things sorted out?

These benefits are included in many homeowners policies but are rarely part of utility contracts.

7. Can I choose my own contractor, or is it all assigned?

Utility plans usually assign a contractor, while homeowners insurance may give you more flexiblity.

8. Are there waiting periods, exclusions, or service fees in the utility contract?

Read the fine print. Many utility plans have gotchas that only show up when you go to file a claim.

The Final Verdict - Underground Service Line vs Utility Coverage

For North Carolina homeowners, trying to get their head around the difference between underground service line coverage and utility company service contracts isn’t just a theoretical exercise – it’s a practical necessity. At first glance, these two types of protection might seem very similar but they actually serve totally different purposes, and being clear on what each one covers can be the difference between having a paid claim and having to reach deep into your pocket for a costly repair.

Adding underground service line coverage to your homeowners policy will protect the lines you own or are responsible for – that usually means everything on your property up to the point where the utility company takes over. It provides a decent level of protection – that includes digging up the lines, doing temporary repairs, restoring any landscaping that was dug up, and even paying out for extra living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Utility coverage plans on the other hand are usually contract-based warranties that are offered by the utility company or a third party. These plans often cover lines that go beyond your property boundary, especially the bit between your home and the main utility connection – something your insurance might not pick up. However, they tend to offer less protection and fewer benefits compared to service line coverage.

The smart move for most homeowners? Don’t make an uninformed guess about what each plan covers – get an idea of what each one covers, and seriously consider getting both if your situation calls for it. A few extra dollars a month in premium now could end up saving you thousands down the line.

Need some help checking your coverage or making a decision? We’re here to help at ALLCHOICE Insurance – give us a call today so we can make sure you’re properly covered where it counts.

Questions about Underground Service Line Coverage?

Current ALLCHOICE clients:

Check out Team ALLCHOICE or call us at 1-844-540-0463 to speak to a Risk Advisor. 

New ALLCHOICE customers:
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Erie Insurance – System Outage Update 2025.06.17 16:00 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250617-1700/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250617-1700/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16180

UPDATE 2025.06.16 18:00

Customers with term conversion options that expire during the network outage will be offered the opportunity to exercise the conversion once the network issue is resolved.

Will Erie Family Life extend term conversion options that expire during the network outage?

Customers with term conversion options that expire during the network outage will be offered the opportunity to exercise the conversion once the network issue is resolved.

For the latest updates and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the link below.

The ALLCHOICE team is here to support you and will continue to share information as it becomes available. 

We will provide the next update as soon as we have new information to share. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

https://allchoiceinsurance.com/erie-insurance-network-outage-updates/

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.17 13:30 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/statement-erie-insurance-information-security-event-20250617-1415/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/statement-erie-insurance-information-security-event-20250617-1415/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:30:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16170

Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.17 13:30

ERIE, Pa. (June 17, 2025) – Erie Insurance today released an update regarding the company’s ongoing network outage and information security incident response:

Our teams – partnering with leading cybersecurity experts – continue working around the clock to restore access for customers, agents and employees. Unfortunately, incidents like this are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can impact even the most well-protected organizations. Upon detecting unauthorized activity, we took immediate action to contain the issue and have since implemented additional security measures to further strengthen our systems.

At this time, we have control of our systems. We have seen no evidence of ransomware and there is no indication of ongoing threat actor activity. We take these matters very seriously and are committed to providing updates as appropriate. We encourage customers to follow best practices around personal security and notify their financial institutions of any unusual activity.

During this outage, Erie Insurance will not contact customers by phone or email to request payments. As always, do not click on any links from unknown sources or share your personal information via phone or email.

While the protective actions the company initiated are ongoing, our local agents, claims and customer care teams continue to support our customers. Policyholders who need to initiate a claim can contact their local agent or ERIE’s First Notice of Loss team at (800) 367-3743. Customer Care is also available at (800) 458-0811.

Has ERIE published an updated media release?

ERIE has published an updated media release on June 17th. The full media release is available to the public on ERIEInsurance.com under Newsroom.

For your reference, we have attached a copy of the full media release.

Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Incident (June 17 | 1:30 p.m. ET)

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Erie Insurance – System Outage Update 2025.06.16 18:00 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250616-1800/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250616-1800/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16157

UPDATE 2025.06.16 18:00

Erie Insurance is still experiencing a system outage.

For the latest updates and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the link below.

The ALLCHOICE team is here to support you and will continue to share information as it becomes available. 

We will provide the next update as soon as we have new information to share. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

https://allchoiceinsurance.com/erie-insurance-network-outage-updates/

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Erie Insurance – System Outage Update 2025.06.16 10:30 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250616-1030/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250616-1030/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16121

UPDATE 2025.06.16 10:30

Thank you for your continued patience as the ERIE Insurance system outage continues.

While Erie investigates the situation, we want to make sure you’re informed and supported.

Here’s the latest guidance:

🛡 You Are Still Covered

Your ERIE insurance coverage remains active.

Policies will not be canceled due to payment processing delays during the outage. You do not need to switch carriers.

💳 Payment Info

P&C Customers: EFT payments are not being withdrawn right now. Payments will resume once systems are restored.

Life Insurance Customers: EFT payments are still processing. A 30-day grace period has been extended for other payment types.

📞 Filing a Claim?

ERIE’s First Notice of Loss (FNOL) team is handling all new claim reports.

Call 1-844-540-0463 daily between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST

Your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor will stay on the line with you during the call.

🚗 Need a Rental Car?

Call 1-844-959-1538 to speak with Enterprise Rental Car directly.

You may need your agency number and policy number.

We advise you call ALLCHOICE first to dicsuss any questions or concerns. 

🚘 Auto ID Cards

Temporary ID cards are not available. 

However, ERIE can verbally verify coverage directly with dealerships if needed. 

Have the dealership call 1-800-458-0811 during business hours.

📄 Life Insurance

Life Customer Care remains available at 1-800-458-0811 (ext. 4340) from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.

Claims can still be filed, and documents can be faxed to 866-567-1219.

Be Safe & Stay Alert

ERIE is NOT calling or emailing customers to request payments or personal info. 

DO NOT click suspicious links or share details. If anything seems off, contact ALLCHOICE directly at 1-844-540-0463.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

If you have questions about your coverage, a pending claim, or next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Risk Advisor.

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.14 14:15 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/statement-erie-insurance-information-security-event-20250614-1415/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/statement-erie-insurance-information-security-event-20250614-1415/#respond Sat, 14 Jun 2025 18:15:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16126

Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.14 14:15

ERIE, Pa. (June 14, 2025) – Erie Insurance today released the following statement:

While the network outage and protective measures we initiated will continue, our agents, claims and customer care teams are supporting our customers.

We are making strong and steady progress. Our teams—working alongside leading cybersecurity experts—continue working around the clock to restore access for customers, agents and employees. We’re confident in our actions, but this work is complex and takes time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Providing customers with the highest level of service and protection has been our number one priority for the past 100 years. That commitment drives us as we work to resolve this issue safely and securely.

Policyholders who need to initiate a claim can contact their local agent or ERIE’s First Notice of Loss team at (800) 367-3743. Customer Care is also available at (800) 458-0811.

We will continue to provide updates as we have more information.

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Erie Insurance – System Outage Update 2025.06.13 10:10 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250613-1010/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250613-1010/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:07:21 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16112

UPDATE 2025.06.12 14:30

Erie Systems Are Still Down: Quoting, policy updates, and claims processing through Erie Insurance continue to be unavailable due to a system-wide outage.

We’re Still Here to Help: The ALLCHOICE team is fully operational. We are tracking your needs manually and using our secure internal systems to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Claims & Requests Are Being Prepped: If you’ve submitted a quote or claim request, we’re documenting it and will submit it to Erie as soon as their systems are back online.

Stay Safe from Scams: Erie customers may receive suspicious emails or calls. Do not share personal information or click links from unknown sources. If you’re unsure, contact ALLCHOICE directly at 844-540-0463.

Erie Systems Are Still Down: Quoting, policy updates, and claims processing through Erie Insurance continue to be unavailable due to a system-wide outage.

We’re Still Here to Help: The ALLCHOICE team is fully operational. We are tracking your needs manually and using our secure internal systems to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Claims & Requests Are Being Prepped: If you’ve submitted a quote or claim request, we’re documenting it and will submit it to Erie as soon as their systems are back online.

Stay Safe from Scams: Erie customers may receive suspicious emails or calls. Do not share personal information or click links from unknown sources. If you’re unsure, contact ALLCHOICE directly at 844-540-0463.

We will provide the next update as soon as we have new information to share. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

https://allchoiceinsurance.com/erie-insurance-network-outage-updates/

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Erie Insurance – System Outage Update 2025.06.12 14:30 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250612-1430/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250612-1430/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:30:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16096

UPDATE 2025.06.12 14:30

ERIE Agents, Customers and Employees may receive emails or phone calls related to this outage from sources not affiliated with or authorized by ERIE.

Do not click any links from unknown sources or provide your personal information by phone or email.

If someone contacts you about Erie Insurance and you’re unsure if it’s legitimate, call an ALLCHOICE Representative directly at 1-844-540-0463 with any questions or concerns.

ERIE Agents, Customers and Employees may receive emails or phone calls related to this outage from sources not affiliated with or authorized by ERIE Insurance.

Do not click any links from unknown sources or provide your personal information by phone or email.

If someone contacts you about Erie Insurance and you’re unsure if it’s legitimate, call an ALLCHOICE Representative directly at 1-844-540-0463 with any questions or concerns.

We will provide the next update as soon as we have new information to share. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

https://allchoiceinsurance.com/erie-insurance-network-outage-updates/

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.11 14:46 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250611-1446/ https://allchoiceinsurance.com/allchoice-news-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-updates/erie-insurance-system-outage-update-20250611-1446/#respond Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:46:00 +0000 https://allchoiceinsurance.com/?p=16064

Statement: Erie Insurance Information Security Event 2025.06.11 14:46

ERIE, Pa. (June 11, 2025) – Erie Insurance today released the following statement regarding an ongoing network outage and confirmed an information security event:

On Saturday, June 7, Erie Insurance’s Information Security team identified unusual network activity. We took immediate action to respond to the situation to safeguard our systems and data. Since Saturday, we have continued to take protective action for the security of our systems.

We are working with law enforcement and are conducting a comprehensive forensic analysis with the assistance of leading cybersecurity experts to gain a full understanding of this event.

The investigation into this event is ongoing. We will continue to provide updates as we have more information.

During this outage, Erie Insurance will not call or email customers to request payments. As is best practice, do not click any links from unknown sources or provide your personal information by phone or email.

While the protective actions the company initiated are ongoing, our local agents, claims and customer care teams continue to support our customers. Policyholders who need to initiate a claim can contact their local agent or ERIE’s First Notice of Loss team at (800) 367-3743. Customer Care is also available at (800) 458-0811.

You’re Not Alone

We’re all in this together. The ALLCHOICE team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support while Erie Insurance works toward a resolution. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why it’s important to have a partner in your corner.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ALLCHOICE Risk Advisor. We’re ready when you are—and we’re staying ready until everything is back to normal.

Are you a Erie Insurance Customer?

Need Assistance Servicing Your Policy:

Contact your ALLCHOICE Service Team or call them at 1-844-540-0463 now. 

Need to File a Claim:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Visit our Digital Claims Center and direclt submit your claim information to the Claims Department. 

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