(Le Mars) — Several Le Mars residents have been solicited to purchase water line insurance. Sioux City recently approved the program, with more than 1500 residents making the purchase for insurance against water line breaks. Waterline Coverage Plus also known as Home Serve has been contacting residents encouraging them to purchase the insurance. Le Mars City Water Superintendent Gayle Sitzmann says he has heard of many people being contacted. Sitzmann says whether a home owner decides to purchase the water line insurance is entirely up to the home owner. The city water department superintendent explains what is the city’s responsibility and what is the home owner’s responsibility when a water line should break.
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Sitzmann says he has been contacted by several Le Mars residents asking questions about the water line insurance program.
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Sitzmann says people need to weigh the risks versus the benefits, if and when, they decide to purchase water line insurance. He sees older homes may need the insurance while newer homes would not necessarily need the additional coverage. He says the program is like an extended warranty.
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The city of Sioux City has endorsed a program offering water line insurance, but according to City Code Enforcement Officer, Jason Vacera, the city of Le Mars has not given any endorsement. Residents may wonder if thier home owners insurance policy would cover water line breaks and repairs. Rob Bixenman of Bixenman Insurance says probably not.
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Bixenman says he does not offer any water line coverage insurance, but is aware of some companies that do. He says people should first do research before investing money into water line insurance.
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Gayle Sitzmann says there were 15 water main breaks last winter, and this winter only two breaks have occurred, and none since December 18th. He says last year he was aware of seven total residential water line breaks resulting from frozen pipes, and this year he has not heard of any water service line breaks.
