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One of the most difficult parts of homeownership is when something goes wrong. Beyond the financial expense, the stress of coordinating repairs is a hassle for many. The City of Port Colborne is now partnering with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) to help resident homeowners protect themselves from those expected costs.
Through the partnership, which launched thanks to a decision by Port Colborne’s leadership to implement the new voluntary program for residents, homeowners in Port Colborne now have access to optional service plans that assist with the cost and management of common plumbing repairs. Specifically, the service plans provide protection for the water and sewer service lines that connect a resident’s home to the city's system.
A recent “State of the Canadian Home” survey found that 65% of Canadian homeowners are unaware that they are financially responsible for needed repairs or replacement to the water and sewer lines on their property. These repairs are typically not covered under standard homeowner’s insurance or by the City of Port Colborne. Homeowners are encouraged to check their existing insurance policies to find out what their coverage is in this area, and to arm themselves with information such as deductible amounts and exclusions if the coverage is offered as an add on.
"The City of Port Colborne supports the launch of Service Line Warranties provided program, which is a reputable company that has already partnered with more than 65 Ontario municipalities,” says Darlene Suddard, Manager of Water/Wastewater. “Many homeowners don’t know that if they experience problems with the service lines on their property, such as a water service leak or a sewer blockage, that it is their responsibility to fix the problem. We see this optional service as an opportunity to raise awareness. We want to make sure that our residents are provided with information and options, to be prepared when an emergency happens.”
The no-deductible, low-cost service plans, available through SLWC, ensure homeowners do not have to pay up to thousands out-of-pocket for a repair. This is especially important since the “State of the Canadian Home” survey found that nearly one in five (19%) Canadian homeowners have no funds set aside for an emergency. The plans aim to give residents reliable access to local licensed contractors who can efficiently and professionally complete needed repairs on service lines.
Homeowners will soon receive information in the mail about the program and available service plans. There is no obligation to sign up for a plan – participation in the program is voluntary. The mailings are administered by SLWC but include Port Colborne’s logo to demonstrate that the contents are legitimate and approved by the city. The program is provided at no cost to Port Colborne, and no public funds are used to promote or administer it.
“A SLWC service plan is a smart way for homeowners to prepare for a home emergency. These plans take the worry, inconvenience, and financial burden out of the repair,” said Mike Van Horne, General Manager, Service Line Warranties of Canada, a HomeServe Company. “Port Colborne homeowners who enroll in a plan have easy access to a network of excellent, local contractors, and they get peace of mind that they won’t be financially responsible for an emergency repair of this nature."
Homeowners in 65 Ontario municipalities now have access to SLWC service repair plans. Since the SLWC program's inception, customers have saved nearly $8 million in repair expenses. Port Colborne homeowners with questions or who wish to receive more information about SLWC or the plans available to residents can call 1-866-922-9004 or visit www.slwofc.ca.
About Service Line Warranties of Canada
Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) is owned by HomeServe, a leading provider of home repair solutions serving over 4.8 million customers across North America since 2003. Launched in 2014, SLWC is the trusted source of utility line protection programs in Ontario as recognized by the Local Authority Services, part of the Association of Municipalities on Ontario (AMO). SLWC is also a corporate partner of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Together with HomeServe, SLWC is dedicated to supplying best-in-class repair plans and delivering superior customer service to consumers through over 1,100 leading city, municipal and utility partners across North America.
Learn more about the Service Line Warranties of Canada program in Port Colborne
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