Many residents in the Brattleboro area are currently receiving mailings from HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp in regard to water service line responsibility. HomeServe is an independent company that offers residential repair coverage plans and is not affiliated with the local utility that supplies water to residents. This mailing is a solicitation to purchase insurance from HomeServe and is not associated with any utilities furnished by the Town of Brattleboro Water Department.
While it is true a homeowner is responsible for their water line to the house, it can also be said that a well installed copper water line can last many years. From Brattleboro’s database, there are over 400 water services installed prior to 1950 and another 500 that do not have dates out of 3200 records. Brattleboro at this time, requires copper pipe under the street and the homeowner can choose the remaining pipe to the house.
Ultimately, it is the homeowner’s choice if they wish to purchase insurance. Brattleboro’s water customers are welcome to call the Department of Public Works at 254-4255 with any questions.
Department of Public Works
Water Department
Hannah L. O’Connell
Highway & Utilities Superintendent
Town of Brattleboro
(802) 254- 4255 (office)
(802) 490 – 6401 (cell)
Homeserve's reputation
From an article in a newspaper in Wisconsin.
“The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has five complaints on file about HomeServe’s mailings, spokesman Jerad Albracht said.
The Better Business Bureau has 99 closed complaints on file about HomeServe’s advertising and sales practices. Some complainants said the solicitation included something that looked like a bill and asked for credit card information.
“The solicitation is misleading, giving the appearance that it is from a government agency and requires action,” a complainant wrote on June 25.”
SNIP
The Village of Greendale said in a warning Tuesday that it is not affiliated with HomeServe and does not endorse its services. It urged residents to be cautious.
“Property owners should contact their insurance companies to see if they are already covered for a lateral damage incident, or if they feel such coverage is warranted,” the warning said. “Property owners are urged to read the fine print of the proposed coverage and determine if the long-term costs warrant such coverage.”
Read more, here. http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/pi/warnings-sounded-over-offer-of-water-line-insurance-b9946893z1-214224691.html