City of Bridgeport and City Council Announce New Optional Home Repair Protection Program for Homeowners
New Program Offers Bridgeport Homeowners Additional Protection Against Unexpected Water and Sewer Line Repair Costs at No Cost to City Taxpayers
Bridgeport, CT— Mayor Ganim and the Bridgeport City Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new homeowner education and protection program through SLWA Insurance Services (SLWA), an independent company and part of HomeServe North America a partnership with the National League of Cities.
The program, which became available October 1, 2026, provides Bridgeport homeowners with access to optional emergency repair protection plans designed to help address unexpected and potentially costly repairs to residential water service lines, sewer lines, and interior plumbing systems.
Many homeowners may not realize that they are financially responsible for maintaining and repairing certain utility service lines located on their property. When a water or sewer line breaks, leaks, or becomes damaged, the cost of repairs can place a significant and unexpected financial burden on homeowners. These repairs are generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies when caused by normal wear and tear.
Through this new program, eligible Bridgeport homeowners will have the opportunity to explore voluntary repair protection plans that can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses associated with covered repairs.
“As Mayor, one of my priorities is finding new ways to support our residents and help families protect their homes and financial well-being,” said Mayor Joseph P. Ganim. “Unexpected home repairs can be costly, especially for homeowners who may already be managing rising household expenses. This program gives Bridgeport residents another option to prepare for these emergencies and potentially avoid significant repair bills. Most importantly, it provides this opportunity without placing any additional financial burden on our City or taxpayers. I am pleased that we can make this resource available to our homeowners.”
With the launch of this initiative, Bridgeport will become the first major city in Connecticut to offer this voluntary home repair protection program to its residents, joining other Connecticut communities, including Ansonia, Ellington, and Harwinton.
The program is also associated with municipalities and utility providers in major cities across the United States, including Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; San Diego and Stockton, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Charlotte, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Dayton, Ohio; and El Paso, Texas. By bringing this established program to Bridgeport, the City is expanding access to optional home repair protection while helping residents better prepare for unexpected and potentially costly repairs, all at no cost to City taxpayers.
“The Bridgeport City Council is committed to supporting programs that provide meaningful resources and opportunities for our residents,” said City Council President Jeanette Herron. “For many families, their home is their most important investment, and an unexpected water or sewer line repair can create a serious financial hardship. By making this optional protection program available, we are helping homeowners better understand their responsibilities and giving them an opportunity to consider additional protection and peace of mind. We encourage residents to learn about the program, review their existing coverage, and make the decision that best meets their household’s needs.”
Available Protection Plans
Bridgeport homeowners will have access to three optional protection plans administered by SLWA:
Exterior Water Service Line Plan: Helps cover eligible repairs to homeowner-owned exterior water service lines. Sewer/Septic Line Plan: Provides protection against certain covered repairs involving homeowner-owned sewer or septic service lines. Interior Plumbing & Drainage Plan: Offers coverage for eligible repairs involving interior plumbing and drainage systems.
Homeowners who enroll in an eligible plan will have access to a 24-hour emergency repair hotline. When a covered repair is needed, SLWA will coordinate with qualified local contractors familiar with applicable codes and repair requirements.
The program provides no service fees or deductibles for covered repairs, and covered repairs are guaranteed for one year, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan.
Voluntary Participation at No Cost to the City
The City of Bridgeport and City Council emphasize that participation in this program is entirely voluntary. Homeowners are under no obligation to purchase coverage, and enrollment is not required to maintain utility service.
The plans are administered independently by SLWA Insurance Services and issued by Virginia Surety. All marketing, enrollment, customer service, and covered repair coordination will be managed by SLWA, not the City of Bridgeport.
There is no cost to the City of Bridgeport to make this program available, and no public funds are being used to administer or promote the program.
Bridgeport homeowners will begin receiving informational materials in the mail explaining the available protection plans, coverage options, and enrollment process.
Residents are encouraged to carefully review the terms and conditions of any plan, including coverage limits and exclusions, and consult their existing homeowners insurance provider to determine whether similar protection is already included in their policy.
How to Learn More
Homeowners interested in learning more about the program, reviewing coverage options, or enrolling may contact SLWA Insurance Services directly:
Website: www.slwofa.com
Toll-Free Phone: 1-844-257-8795
Residents who prefer not to receive future communications regarding these services may also contact SLWA at the number above to request removal from program-related mailings.
About SLWA Insurance Services
SLWA Insurance Services is part of HomeServe North America, a leading provider of home repair solutions serving more than 4.5 million homeowners throughout the United States and Canada. Together, SLWA and HomeServe work with more than 1,350 cities, municipalities, and utilities to provide homeowners with access to optional repair protection programs and emergency home repair assistance.