We worked w/ Builders 20-10 (I believe that was their name) and you had to pay a co-pay per visit ($75) BUT they replaced appliances 100% if they ended up being broken, etc.
I got mad that they were charging us an increased rate and new customers a lower rate and I switched to Xcell Energy's plan (sp??). A bit cheaper for the year, no co-pay per visit.... BUT they only pay a few hundred dollars toward replacement costs. They've been really good (great people coming out, really fast service, etc.) but due to the replacement cost not being covered, we'll be going back to 20/10 next year (we have very expensive kitchen appliances).
My feeling is that Xcell is good if your appliances are newer and are only a few hundred dollars a piece, but I would rather pay a little more for piece of mind and full coverage should anything ever go wrong.
I've never heard of anyone covering the pipes to the street - if you find someone pls. post back and let us know!