Power outages are not only an inconvenience, but they can also cause unexpected damage to your home and property. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you may be wondering about the extent of the coverage your insurance policy provides. There are certain instances in which you may or may not receive coverage when filing a claim after a power outage, so understanding the nuances of insurance coverage for power outages is essential for ensuring your home and assets are adequately protected. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the coverage available for power outages and subsequent events under home insurance and renters insurance policies.
Will my homeowners insurance cover burst pipes due to a power outage?
In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover burst pipes that result from a power outage. When a power outage occurs, heating systems, including furnaces, may stop working, especially during cold weather. This can lead to freezing temperatures inside the home, causing pipes to freeze and potentially burst. In such situations, homeowners insurance policies will typically cover the resulting water damage.
However, if your pipes burst due to neglecting to turn on your heat while you’re away from your home, then you will not be covered under your policy. It's important to review your specific policy to understand the extent of coverage for burst pipes due to a power outage. Additionally, maintaining adequate home heating and insulation, especially during power outages, can help prevent pipes from freezing and minimize the risk of damage and the subsequent need for a claim.
Can you claim spoiled food on your homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance will generally cover spoiled food depending on if the power outage occurred as a result of direct damage to your home. Whether the power outage only occurred at your residence or your entire neighborhood can play a role as well and is dependent on your specific policy. There is typically no coverage for food spoilage if the power outage is widespread.
Can you claim spoiled food on your renters insurance?
You can typically claim spoiled food on your renters insurance due to a power outage under certain conditions. This coverage would fall under the personal property portion of your renters insurance policy. However, it’s usually subject to a specific limit, such as a few hundred dollars. To support your claim, it’s important to keep records such as receipts and photographs of the spoiled food.
How long can food last in the fridge without power?
The CDC estimates that your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage if the doors are kept closed. Perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers should be thrown away after four hours without power or transferred to the freezer. A half-full freezer will keep food safe for 24 hours, while a full freezer will keep food safe for 48 hours. You’ll want to keep your refrigerator and freezer door closed as much as possible during a power outage.
Consider Adding Equipment Breakdown Coverage to Your Homeowners Insurance
Equipment breakdown coverage can be purchased as a supplement to your homeowners insurance for an additional premium. This type of coverage protects household appliances and systems if they are damaged due to electrical or mechanical failure—which typically isn’t covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. Equipment breakdown coverage is generally an affordable addition to your policy, so it’s a good idea to see what additional coverage your homeowners or renters insurance carrier offers.
Make Sure Your Home is Protected with Homeowners Insurance or Renters Insurance
Whether you’re looking to update your policy or you’re shopping for insurance coverage for the first time, it’s important to understand whether you’re protected against the events that can occur because of a power outage. Securing the coverage you need is essential if you’re a homeowner or a renter. Fortunately, SelectQuote has nearly 40 years of experience helping individuals just like you. In just minutes, our licensed insurance agents can compare rates from several of the nation’s most highly rated carriers on your behalf so you can find the policy that’s right for you.
