Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Wiring? There is no doubt that everyone with a home enjoys this sense of security. However, things can take a dreadful turn when unforeseen events take place and disturb our peace of mind, electrical problems are one of them. This makes homeowners concerned and ask whether they can receive coverage for electrical wiring issues.
Thus, does homeowners insurance cover electrical wiring? Well, we are about to find out. Before we begin, electrical wiring is an important part of a home, but its repair can be quite expensive if it malfunctions or is damaged. To find out the answer to this troubling question, stick to this guide.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Wiring?
Yes, homeowners insurance usually covers electrical wiring within the policyholder’s household. Generally, this coverage usually comes with the replacement or repair of wiring damaged as a result of covered events. For instance, windstorm, fire, lightning, and other events mentioned in the insurance policy.
On the other hand, it is crucial that you go through your insurance quote to have knowledge about the level of coverage for electrical wiring and if there are any exclusions applied. Meanwhile the type of policy and the cause of the damage can affect the coverage so, ask your insurance provider for more details about your type of coverage.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Wiring?
As a homeowner, your home insurance policy can only cover you for electrical wiring in any of these events:
- Damage from Mentioned Perils
Yes, you can receive coverage from your home insurance policy when your electrical wiring is damaged by a covered threat. For instance, fire. If a fire damages or destroys the electrical wiring of your home, your insurance policy can cover the replacement or repair cost.
Other elements that may be responsible for your electrical wiring damage include; theft, windstorm, falling objects, vandalism, lightning, water damage, or hail. But do not worry because all of these are covered by a homeowners insurance policy.
- Additional Living Expenses
If you house because inhabitable temporarily as a result of electrical wiring damage, this can lead to additional living expenses like hotel costs. Homeowners insurance might be responsible for such expenses up to the limit of your policy.
What Are the Exclusions?
When will I not receive coverage for electrical wiring even with a home insurance policy? Here are a few situations:
- Wear and Tear
If aging, gradual wear and tear, or deterioration is responsible for the damage to your electrical wiring, coverage will not be applied. This is because home insurance policies do not cover maintenance-related problems.
- Earth Movement
Sinkholes, earthquakes, landslides, and other form of earth movements are not covered by homeowners insurance, especially if they cause electrical wiring damage. Nevertheless, you can get a separate policy or additional endorsement for such perils.
- Flood Damage
If your electrical wiring is damaged because of water backup or flooding, coverage is excluded from a standard homeowners insurance policy. Although, there are separate insurance policies that cover floodings, especially in flood-prone areas.
- Intentional Acts
Damage to the electrical wiring of a home intentionally by the policyholder or another person will not be covered by home insurance.
- Lack of Maintenance or Neglect
If improper or irregular maintenance or neglect is the cause of the electrical wiring damage, such situations are not usually covered.
- Specific Types of Losses
Some insurance quotes come with certain exclusions for specific forms of losses associated with electrical wiring. This is why you need to understand your policy well to find out where such terms are applied.
How to File a Claim Against Electrical Wiring Damage
If you come across an electrical wiring damage or malfunction in your home, the next step is to file a claim. To begin this comprehensive process, here is what you need to do:
- Make sure the affected area is safe to check out.
- If it isn’t wait for a professional.
- Document the damages.
- Understand your coverage.
- Check for certain terms, exclusions, or conditions.
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Provide the necessary details.
- Make out time for an inspection.
- Cooperate with the insurance adjuster.
- Receive the repair estimates.
- Feel free to negotiate if you do not like the terms.
- Keep records of all communication forms with your insurer.
- Fill out the claim form and complete the necessary paperwork.
- Go through the settlement offer.
- Sign the necessary paperwork if you agree with the offer.
Throughout this process, make sure that you are patient, and transparent, keep records, and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover electrical wiring damage caused by a power surge?
Yes, homeowners insurance will be responsible for damage to your electrical wiring if it was caused by a power surge. However, this surge must be caused by a covered peril like lightning. Check your policy for terms and exclusions mentioned regarding power surge coverage.
What should I do if I discover electrical wiring damage in my home?
The first thing you need to do is switch off the electricity and avoid getting in contact with any exposed wires. In other words, safety first. Then, take photos and videos of the damage and report it to your insurance provider immediately. You will be guided during the claim process.
