Homeowners Insurance and Major Appliances

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Homeowners Insurance |

Is a home appliance covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy

We often overlook our home appliances until there’s an issue — the refrigerator quits, a tree crashes into our A/C unit or an oven is damaged beyond repair in a kitchen fire.

But maybe it’s time we start to take notice. After all, home appliances are some of the hardest working members of our homes, and the cost to replace a home appliance can be significant. An A/C unit, for example, can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to replace.

Before an issue arises, take the time to speak with one of our insurance agents and find out when your home appliances are covered by the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Prepare now so you can more quickly replace your home appliance when you need it most.

When are home appliances covered by a standard Homeowners Insurance policy?

When it applies to your Homeowners Insurance Policy.

All of the home appliances that help keep your home running are typically covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy when a peril covered by that policy is the culprit. So, if your oven is destroyed during a kitchen fire or if someone steals your toaster oven during a burglary, those losses would be covered by home insurance.

Appliances that are installed at your home, like your HVAC system, are also typically covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy.

Not covered when the issue is caused by age or normal wear and tear.

Similar to other types of insurance coverage, a home appliance would not be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy if the issue is caused by age or normal wear and tear. Also remember that if you’re renting your home, your landlord is typically responsible for maintaining or replacing any home appliances that came with the property.

If you’re unsure if your home appliance would be covered by your home insurance policy, call or text our office at 616-896-4600 and one of our agents will help you review your home insurance policy and answer any questions you have.


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Preventing Frozen Pipes

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

The water inside pipes can freeze when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. As freezing water expands, it causes the pressure inside the pipes to increase, possibly leading to bursting pipes.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

  • Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest.
  • Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes.
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • Keep heat at 55 degrees F. or higher even when you are out of town.
  • During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night.
  • If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on and drain your water system before you go.
  • Identify the locations of shutoff valves so that you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts.

What to Do When Pipes Freeze or Burst

  • Open all faucets.
  • Remove insulation and wrap pipes in rags.
  • If all else fails, call your plumber.

If pipes burst:

  • Shut off the water immediately to prevent additional damage.
  • Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water.
  • Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions.
  • Contact your local claims office to help you locate a vendor specializing in emergency water mitigation services that can properly dry out the damaged area.
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