Will homeowners insurance cover AC repair? This is certainly one of the questions you should be asking before moving into a new place. If you’re renting or buying a place for the first time, you should be familiar with this type of policy.
AC repair isn’t cheap, and how much it will cost will depend on the existing damage and multiple other factors. For example, older units where replacement parts are hard to find will be more difficult and more expensive to fix. Knowing whether homeowner insurance covers AC repair or not can save you time and money. A working AC is essential during the summer and if something goes wrong, you should be able to fix it immediately.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover AC Repair?
The answer isn’t a definitive yes or no. Homeowner insurance will cover AC repair in certain conditions and not others. Weather-related damage is often covered by home insurance. For example, if your AC unit is damaged by hail, high winds, or even struck by lightning, your homeowner insurance will generally cover the damages. Damages due to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, however, are often not covered.
Damage due to fires is also covered in most policies. If there’s a fire in your home that leads to damage to your HVAC or AC system, it will be covered. As we mentioned earlier, damage from floods isn’t covered without flood insurance. You will also be reimbursed in case of external physical damage like if a tree fell on your external AC unit.
While unlikely, damage can happen due to theft or vandalism. Damages due to theft will most likely be covered in your homeowner insurance. Keep in mind that you’ll need to file a police report before you can file a claim to be reimbursed for these damages.
To be clear, your homeowner insurance is designed to reimburse you if your AC system or unit is damaged in an unexpected event. Alternatively, it will not cover damages that result from everyday wear and tear. AC’s last over a decade, and your homeowner insurance policy will not reimburse you for damages that occur due to usage of the system over the years.
Those interested in being covered when damage occurs due to everyday use should invest in a home insurance policy. A home insurance policy is designed for these damages, as opposed to a homeowner insurance policy. Make note, however, that a home insurance policy will only cover your AC repair if you’ve been taking care of it. If neglect can be proven, you will not be covered. An example of this is if they can prove that you never serviced your AC system or changed its air filters.
When signing an insurance policy, it’s important to read all the details and the fine print. Talk to multiple insurance agencies and find people that you can trust. You should also prioritize agencies that provide the terms you’re looking for. It’s also important to never delay getting insurance.
