Will Renters Insurance Cover a Power Surge?

Will Home and Renters Insurance Cover a Power Surge?

December 28, 2024

Renters insurance covers the personal belongings, the liability, and the interests of the tenant. But will renters insurance cover a power surge?

We’ll get into the details in this post. The answer will depend on what kind of policy you have. First, let’s go over some of the basics with these commonly asked questions.

What is a power surge?

An unexpected burst, increase, or “surge” in voltage traveling through your electrical lines that can damage or destroy connected electronic devices.

What causes power surges?

A lightning strike, an outlet with too many things plugged in, faulty wiring, or even just the use of high-power electrical devices like refrigerators can cause a power surge.

What kind of damage can a power surge cause?

Electrical surges can damage your outlets, overload and destroy electric devices and appliances, and even start electrical fires!

This is the best way I an think of to help you visualize an electrical surge in which more electricity drives through your power lines than your appliances can handle. Similarly, there was more Tommy Boy surging through the little coat than the fabric could handle.

This is one you really need to check the details of your policy on or consult with your agent. If the power surge is caused by a covered peril, then the answer is yes. So, if a lightning strike caused the power surge and lightning is a covered peril then you are good.

Some policies don’t cover artificially generated power surges such as the spike in voltage after a power outage to turn electricity on for the whole neighborhood. If you have a power surge that is caused by a non-covered loss then… it is very probably not covered. Hence the whole “non-covered” part.

Why You Need to Check Your Renters Insurance Policy:

I pulled this from a standard FL renters policy for a company we work with at Carter Family Insurance.

COVERED PERILS

Coverage C – Contents:

Fire or Lightning; Windstorm or Hail; Explosion; Riot or Civil Commotion; Aircraft; Vehicles; Smoke; Vandalism or Malicious Mischief; Theft; Falling Objects; Weight of Ice, Snow or Sleet; Accidental Discharge or Overflow of Water or Steam; Sudden and Accidental Tearing Apart, Cracking, Burning or Bulging; Freezing; Sudden Accidental Damage from Artificially Generated Electrical Current; Breakage of Glass or Safety Glazing Material; Volcanic Eruption; Collapse; Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse (as defined by Florida Statute 627.706), and Sinkhole.

So, this policy would consider artifically generated electrical current a covered loss.

That is just one example. Some policies will not cover artificially generated electrical currents at all! Some policies will cover the damaged electrical cord and leave you hanging on the actual electronic equipment inside the appliance.

You have to read your policy. It is advisable to have an experienced, licensed agent (ahem… points to myself) review it with you.

Get a Free Insurance Review!

Why would renters insurance deny a power surge claim?

If your policy specifically excludes coverage for a power surge, artificial power surge, or if the loss is due to wear and tear or neglect. Generally, insurance is designed to cover the sudden and accidental losses.

What if my renters insurance excludes power surge coverage?

You might be able to add the coverage as a rider or endorsement. Contact your company for more direction on their protocols and procedures. Or contact Carter Family Insurance for a review.

Should I File a Claim on my Renters Insurance for a Power Surge?

Assuming it is covered by your policy, you have to weigh the pros and cons of filing a claim. First of all, did the surge cause enough damage to make the claim worth it?

Things to consider before filing a claim:

Claims come with surcharges and can follow you for 3-5 years.
Too many claims can cause you to be dropped by your insurance.
Does the value of your claim exceed your deductible in a way that makes the claim worthwhile?
Do you have adequate electronics coverage to reimburse you for the full value of your valuable electronic devices?

How Can I Protect my Property from Power Surges?

Buy surge protectors. They are designed to absorb the spikes in electrical current rather than let it fry your electronics.
Unplug your electronics during storms.
Communicate with your landlord to make sure your home wiring is routinely inspected and maintained.
Don’t overload one electrical outlet!

Remember, Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes per square kilometer.

Conclusion

Wow, so we covered a lot on this one little topic. This isn’t even everything there is to know about power surges and Florida renters insurance. If you need help from an experienced, licensed agent to decipher your current policy, contact us today!

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Will Home and Renters Insurance Cover a Power Surge?

Table of Contents

What is a power surge?

What causes power surges?

What kind of damage can a power surge cause?