When it comes to what’s included in homeowners insurance, it’s natural to have questions. You never know when the unexpected may happen, and home insurance is vital to keep your family protected.
While homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your house and belongings caused by events such as burglary, fire, or flooding, it’s important to know that damage to your home's appliances or systems caused by electrical or mechanical failure is not covered under standard policies.
When a household appliance is damaged due to a mechanical or electrical issue, it can be costly to repair or replace. With so many things being unpredictable, you'll want to explore whether equipment breakdown coverage is worth the investment.
What does equipment breakdown coverage cover?
Equipment breakdown coverage is an optional add-on to your home insurance policy that can cover the cost of damage to your systems and appliances. However, it will not cover damage that is caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, or normal wear and tear. Homeowners need to remember that if an appliance, such as a refrigerator, breaks down due to aging, it will not be covered by equipment breakdown coverage.
Types of equipment that may be covered:
- Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electrical panels and wiring
- Computer equipment
- Emergency generators
- Solar panels
- Water heaters
- Boilers
- Sump pumps
- Electric doors and locks
- Washers and dryers
Tips for Virginians to prevent damage
Virginia residents know that the weather can be unpredictable. Preventing damage to heating and air conditioning systems is essential, so make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance for summer and preparing your systems for winter. Servicing your HVAC system annually can help prevent costly damage when you need the air conditioning and heating the most.
You'll also want to take the necessary steps to prevent basement flooding. Be sure to set up water alarms and maintain exterior sealing and caulking at all times. Keep trees at a distance, and consider installing a sump pump for additional protection.
To prevent damage from unexpected severe weather, homeowners must be aware of the proper precautions to take. Damage to electronics can be prevented by taking critical steps such as unplugging all devices, installing surge protectors, and installing a whole-home lightning protection system. Always be prepared by knowing when to expect severe storms in Virginia so that devices can be prepared in advance. Lastly, review your policy to know exactly what your coverage provides so that you can be sure that your equipment and systems are protected.
Chat with one of our local insurance agents or request a quote today to learn more about our equipment breakdown add-on.
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
