When it comes to home insurance, many homeowners need clarification on what is (and isn’t) covered. One common area of question is whether electrical damage is covered by your home insurance in Ontario. Unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. Most home insurance policies in Ontario may cover electrical damage, but only to a certain extent. Each policy and insurance provider is different. However, there are some instances in which electrical damage will be covered. So, in this article, let’s break down the cases in which your home insurance policy will cover electrical damage.
What does electrical damage cover?
What is considered electrical damage when considering your home insurance claim? Let’s start by discussing what your home insurance does cover. To start, your policy usually covers damages from sudden and accidental occurrences. This can come from lightning, electrical fires, and power surges. However, there is a grey area regarding electrical fires and power surges.
If a power surge causes damage to any electrical device within your home, it is considered a personal peril. If so, your insurance company can most likely compensate you for repairing or replacing the device. So, with that in mind, if these perils cause some electrical damage, they are covered in most cases.
However, electrical fires are slightly more complicated. In most cases, electrical fires are included in your fire coverage. Still, the claim may be denied if the cause of the fire is due to outdated or poor electrical work. Moreover, if the damage is a result of poor electrical work, some insurance companies may require regular maintenance to apply for coverage.
Do you have to add anything to your insurance?
The short answer is that it depends on your coverage and your provider. There can be circumstances where extra coverage or endorsement to your policy ensures that all your bases are covered and protected against damage. Equipment breakdown, sewer backup, or overland water may cause electrical issues and damage. One thing to always keep in mind is that coverage varies depending on your specific policy or your specific coverage. So, be sure to check with your isure broker!
How do I make a claim for electrical damage?
To make an insurance claim concerning this type of damage, follow these four steps:
- Document the damage: Make sure to take photos and notes of the extent of the damage.
- Report ASAP: Notify your insurance provider or isure broker as soon as possible.
- Share evidence: Submit all relevant documents, such as maintenance records or inspection reports.
- Professional consultation: Some insurers may require an assessment from a licensed electrician.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, while electrical damage may, to some extent, be covered by your home insurance, try not to take it for face value. It is crucial to review your policy carefully and, to the best of your ability, understand the ins and outs of your policy. Ask your isure broker to walk you through the details of your policy to confirm what your coverage includes.
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