Orlando Harmon
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers a new AC unit depends on the type of AC unit and the cause of the damage. Central AC units, considered part of the home's structure, are typically covered under the dwelling portion of a home insurance policy. Window AC units, on the other hand, are usually covered under personal property coverage as they are not permanently installed. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage caused by a covered peril, such as high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail, or fire. However, it typically does not cover damage due to normal wear and tear, owner neglect, or old age. Optional endorsements, such as equipment breakdown coverage, can be added to some homeowners insurance policies for additional protection against appliance and system breakdowns. Home warranty plans may also provide coverage for AC units, but it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions, as some policies may have specific age limits for covered appliances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coverage for damage caused by | Covered perils or disasters, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail, fire, electrical damage due to artificially generated electrical surges, vandalism |
| Coverage for damage not caused by | Wear and tear, owner neglect, old age, mechanical issues |
| Type of AC unit covered | Central air conditioning systems, window AC units |
| Additional protection | Home warranty plans, equipment breakdown coverage |
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What You'll Learn
- Home insurance covers AC units damaged by disasters or perils, e.g. high winds, fire, or theft
- Window AC units are covered by personal property coverage
- Central AC units are covered under dwelling coverage
- Home insurance doesn't cover wear and tear, neglect, or old age
- Home warranty plans may cover AC units, but check age limits
Home insurance covers AC units damaged by disasters or perils, e.g. high winds, fire, or theft
Home insurance typically covers air conditioning (AC) units that are damaged by disasters or perils, such as high winds, fire, or theft. However, it's important to note that the specific coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the terms of your policy.
Central AC units, which are considered part of the home's structure, are generally covered under the dwelling coverage section of a home insurance policy. This type of coverage is typically offered on an "open perils" basis, meaning that your AC unit is covered unless the damage was caused by an event specifically excluded from your policy. For example, if a tree falls on your house during a storm and damages your AC unit, your home insurance will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
On the other hand, window AC units, which are not permanently installed and can be easily removed, are usually covered under personal property coverage. This type of coverage protects your movable belongings and may reimburse you if your window AC unit is stolen or damaged during a burglary.
It's worth noting that standard home insurance policies typically do not cover AC units that break down due to general wear and tear, owner neglect, or old age. In such cases, a home warranty plan or equipment breakdown coverage may provide additional protection. These optional endorsements can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your AC unit in the event of mechanical failures or electrical damage due to power surges.
To ensure you have adequate coverage for your AC unit, carefully review the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy. Understand what perils are covered and consider adding endorsements or seeking additional protection through a home warranty plan if needed.
If your AC unit is damaged or stops working, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. They may send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. Providing detailed information, such as photos or videos of the damage, can support your claim. If your claim is approved, your insurer will reimburse you for the repair or replacement costs, minus any applicable deductibles.
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Window AC units are covered by personal property coverage
Window AC units are typically covered by personal property coverage, which is part of your homeowners insurance policy. Personal property coverage protects movable belongings that are not considered part of the home's structure. Since window AC units can be easily removed, they fall under this category.
It's important to understand what your insurance policy covers and what it excludes. While personal property coverage may include your window AC unit, it's essential to check the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations on certain types of damage or perils. For example, standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover general wear and tear, owner neglect, or old age.
In the event of damage to your window AC unit, your insurance company may require you to provide proof and information about the incident. This can include photos or videos of the damaged unit, model and serial numbers, and, in some cases, a police report if the damage occurred during a break-in. After reviewing your claim, the insurance provider may send an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
It's worth noting that some insurance companies offer additional protection for your AC unit through equipment breakdown coverage. This optional endorsement can be added to your homeowners insurance policy to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your AC unit in the event of uncontrollable circumstances, such as electrical damage due to power surges. However, it's important to carefully review the terms of any additional coverage to ensure you understand what is and isn't covered.
Additionally, home warranty plans can provide coverage for AC units, offering a flat fee for repairs or replacements, regardless of the cause. However, it's important to read the fine print, as some home warranty policies may have specific age limits for covered appliances, and older units may not be covered.
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Central AC units are covered under dwelling coverage
However, it's important to note that home insurance policies typically do not cover damage due to normal wear and tear. In such cases, a home warranty plan may provide coverage. Additionally, each insurance policy is different, so it's essential to carefully review your specific policy's terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not.
To file an insurance claim for a damaged AC unit, you may need to provide specific information, such as the unit's model and serial number, as well as photographs of any visible damage. If your claim is approved, your insurer will typically pay for the repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. It is common for an insurance provider to send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and estimate the repair costs.
You can also consider optional endorsements, such as equipment breakdown coverage, which can be added to certain homeowners insurance policies. This type of coverage protects against the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and systems, including AC units, when the damage is due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as electrical damage from power surges. However, it's important to note that equipment breakdown coverage typically does not include damage from general wear and tear.
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Home insurance doesn't cover wear and tear, neglect, or old age
Home insurance is designed to financially protect you from several potential sources of damage, referred to in your policy as perils. Generally, perils are sudden or accidental, like burst pipes, vehicle damage, or break-ins. However, it's important to note that home insurance typically does not cover wear and tear, neglect, or old age.
Wear and tear occur naturally over time and can be expedited by policyholder negligence. For example, if a pipe breaks and leaks water over several months, damaging your floors, your insurance company will likely not pay for the repairs if they believe the damage occurred because you neglected to address the issue promptly. Similarly, if your AC unit stops working due to normal wear and tear or owner neglect, your insurance company probably won't pay your claim. In such cases, you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as a home warranty plan or equipment breakdown coverage, to protect against the cost of repairing or replacing your appliances and systems.
Home insurance providers expect policyholders to perform routine maintenance and take reasonable steps to safeguard their property. This includes keeping track of all maintenance and repairs and addressing any issues in need of repair as quickly as possible. For example, if you don't trim a tree on your property and a falling limb damages your house, it would likely not be covered by insurance as it could be considered neglect.
While home insurance may not cover the replacement of items due to old age, it can provide financial protection in cases where old age has made the property more susceptible to damage from covered perils. For example, if your old roof is damaged by high winds or a fallen tree during a storm, your homeowners insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. However, it's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude coverage for large-scale disasters, such as floods or wars.
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Home warranty plans may cover AC units, but check age limits
Homeowners insurance covers AC units and HVAC systems in the event of damage caused by a covered peril or disaster. This includes damage from high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail, or fire. However, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover AC units or HVAC systems if the damage is due to general wear and tear, owner neglect, or old age.
This is where home warranty plans come in. Home warranty plans can provide coverage for repairs or replacements of AC units and HVAC systems, regardless of age. While the specifics of coverage vary depending on the company and the selected plan, home warranty plans typically cover AC units, cooling systems, ductwork, and heating systems. Some companies, like Select Home Warranty, offer comprehensive plans that include protection for plumbing systems, electrical systems, water heaters, and home appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers.
It is important to note that home warranty plans have certain limitations. For example, they may have caps on repair or replacement costs for specific parts of the HVAC system, such as ductwork. Additionally, home warranty plans typically require regular maintenance of the covered systems and appliances. Proper maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit and HVAC system, which is generally expected to last between 10 and 30 years with a standard lifespan of around 20 years.
Before purchasing a home warranty plan, it is essential to read the fine print and understand the terms of coverage. Ensure that your specific type of AC unit or HVAC system is included in the plan and be aware of any additional protection options or add-ons that may be available. By choosing the right home warranty plan and maintaining your systems properly, you can have peace of mind knowing that unexpected repairs or replacements will be covered.
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Frequently asked questions
No, if your AC unit stops working due to normal wear and tear, your insurance company probably won’t cover it. You can purchase additional protection or a home warranty plan to cover repairs and replacements in such cases.
Homeowners insurance covers AC units when the damage is due to a covered peril or disaster, such as high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail, or fire.
Central air conditioning systems are typically covered under the dwelling portion of your home insurance policy because they are attached to the home. Window AC units are covered under personal property coverage as they are not part of the home's structure.
If your policy covers the damage, your insurance provider will likely send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. You may be asked for photos and videos of the damaged unit. If the claim is approved, your insurer will pay for the repairs minus your deductible.
