Will insurance cover damages from power outages?
When you live and work on Texas’ Gulf Coast, you understand the word “extreme.” Extreme weather, such as heat, storms and flooding, is typical for people in Galveston and its surrounding area.
Any of these events can cause a power failure, which can damage electronics and appliances and spoil food. Can you recoup any of these costs through your homeowner’s insurance?
Coverage under homeowner’s insurance
Hurricane season typically begins June 1 and runs until November 30. While the Galveston area typically experiences mild winter temperatures, deep freezes can still occur. After all, no one has forgotten the winter storm of February 2021 and a failed power grid.
When power outages happen, the following can occur:
- The loss of perishable food items.
- Damage to appliances, electronics and HVAC systems caused by power surges when electricity is restored.
- In colder months, a lack of heating during a power outage can cause pipes to freeze and burst.
- Flooding or water damage from malfunctioning sump pumps.
- Compromised home security systems.
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover some damage to food, personal property and the dwelling. And, if your home is uninhabitable or you cannot prepare meals due to a power outage, Added Living Expenses (ALE) coverage can help pay for temporary housing or dining out.
However, it’s crucial to review your homeowner’s policy thoroughly. Unfortunately, many standard policies exclude coverage for damages caused by power failures originating off-premises. If the outage is due to a failure in Texas’ power grid, you may not be covered for certain damages.
Still, it’s important to promptly report any damage to your insurer and provide thorough documentation, including photographs and repair/replacement estimates. If you believe your damages should be covered under your homeowner’s policy and your insurer won’t honor your claim, you may need help from someone who can advocate on your behalf to get the necessary funds.
