Bradshaw

Do you have a homeowners policy? Does your homeowners insurance cover AC unit repair and replacement costs?

Most home insurance companies provide coverage for your HVAC systems when they get damaged by fire or lightning. However, they may not cover expenses if your AC unit stops working due to general wear and tear.

To be on the safe side, you should know what coverage your HVAC systems get and how you can maximize the insurance claim amount for your AC unit in different cases.

When Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Air Conditioning Unit?

A typical homeowners insurance policy covers air conditioning units when they get damaged due to a natural disaster or peril. Some of these instances include:

• • Fire
  • Lightning
  • High winds
  • Fallen trees
  • Theft
  • Hail storms

This means that you’ll probably be able to make homeowners insurance claims if your AC unit is damaged when lightning strikes it or a tree falls on it.

When Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Not Cover AC Unit Maintenance Costs?

Your insurance company will not cover AC unit repair, maintenance, or repair costs if the damage is caused due to:

• • General wear and tear – rust, dents, etc.
  • Owner neglect – not changing the air filter, no HVAC unit servicing, etc.
  • Aged AC – 10-years-old (or more) AC unit

Basically, if your 10-year-old AC stops working, you won’t be able to receive compensation from your home insurance company.

Similarly, if you don’t take care of the air filter, refrigerant levels, and electrical components of your air conditioner, you’ll need to pay for the costly repairs yourself. No insurance provider will help.

To prevent expensive repairs and the discomfort caused by a broken air conditioner, get regular HVAC maintenance service. This will help you:

• • Take care of normal wear and tear as soon as it happens.
  • Identify any repair or maintenance issues early.
  • Prevent complete AC breakdown.
  • Save money on emergency repairs and AC unit replacements.
  • Keep your air conditioning units in optimal condition all year round.

While most insurance companies allow you to claim HVAC system damages due to disasters like fire and lightning, the damage due to earthquakes and floods is not covered.

How Can You Get AC Coverage in a Homeowners Insurance Policy?

There are many home warranty programs that allow you to get coverage for your HVAC systems.

A good home warranty policy will provide you with a fixed amount to repair your AC units regardless of the cause of the damage. However, these policies come with their own costs.

You need to make sure that you choose a reliable home warranty company that can cover your air conditioning unit repairs.

How to Make a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Your Air Conditioner Damages

It’s simple – you need to provide proof of the damage caused to your window AC units or other AC units.

To file an HVAC repair cost claim, you should:

• • Note your air conditioning unit’s model and serial number.
  • Take pictures of any visible damage.
  • Get a copy of the police report if your AC was damaged during a break-in or theft.
  • Call your insurance provider and give them this proof and more information about the maintenance and repair costs.

If your home insurance policy covers the kind of damages done, the insurance company will send over technicians to assess the cost of repairs.

You should be able to receive the claimed money once you hand over labor receipts.

Conclusion

It might not be possible to save your AC units when lightning strikes or fire breaks out, but you can get your AC covered in your home insurance policy.

All you need to do is to find a homeowners policy provider who offers maximum home warranties and coverage.

Have more questions about what homeowners insurance covers? Leave them in the comments below and our HVAC experts will get back to you.

We, at Bradshaw Heating and Air Conditioning, also provide easy financing options to help you pay for HVAC repair services when you need them most. Call us at (530) 903-6061 today to learn more.