Are Air Conditioners Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

In the dead of winter, most people aren’t thinking about their air conditioning units. Enveloped by the chilly weather, grey skies, and dim twilight of winter, it can feel like the warm brightness of summer is eons away. But warm weather will be back and sooner than it might seem, so it’s important to make sure that your air conditioner is in shipshape to take on the triple-digit temperatures that will creep up on you before you know it. Here are the four questions you want to make sure you know how to answer in order to be prepared when that day comes.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Air Conditioning Units?

Homeowners insurance does cover air conditioning units, but only conditionally. That condition is when the damage is caused as a result of peril. Peril, in this case, is typically defined as a fire, natural disaster, and flooding. Make sure to verify what your policy defines as a peril, though; that information should be listed under a policy holder’s plan.

Why Are Only Certain Situations Covered?

Insurance covers unforeseeable events like fires and lightning strikes and will often pay to repair damages to an AC unit’s electrical components in these situations. However, coverage typically does not include damages resulting from a lack of maintenance, general wear, and tear, or accidents that are caused by negligence or lack of proper care.

Thankfully, having to deal with a fire or lightning strike is a relatively rare occurrence, although being insured for these events can help bring peace of mind to a homeowner. After all, they happen often enough that they are typically included in the average homeowner’s insurance policy. However, damage is more likely to occur for the reasons listed that are not covered by insurance, so it is important to be proactive about air conditioner maintenance in Fort Worth in order to minimize the likelihood and possible negative consequences of issues with your air conditioner unit.

The Grey Line of Water Damage

Water leaks are common in air conditioners, which often leads to the production of moisture. If your house is flooded and the air conditioner is affected, the insurance company may try to pass off the broken AC as part of a maintenance issue that you are liable for, not them. That is why it is important to have maintenance records on hand when dealing with your insurance company to ensure that repairs can proceed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. You don’t want to be in a position where you have to choose between dealing with the sweltering heat without an air conditioner or shelling out for costly repairs that you aren’t sure will be covered by your insurance.

What About Window AC Units?

Window AC Units and AC units should be covered the same under a homeowner’s insurance policy, but this may change depending on the insurance company. This is another reason it is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to make sure you are clear on the specifics of your policy.

How Do You File a Claim to Fix Your AC Unit?

There are a few steps you need to follow in order to file a claim to fix your AC unit. First, take pictures of the visible damage, both to your air conditioning unit and of any other property damage you may have sustained as a result of your air conditioning unit’s malfunction. Second, write down the unit’s serial number and model. This will be important both for talking to your insurance company and talking to repair specialists.

Next, you need to get an estimate of the cost to repair your unit. Then, you need to weigh that cost against your homeowner’s deductible. Sometimes, you’ll find that it’s actually not that worthwhile to file a claim. If the cost is slightly more or less than your deductible, you may end up paying more for a claim.

Now you are ready to call your agent to make a claim. An adjuster will then visit your home to inspect the damage. Once the claim is approved, the insurer will provide you with a portion of the repair or replacement cost as described by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

DFW’s Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Specialist

When dealing with something as pressing as a malfunctioning air conditioning unit, it can be easy to get heated and stressed and allow yourself in the increasing heat to no longer have an effective tool to fight. Keep a cool head by calling the skilled and experienced team at Comfort Masters Heating & Air Conditioning, DFW’s air conditioning repair, and replacement specialist. We can both help you maintain your air conditioning unit to avoid malfunctions and help you quickly and effectively resolve any issues that may arise. Even if you don’t know where to start, we do; the only step you need to make sure you remember is to call us for all your air conditioning unit maintenance needs!