Does homeowners insurance cover A/C?

A functional HVAC system is essential for comfort and quality of life in many parts of the country. Owning an HVAC, or air conditioning unit, entails maintenance costs. A replacement system will be required at some point. Although you can use a home warranty for certain services, repairs, or replacement, homeowners insurance typically does not cover system maintenance or normal wear and tear, unless it is damaged by a covered peril in your policy.

When does homeowners insurance cover AC?

Depending on your policy and limits, your HVAC system may be covered under the dwelling coverage or personal property coverage portion of your homeowners policy if the damage or loss is caused by a covered peril.

Your homeowners insurance company may reimburse you for repairs or replacement of your air conditioner in the following situations:

Some weather-related damage

If your air conditioner is damaged by hail, high winds, or lightning, it may be covered up to the limits of your policy. In addition, if a tree falls on your air conditioner, your policy may cover the damage. Flood and earthquake damage, on the other hand, are typically excluded from most homeowners policies, so if your AC sustains damage from these causes of loss, you may not be reimbursed.

Some insurance companies offer coverage for earthquakes and floods, which could also include a separate policy. Contact your insurance agent or company if you are interested in this coverage.

Fire and water damage

If your home burns down or a pipe bursts, and your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced as a result, your homeowners insurance policy may cover the costs. If flooding is the cause of your loss, water damage to your unit may not be covered.

Theft and vandalism

Although theft is unlikely, your AC unit may be covered if it is damaged as a result of vandalism. Before you can file a claim for theft or vandalism, you must usually file a police report.

When does homeowners insurance not cover AC?

Most modern air conditioners are designed to last up to 15-20 years, but like all regularly used home items, they will eventually fail due to age. Because homeowners insurance is intended to cover unexpected perils, it is not intended to assist you if your window unit or air conditioning system needs to be repaired due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty, on the other hand, can serve this purpose.

Home warranties, which provide financial compensation for items that deteriorate over time, can be an excellent supplement to a homeowner's insurance policy. Home warranty claims are typically denied only when the owner is negligent, improperly servicing or installing the item, or the damage is covered by a homeowners insurance policy. If you do not properly maintain your HVAC system and it breaks down, you may be out of luck. Furthermore, a home warranty typically does not cover unexpected events such as lightning. But if a component or even your entire unit needs to be repaired or replaced due to wear and tear, home warranties are designed to cover the expense.

If you damage your AC unit or fail to properly maintain it, neither your home warranty nor your homeowners insurance policy will typically cover you. For example, if it is discovered that you never changed your air filter, your home warranty will almost certainly not cover the breakdown of your air conditioner. Some home warranties exclude standalone units unless you add appliance coverage separately.

When it comes to home insurance, coverage exclusions usually apply in the opposite direction. Repairs caused by circumstances other than routine use are frequently excluded from warranties, but may be covered by homeowners insurance. In most cases, repairs from wear and tear are specifically covered by home warranties rather than homeowners policies.

*If you purchase coverage for earthquakes or floods, you may have coverage under that policy or endorsement. You will not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy if you do not have this additional coverage in place prior to the breakdown of your AC unit.

Filing a homeowners insurance claim for your AC

Read the fine print of your homeowners insurance policy to better understand the coverage that may apply to your AC or HVAC systems. If there is anything in the policy that you do not understand, please contact our insurance agent or company for clarification. It can assist you in making an informed decision regarding coverage types and limits, as well as what may be excluded from the policy.

If you are unhappy with the type or amount of coverage provided, compare homeowners insurance quotes until you find a provider who meets your requirements. By shopping around, you may even be able to lower your homeowners insurance costs.

If you have AC damage and have confirmed that it is covered under your homeowners insurance policy, here are a few pointers to keep in mind when filing a claim:

1. Take pictures of visible damage.
2. Get a copy of the police report, if applicable to the cause of loss.
3. Write down your unit’s model and serial number.
4. Call your homeowners insurance provider or file a claim online.
5. Consult with an insurance adjuster.
6. Keep all receipts for required repairs.
7. Submit your receipts for reimbursement to your homeowners insurance provider.

The claim process may differ depending on your provider, so speak with an agent if you need to confirm any additional requirements.

Filing a home warranty claim for your AC

The first step in filing a home warranty claim, as with a homeowners insurance claim, is to understand what is covered by your home warranty. Knowing your coverage limits and what circumstances are covered can save you money and time. Once you've confirmed that your AC repairs are covered by your home warranty, here's how the process may differ from filing a homeowners insurance claim:

1. Call your home warranty company or use their online portal to request a service visit.
2. To schedule your service visit, a contractor will contact you.
3. Request that the contractor come to your home to service and repair the unit, or to determine whether the unit needs to be replaced.
4. Pay the service fee as well as any repairs that are not covered by your warranty.

Keep in mind that home warranty companies will repair your AC unit if possible rather than replacing it.