A functioning AC unit is essential for comfort and quality of life. It’s important that you are prepared to pay maintenance costs as well as replacement costs. A home warranty might cover repairs or replacements of your AC unit that are caused by regular use. However, homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover wear. Your insurance provider will not likely reimburse you unless your AC was damaged by an insured peril.
Either keep a cash reserve for emergencies or buy a home warranty to cover maintenance and repairs. You may be able to claim your homeowners insurance for damage or destruction in certain cases.
What is homeowners insurance coverage for AC?
Your HVAC system could be covered by your homeowners policy’s dwelling coverage or personal property coverage, depending on the limits of your policy. You may be eligible for reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your AC in these circumstances:
Weather-related damage can occur
Your policy may cover your AC unit if it is damaged by hail, high winds, lightning strikes or other severe weather conditions. Your policy may also cover damage if your AC unit is damaged by hail, high winds or lightning strikes. Flood and earthquake damage are usually excluded from homeowners policies. Your AC may be damaged by these events, and you may not receive reimbursement.
Water and fire damage
Your homeowners insurance policy may cover you if there is a fire or a burst pipe that causes damage to your AC. Your unit may not be covered if water damage is caused by flooding.
Vandalism and theft
While theft is unlikely to occur, vandalism can cause damage or loss to your AC unit. You will need to file a police report if you want to file a claim for theft or vandalism.
A home warranty can be an excellent addition to homeowners insurance policies. It provides financial compensation for items that have suffered from wear and tear. Most homeowners insurance policies cover home warranty damage, so homeowner neglect or improper installation are not grounds for denying coverage. You may not be covered if your HVAC system fails to function properly. A home warranty does not usually cover lightning strikes. Home warranties will cover you if your unit or a part of it needs to be replaced or repaired due to wear and tear.
What happens if homeowners insurance doesn’t cover AC?
Modern air conditioners can last for upwards to 15-20 years. However, as with all home appliances, they will eventually wear out. homeowners insurance does not cover the possibility of damage to your AC or window unit. However, a home warranty serves this purpose.
Your homeowners insurance policy and your home warranty will not typically cover you if your AC unit is damaged or fails to be maintained properly. If your AC unit is damaged or fails to function properly, your home warranty may not cover it. If you purchase separate coverage for appliances, some home warranties will not cover standalone units.
Home insurance coverage exclusions are usually applied in the opposite way. Homeowners policies may cover repairs that are not covered by warranties, but exclude damage caused by circumstances other than regular use. Homeowners policies generally exclude repairs due to wear and tear, but they are usually covered by homeowner warranties.
| AC repair or replacement is possible due to certain circumstances | Are you covered by homeowners insurance | What is covered by a home warranty? |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | Yes | No |
| Internal water damage | Sometimes | No |
| Lightning | Yes | No |
| Flood Damage | No | No |
| Earthquake Damage | No | No |
| War or Nuclear Hazard | No | No |
| Vandalism or theft | Yes | No |
| Wear and Tear | No | Yes |
| Neglect | No | No |
For your AC, file a homeowners claim
You can learn more about the coverage for your HVAC or AC systems by reading the fine print in your homeowners insurance policy. You can compare homeowners insurance quotes to find the best provider for you. Shopping around may help you to lower your homeowners insurance costs.
Here are some tips to help you when you file a claim if your AC is damaged and you have verified that it is covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
- Photograph visible damage.
- If applicable, get a copy the police report.
- Note down the model number and serial numbers of your unit.
- You can call your homeowner’s insurance provider to file a claim or go online.
- Meet with an insurance adjuster.
- Keep the receipts in case you need them.
- For reimbursement, submit your receipts and documents to your homeowners’ insurance provider.
The claim process can vary depending on the provider. Talk to an agent if you have any questions.
For your AC, file a claim for a home warranty
The first step in filing a claim for a home warranty is to find out what your warranty covers. You can save money and avoid frustration by knowing your coverage limits and the conditions that are covered. After you verify that AC repairs are covered by your home warranty, let us show you how this process might differ from a homeowner’s insurance claim.
- You can request a service visit by calling the home warranty company or visiting their online portal.
- To schedule your service visit, a contractor will reach out to you.
- You will be responsible for the service fee as well as any repair costs that are not covered by your warranty.
Remember that your AC unit can be repaired by home warranty companies if it is possible, rather than being replaced.