Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Broken Refrigerator?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection for your dwelling and personal belongings against unexpected events. It is designed to cover damages that are sudden and accidental, stemming from specific risks outlined in your policy.

When Homeowners Insurance Covers Refrigerator Damage

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to appliances, including your refrigerator, when the damage results from a covered peril. For instance, fire or lightning strikes that damage your refrigerator are typically covered. Water damage from a burst pipe affecting the refrigerator may also be covered under most standard policies, as can damage from falling objects like a tree limb. If your policy includes coverage for power surges, damage from an external surge (e.g., lightning strike to a utility line) could be covered. The policy aims to protect against unforeseen external forces rather than internal appliance failures.

Situations Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover a broken refrigerator if the damage is due to everyday operational issues or a lack of maintenance. This includes mechanical breakdowns due to age or normal wear and tear. Internal mechanical or electrical failures, like a compressor failure, are also excluded. Damage from neglected upkeep, such as a clogged drain line, is also typically denied.

Pest damage, such as rodents chewing wires, is another common exclusion. Widespread natural disasters like floods or earthquakes are also excluded, requiring separate specialized insurance.

Coverage for Food Spoilage

Coverage for food spoilage resulting from a broken refrigerator is a distinct aspect of homeowners insurance and is often limited. It applies only when spoilage is a direct consequence of a covered peril, such as a power outage from a storm. However, spoilage from a mechanical breakdown is typically not covered. Policies often have sub-limits for food spoilage, typically a few hundred dollars. A deductible also applies to any food spoilage claim.

Filing a Claim

If you believe your broken refrigerator is covered by your homeowners insurance, documenting the damage is a crucial first step. Take clear photographs or videos of the damage and gather repair or replacement quotes. Contact your insurance provider promptly to report the claim, via their online portal, app, or phone. Provide incident details, including date and cause of damage.

Your insurer will likely assign a claims adjuster to assess the situation. Cooperate with the adjuster, providing requested documentation and access. The adjuster will determine coverage and reimbursement. Remember, your policy’s deductible will be subtracted from any approved claim.