Yes, homeowners insurance often covers HVAC units, but only under certain conditions. Standard home insurance policies cover “sudden and accidental” damage caused by specific events, like fires or storms. But they won’t cover normal wear and tear or issues from poor maintenance. This means if your AC breaks down from age, your insurance won’t pay for repairs. However, if it’s damaged by a covered peril, your policy may help with the repair or replacement.
Homeowners insurance usually covers certain perils that could damage an HVAC system. Some examples include:
Check your policy to confirm which events (or “perils”) your insurance covers for HVAC systems.
Whether your insurance covers your AC unit depends on its type and the cause of damage. Typically, central AC units fall under dwelling coverage, while window AC units may be covered as personal property.
Talk to your insurance agent to see if your policy covers your AC unit as part of the home’s structure or as personal property.
Homeowners insurance only covers HVAC units when sudden, accidental damage occurs from a covered peril. Your policy will not cover damage from regular wear and tear, poor maintenance, or age. This means if your AC stops working due to old age, you cannot file a claim.
Insurance does not cover wear and tear, including:
If you’re looking to get insurance to pay for AC repair or replacement, the damage must be tied to a covered event like fire, wind, or vandalism. You cannot add coverage to protect an HVAC unit that’s already faulty.
Equipment breakdown coverage is an optional add-on that covers repairs or replacements if major home appliances or systems, including HVAC units, break down due to mechanical or electrical issues. Unlike standard homeowners insurance, equipment breakdown coverage can help with repairs for specific AC problems not caused by wear and tear.
If your AC unit fails due to a mechanical issue, equipment breakdown insurance can help cover repairs or replacement. Here are some examples:
Equipment breakdown coverage doesn’t cover damage from general wear and tear or routine maintenance. However, it’s a helpful add-on for protecting your AC from sudden breakdowns that standard insurance won’t cover.
Adding equipment breakdown coverage is usually affordable, with only a small increase to your premium. Availability depends on your insurance provider, so ask your insurer if this option is available and what types of breakdowns it covers for your HVAC unit.
If you need to file a claim due to damage from a covered peril, follow these steps to help ensure the process goes smoothly:
If you also have equipment breakdown coverage, let your agent know to see if it applies to the type of damage.
Yes, but only if damage is caused by a covered peril, like fire, theft, or vandalism. Window AC units may be covered as personal property, while central AC units fall under dwelling insurance.
Homeowners insurance may cover replacement if a covered peril damages the unit, but it won’t replace an AC unit that fails due to age, wear, or lack of maintenance.
Yes, equipment breakdown coverage can protect against sudden mechanical or electrical failures in your AC unit, but it won’t cover regular wear and tear or routine maintenance.
While insurance can help with unexpected damage, you can extend your AC unit’s life with regular maintenance. Here are some ways to protect your HVAC system:
Homeowners insurance can cover HVAC systems if damaged by a covered peril, but it won’t cover normal wear, age, or maintenance issues. Equipment breakdown coverage may be a valuable addition to help with certain types of repairs not covered by standard insurance. For more details on your coverage, contact us at Harbor Insurance to discuss the best options for protecting your AC unit.