Does homeowners insurance cover broken HVAC?
By Allstate
Last updated: January 1
Home insurance may help cover your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system if it's damaged by a covered peril, as defined in your policy documents. Here are some situations when your home insurance may help pay for a replacement if your air conditioning unit stops working.
HVAC and home insurance
A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy.
Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure. Personal property coverage could be used to repair or replace a window-based unit because it's considered a personal possession.
Insurance is designed to help cover sudden hazards like fires, explosions or damage from falling objects. If your AC unit breaks down from old age or regular wear and tear, then your insurance company may not pay to have it repaired or replaced.
When does homeowners insurance cover HVAC units?
Your central air conditioner gets damaged by hail
One common covered cause of damage to central air conditioning units is hail damage. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in appliance like a central air conditioning unit damaged by hail. Window AC units would fall under personal property coverage and might not be covered. Contact your insurer if you are unsure what your policy covers.
A tree falls on your built-in air conditioning unit
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover falling objects. Your insurer might help to pay for or replace an AC unit if a tree falls and damages it. A central air conditioning unit damaged by a falling tree would most likely be covered by your insurer. A window-unit might be covered if a falling tree damaged the AC unit and the exterior of the home. Ask your insurer to find out what your policy covers.
When doesn't homeowners insurance cover HVAC units?
Your AC units breaks from old age
Homeowners insurance policies don't typically cover normal wear-and-tear. If your AC unit fails due to a broken fan or a frozen evaporator coil, it will be up to you to fix it. The best way to avoid paying for wear-and-tear expenses is by keeping your system well-maintained over time.
How to file an HVAC insurance claim
Consider whether or not it makes sense to file a claim if your HVAC system is damaged by a covered hazard. If the damage is more costly than your deductible, you may want to file a claim.
An adjuster will evaluate the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement if you file a claim. Your policy may reimburse you in one of two ways if it needs to be replaced:
- You'll be reimbursed for the cost to replace your unit at the time of loss if your policy covers replacement value.
- You'll be reimbursed for market value of the unit at the time of loss if your policy covers actual cash value.
If you're unsure about what your policy covers, talk to your home insurance provider. They can review your policy with you and determine whether repairs to your HVAC system, or anything else, would be reimbursed.