Importance of home equipment breakdown coverage
One nightmare that many homeowners often forget to prepare for is an important piece of equipment unexpectedly breaking down.
It’s not just the immediate struggle of being left without hot water or air conditioning that homeowners have to worry about, there’s also the unpleasant surprise of having to pay potentially thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs. Many homeowners are often lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that they are protected from equipment breakdown through their homeowners insurance, but that misconception can cost you dearly.
What does home equipment breakdown cover?
Home equipment breakdown coverage not only exists to cover necessary components of your home, like a furnace or refrigerator, but also extends to secondary machinery like backup generators and microwaves, and even devices like computers and swimming pool machinery.
While it may seem like this coverage is more important for older homes, younger homes have some other factors to account for. Newer homes often have a network of connected equipment, such as smart thermostats, refrigerators and even lighting systems. These kinds of devices are particularly susceptible to power surges and can be costly to repair or replace.
What’s covered and what isn’t
If you have home equipment breakdown coverage, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be able to replace a device or piece of equipment should it break*. The following are examples of devices typically covered:
- Heating and air-conditioning systems
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Washers and dryers
- Water heaters and furnaces
- Home security systems
Homeowners should be aware that home equipment breakdown coverage typically does not protect you from damage caused by general wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion or mold. It is still important to conduct regular maintenance on your equipment.
*Please note your deductible may apply.
