Power Outage Playbook: What Your Insurance Might

Power outages are more than just an inconvenience; they can cause real damage to your home and your wallet. From spoiled food and fried appliances to sump pump failures and frozen pipes, a blackout can quickly lead to costly repairs.

But what does your homeowners insurance actually cover when the lights go out? Let’s take a closer look.

Spoiled Food from a Fridge or Freezer Failure

Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover food spoilage due to a power outage, but only if the cause of the outage is covered by your policy. For example, if a storm knocks out the power and everything spoils in your fridge, you may be reimbursed up to $500–$1,000, depending on your policy. But if the outage is due to a utility failure not linked to covered damage on your property, it might not be covered.

A word of caution: According to the USDA, perishable food can become unsafe in as little as 4 hours without refrigeration, making this one of the most common (and preventable) losses during a blackout.

Electronics and Appliances Damaged by Power Surges

When the power comes back on, it can bring a dangerous surge with it. If that surge damages your appliances or electronics, you may have coverage if the surge is caused by a covered peril, like a lightning strike. However, if the surge comes from a utility issue or grid failure, your policy may exclude it unless you’ve added specific equipment breakdown or surge coverage.

Pro tip: Many utilities offer surge coverage that can provide financial protection to appliances and electronics if damage is caused by a utility issue.

Secondary Damages: Frozen Pipes, Flooding, and Mold

Things can spiral quickly in extreme weather. If a winter outage causes your pipes to freeze and burst, most homeowners policies will cover the resulting water damage, assuming you maintained adequate heat before the outage. If your sump pump fails during a storm and your basement floods, coverage may require an endorsement or separate policy.

What Should You Do Now?

If you haven’t received your homeowners policy, now is the time to check and learn if power outage related protection has been included. Additionally, consider endorsements for food spoilage, surge protection, or equipment breakdown.

If you have any doubts about your coverage, contact our office today. Power may be out, but your coverage shouldn’t be.