As summer storms and hurricane season ramp up in Central Florida, homeowners face an increased risk of power surges that can damage sensitive electronics and appliances. At Palmer Electric, we know that the aftermath of a severe weather event is stressful enough without having to worry about whether homeowners insurance will cover power surges and the resulting damages.
In our 70+ years as the region’s most trusted electrical services provider, we’ve seen firsthand the destruction that power surges can leave in their wake. From fried computers and TVs to malfunctioning refrigerators and AC units, the costs can add up quickly. That’s why we’re here to provide expert guidance on protecting your home and navigating the insurance claims process when dealing with the question: does homeowners insurance cover power surges?
What is a Power Surge?
In technical terms, a power surge is a sudden, brief spike in voltage that exceeds the standard flow of electricity through your home’s wiring. But in practical terms, it’s like a tidal wave of electricity that can overwhelm and damage anything plugged into your outlets.
Power surges can originate from a variety of sources, both internal and external to your home. Some common causes include:
- Lightning strikes near power lines.
- Downed power lines due to storms or accidents.
- Faulty wiring or electrical grid malfunctions.
- High-powered appliances cycling on and off.
- Electrical overloads from too many devices.
Regardless of the source, power surges pose a serious threat to your home’s electrical system and connected devices. That’s why surge protection is so crucial, especially in storm-prone areas like Florida.
What is a Power Surge Protector?
A surge protector is your first line of defense against these voltage spikes. It acts as a gatekeeper, blocking or diverting excess voltage away from your sensitive electronics. However, not all surge protectors are created equal.
Many homeowners rely on small, portable surge protector strips to safeguard their devices. While these can provide some measure of protection, they’re often insufficient for larger appliances or more severe surges. They can also wear out over time, leaving your electronics vulnerable without you realizing it.
To truly safeguard your entire home and minimize the need to rely on homeowners insurance to cover power surges, consider having whole house surge protection installed by licensed professionals like our team at Palmer Electric. Whole house surge protectors are hard-wired into your electrical panel, providing comprehensive protection at the point where electricity enters your home.
What Happens During a Power Surge?
When that tidal wave of electricity hits, it can wreak havoc on your plugged-in devices. The excess voltage essentially “fries” the delicate circuitry inside, leading to malfunctions or complete breakdowns. Even small, repeated surges that you might not notice can gradually degrade your electronics, shortening their lifespans without any obvious signs.
The damage from a power surge can range from minor glitches to total device failure. Some common signs of surge damage include:
- Appliances that stop working entirely.
- Electronics that behave erratically or fail to turn on.
- Burnt odors or visible scorch marks on outlets and devices.
- Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
In severe cases, power surges can even spark electrical fires, posing a serious safety risk to your home and family. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs and take steps to prevent and mitigate surge damage.
How Do You Know If You Had a Power Surge?
In the chaos of a summer storm or hurricane, it’s not always immediately apparent that a power surge has occurred. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Power Surge Symptoms
- Lights that flicker, dim, or suddenly seem brighter.
- Appliances or electronics that mysteriously stop working.
- Burnt odors or visible scorch marks around devices or outlets.
- Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
- Computers, smart TVs, or other digital devices become unresponsive.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to unplug your valuable electronics and assess the damage. Check for any visible signs of burning or melting on cords, plugs, or the devices themselves. If you’re unsure, consult with a licensed electrician who can properly diagnose the issue.
If you suspect a power surge has damaged items in your home, first check for any applicable warranties. If none apply, it’s time to review your policy and find out: does homeowners insurance cover power surges in my case?
Who Pays For Power Surge Damage?
For most standard homeowners policies, coverage for power surge damage depends on the source of the surge. If the event that triggered the surge is covered under your policy, such as a lightning strike or downed power lines from a windstorm, then the answer to “does homeowners insurance cover power surges?” is typically yes, with the resulting damage covered under personal property protection. However, every policy is different, so review yours carefully.
Is a Power Surge Covered By Insurance?
It’s important to note that some insurance policies may exclude certain types of surge damage, such as gradual wear and tear from repeated small surges. There may also be limits on the amount of coverage provided for electronics and appliances. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional riders or endorsements to fully protect your valuable devices.
Can I Claim For Power Surge Damage?
In many cases, the answer to the question ‘Does homeowners insurance cover power surges?’ is yes — but with some conditions. Most homeowners insurance policies cover power surge damage if the surge results from a covered event. Lightning protection in Florida is especially important. However, be prepared to pay your deductible before the insurance coverage takes effect.
Documentation is key when filing a claim for power surge damage. Make a list of all damaged items, along with their age, condition, and estimated value. Take photos of any visible damage, and gather receipts, warranties, and appraisals if you have them. The more evidence you can provide, the smoother the claims process will be.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Lightning Damage to Electronics?
Since lightning is a leading cause of destructive power surges, the good news is that for most policies, the answer to “does homeowners insurance cover power surges caused by lightning?” is yes, as long as electrical surges are included in your coverage.
However, it’s important to remember that lightning damage is often severe and widespread. A single strike can fry every electronic device in your home, leading to thousands of dollars in losses. While insurance can help recoup those costs, it’s far better to prevent the damage in the first place with proper surge protection and lightning safety measures.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Power Surges?
Renters can breathe a sigh of relief, as most renters insurance functions similarly to homeowners coverage when it comes to answering the question: “Does homeowners insurance cover power surges?” The key difference is that your landlord may be responsible for damage to any provided appliances.
As a renter, your personal property is still at risk from power surge damage. Renters insurance can protect your belongings, but just like homeowners insurance, coverage may be limited. It’s a good idea to invest in surge protectors for your valuable electronics and check with your insurance provider about any additional coverage options.
How Do You Fix a Power Surge?
If a power surge does strike, your first step should be to unplug your valuable electronics to prevent further damage. Reset tripped circuit breakers or replace blown fuses. However, the only way to truly “fix” the issue is to prevent the surges in the first place. That’s where whole house surge protection comes in.
Once the immediate danger has passed, assess the damage to your devices. If you have surge protection coverage or warranties, contact the relevant providers to begin the claims process. If the damage is severe or you’re unsure of the extent, consult with a licensed electrician or appliance repair specialist.
However, the only way to truly “fix” the issue of power surges is to prevent them in the first place. That’s where whole house surge protection comes in.
Whole House Surge Protection
At Palmer Electric, we firmly believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By installing whole house surge protection, you can stop dangerous power surges in their tracks and minimize the need to rely on homeowners insurance to cover power surges and the resulting damages.
With our expertise in surge and lightning protection installation, we can design a comprehensive system tailored to your home’s unique needs. Don’t wait until the next storm season to take action. As your trusted partner for all electrical services in Central Florida, Palmer Electric is here to help you weather any storm. Contact us online today at 407-646-8700 or reach out to start protecting your home and electronics from the threat of power surges.
