Summary: Many home insurance policies cover air conditioners but each policy varies. Personal ACs are also covered for renters. However, AC units must be affected by a peril that is covered by your policy for reimbursement. You’ll need a home warranty for wear and tear. If your insurance carrier doesn’t accept your claim, there are steps you can take for legitimate disputes to rectify this issue. It’s important to review your coverage annually to avoid coverage gaps. Estimated Read Time: 6 mins
Getting your home insurance provider to pay for your air conditioner can be as simple as filing a claim for some, however, coverage varies with each policy.
If you are covered and have a legitimate claim, sometimes, you may see resistance from a carrier to cover your HVAC.
While frustrating, there are steps homeowners in Texas can take in order to find a solution in which AC units are covered.
To get started, we’re breaking down when and why homeowners policies will cover your AC and the steps you can take if you are faced with pushback about your claim.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover HVAC?
To ensure your home insurance covers your HVAC unit, read your policy. See what it covers, what it doesn’t, and the limits that apply.
In most cases, your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems receive coverage from standard homeowners insurance (HO3) policies that are damaged from perils covered by your insurance.
For example, if there is a house fire and your air conditioner is damaged or destroyed as a result, if you have an HO3 policy, chances are, you’re covered.
However, AC unit coverage doesn’t include general wear and tear or systems that are not properly maintained.
If you don’t understand how your policy covers you, ask your insurance agent for help.
Understanding how much your policy will pay for appliance damage is important.
If your air conditioner isn’t covered, you can always ask about adding extra coverage.
Be sure to keep records of your air conditioner’s maintenance and repairs, including receipts and details like the purchase date and model. This will help if you need to file a claim.
Does Renters Insurance Cover HVAC?
If you are a renter and own an air conditioner, your policy will cover you in a similar manner as a home insurance policy.
That’s to say if you have an AC unit that is damaged, like other personal property you might own, it’s covered.
Again, there’s no protection for your air conditioner if your unit suffers from wear and tear or a lack of maintenance.
As for renters with a home unit, things are a bit more complicated. Here’s what you need to know:
- Your landlord is responsible for fixing the AC in this scenario and your renters policy won’t cover repairs or replacement, as it isn’t your home or property.
- With that being said, Texas law doesn’t mandate that landlords provide air conditioning for tenants.
- However, there are many city ordinances that require landlords to provide livable spaces that protect you from extremely high temperatures.
Therefore, if you need a new AC that isn’t your personal property, be sure to speak with your landlord.
If they do not provide one and you are living in conditions that do not meet the requirements of your lease agreement and/or local laws, reminding your landlord of these parameters is a great first step.
In the event your landlord still doesn’t rectify the situation, legal recourse may be necessary. Be sure to speak to a licensed legal advisor to discuss your options.
The First Step Is to Contact Your Insurance Company
If your air conditioner is damaged, the first step is to tell your insurance provider right away and begin the claims process as soon as possible.
Most providers have a 24-hour hotline for claims, so give them a call to get started.
Have your policy number and details about the damage ready when you call for a successful, quicker process.
Once you’ve called your insurance company, document the damage if and when it’s safe to do so.
Take photos of the air conditioner and any other affected areas. This evidence will support your claim.
Your insurance carrier may need to inspect the damage to your AC and will send an insurance adjuster to assess the situation.
Scheduling this inspection as soon as possible will help you finish the claims process quickly.
Homeowners should keep a record of communication with their carrier and other points of contact throughout the process.
Note the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This will help you track your claim.
Choose the Right HVAC Repairman
After contacting your insurance provider about the damage, you’ll need to find the right repairman.
Choose a reputable HVAC technician with good reviews on Angi, Google, and Yelp.
Make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured, and ask friends and family for referrals to find a trusted repair service.
Call around and compare estimates to find the best price for your AC repair.
HVAC technicians usually inspect your unit before giving you a quote and many will provide a detailed cost breakdown, showing parts, labor, and other expenses.
For reimbursement, your insurance carrier needs a copy of the original estimate, so having a detailed breakdown is important.
Keep an original copy for yourself in a safe place and give a copy to your insurance provider when you file your claim.
Send the Estimate to Your Insurance Company
Once you have an estimate for the air conditioner repairs, the next step is to submit it to your home insurance company.
This is necessary to process your claim as your carrier will ultimately need to decide whether or not your claim qualifies for compensation.
When you fill out your claim form, provide your carrier provide the details of the damage and repair costs along with your estimate and all other supporting documents.
Adding a cover letter that briefly describes the damage and the steps you have taken can also help.
After you’ve filed your claim, be sure to follow up by checking its status online or call the claims department to make sure the process is moving forward.
Pay Your Deductible and Wait for Your Reimbursement
After your home insurance accepts your claim, you’ll need to cover your deductible.
This figure will vary but is agreed upon by you as the homeowner and your insurance carrier.
Once your carrier has your deductible, you’ll receive a reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your AC unit.
What if My Insurance Company Won’t Pay for an Air Conditioner?
If your insurance company denies coverage for your air conditioner, you do have some options, however, if you don’t have a legitimate reason for disputing your claim being denied, they may not be beneficial for you.
To start, you’ll need to go over your home insurance policy to understand why you’re not covered. Every policy and company is different and it’s important to go over your specific coverage to learn more.
If you find a reason you believe your AC should be replaced or if you are looking for more understanding, contact your agent about any coverage concerns you might have.
Furthermore, seek help from a public adjuster if you find your carrier still isn’t accepting your claim. As a last resort, you may also need to look into your legal options.
Should all of these avenues fail, you’ll need to get a loan or pay out of pocket to repair or replace your AC.
Keep thorough records of all communications and paperwork related to your claim and denial for future reference during appeals or legal proceedings.
Insurance for appliances and HVAC can be tricky and at times, you may need a home warranty to stay covered.
Furthermore, the claims process can lead to frustrations, even with alternative options available.
Staying protected at an affordable rate is always the goal and it’s important for homeowners and renters to review their coverage at least once per year to help avoid headaches when filing a claim.
One of the best ways to do this is through shopping and comparing multiple carriers and policies to find the right coverage at the lowest price for your home and we can help.
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Sources:
1. ABC13 Renters’ Rights: What if your A/C breaks?…,ABC13. Accessed July 2024. https://abc13.com/houston-renters-rights-texas-law-rental-home-without-ac-heat/13711658/