The short answer
Often, if the surge came from lightning. Lightning is a named covered peril, so electrical damage it causes is usually paid for under your policy.
Surges from other causes are less clear. Some policies limit coverage for damage to electronic parts when the surge didn't come from lightning. Review your policy or talk with your agent to see how yours reads.
Where surges come from
- Lightning striking nearby lines
- Problems on the utility grid, such as a transformer failure or power being restored after an outage
- Large appliances cycling on and off inside your home
- Loose, damaged or outdated wiring
How each cause is usually treated
Lightning surges are the most likely to be covered. Sudden, accidental surges from the grid may be covered too, but some policy forms limit what they pay for damaged circuit boards and electronic components.
Surges from your own wiring problems or an appliance wearing out are usually treated as maintenance or mechanical breakdown. Standard policies typically exclude that.
Equipment breakdown coverage
Equipment breakdown coverage is an add-on that pays for sudden electrical or mechanical failure of home systems and appliances, including surge damage that a standard policy might not cover. It can include HVAC systems, water heaters, appliances and electronics.
It is often inexpensive to add. It is different from a home warranty, which is a service contract, not insurance.
If the utility caused it
When a surge follows utility work or an outage, you can ask the utility whether it accepts claims. Many utilities limit their responsibility, so don't count on it. Your own policy may still be the quicker route. If your carrier pays the claim, it may pursue the utility on its own afterward, and you may get your deductible back if it succeeds.
Protect your electronics
- Install a whole-home surge protector at the electrical panel
- Use point-of-use surge protectors for computers and TVs
- Have an electrician check older wiring and grounding
- Unplug sensitive equipment during big storms or long trips
Making a claim
Write down when the damage happened and what else was going on, such as a storm or an outage. Ask an electrician or repair technician for a written note on the cause. Keep the damaged items until the adjuster has seen them, and save receipts or photos that show what they were worth.
