One of the most common causes of house and property fires is faulty wiring. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, electrical fires account for 13% of all home structure fires. Electrical malfunctions are second to unattended equipment as the leading cause of house fires in the US. If your property damage in Tampa stemmed from a fire caused by faulty wiring, determine whether your homeowners’ insurance policy covers this.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fires Caused by Faulty Wiring?
The answer depends on the circumstances of the fire. Although a homeowners insurance policy usually covers electrical fires and related damage, you may be barred from recovery if the insurance company believes you knew or had reason to know of the issue but failed to fix it. Most insurance companies also do not cover losses that result from low-quality or do-it-yourself repair jobs.
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies often cover fire damage, including fires caused by faulty wiring. However, coverage can vary depending on your policy’s specifics and the fire’s circumstances. Here’s how insurance typically addresses these situations:
- Standard Coverage: Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for fire damage, which generally encompasses damage from electrical fires. If a fire originates from faulty wiring, your insurance should cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home and replacing damaged belongings, subject to policy limits and deductibles.
- Policy Exclusions: While fire damage is often covered, some policies may have exclusions or limitations related to electrical issues. For example:
- Negligence: Your insurance company might deny the claim if the faulty wiring resulted from your negligence, such as failing to address known electrical problems or ignoring maintenance issues. Insurance typically covers damages from unexpected or accidental events rather than damages resulting from neglect.
- Lack of Maintenance: Policies might exclude coverage if it’s proven that a lack of proper maintenance caused the damage or if the wiring was outdated and not updated to current standards.
Understanding Faulty Wiring and Its Risks
Faulty wiring refers to electrical systems in a home that are improperly installed, damaged, or outdated. Common causes of faulty wiring include:
- Outdated Wiring: Older homes may have wiring that doesn’t meet modern safety standards or codes.
- Improper Installation: Incorrectly installed wiring or connections can lead to short circuits and overheating.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, insulation can degrade, exposing wires and increasing the risk of shorts and fires.
- Overloading Circuits: Plugging too many devices into a single circuit can cause overheating and potentially lead to a fire.
How to Prevent Fires Caused by Faulty Wiring
From 2012 to 2016, fire departments in the US responded to 44,880 home fires from electrical malfunctions or faulty wiring. In these four years, electrical issues caused an average of 1,250 injuries, 440 deaths yearly, and $1.3 billion in property damage. Protect your family from fires caused by faulty wiring with the following tips:
- Don’t overload your circuits or outlets.
- If you notice an outlet or switch giving off heat, unplug everything to prevent overheating.
- Replace cords or wires that appear loose, damaged, or frayed.
- Call an electrician if you notice flickering lights, discolored outlets, or unusual smells.
- If something goes out, have an electrician diagnose the problem before replacing the fuses yourself.
- Get routine maintenance checks of your electrical system.
- Be careful using heating equipment, as this is a common source of house fires.
- Use smoke detectors on every floor of your home and check the batteries often.
Electrical and faulty wiring fires occur not only in houses; these safety measures can also be applied to offices, sheds, garages, and vehicles. When in doubt, have a licensed electrician check your system for problems. Staying on top of electrical maintenance can help prevent a faulty wire from causing a fire.
Conclusion
Fires caused by faulty wiring can significantly damage your home and belongings. While many homeowner’s insurance policies cover fire damage, including damage from electrical fires, it is crucial to understand the specifics of your policy and any potential exclusions. By maintaining your electrical system, keeping thorough documentation, and knowing your rights, you can better protect yourself and ensure you receive the coverage you need in the event of a fire. If you encounter issues with a denied claim, seeking professional assistance from our insurance claim attorneys can help you navigate the appeals process and achieve a fair resolution. Call us at 1-800-451-6786 or fill out our online contact form.