Here’s how home insurance covers spoiled food, as shown by a man looking in his freezer

The value of your food can add up quickly, especially if you have a deep freezer filled with meat, seafood, and other big-ticket items. So, what happens if there’s a power outage or your fridge or freezer malfunctions? Thankfully, your home insurance policy has you covered.

What is food spoilage coverage?

Food spoilage coverage is designed to protect you if the contents of your fridge or freezer are spoiled because of a power outage or technical malfunction. This coverage is included in most standard home, tenant, and condo insurance policies.

Common exclusions of food spoilage coverage

Food spoilage coverage only covers spoilage as a result of a power outage or a malfunction in your fridge or freezer. If you’ve accidentally unplugged your freezer or left the door open, you won’t be covered.

How do you make a food spoilage insurance claim?

The first thing you should do when you need to make a food spoilage claim is contact your broker or your insurance company’s 24-hour claims service line to get the process started. Generally speaking, you’ll be expected to provide a list of all of the spoiled items, as well as photos — so don’t throw it out before you get all the information you need.

Does your deductible apply when you make a food spoilage claim?

Yes, your home insurance deductible will apply if you make a claim for food spoilage. So, if your deductible is $1,000 and you lose $200 worth of food in a power outage, you won’t be able to claim the loss. But if you have $2,000 worth of food in your deep freezer and all of it is spoiled, you could get $1,000 back from your insurance company (after paying your $1,000 deductible).

If you have questions about the food spoilage coverage included in your own home insurance policy, review your policy documents or contact your licensed insurance broker.

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