You know how everything in your home eventually needs updating, right? Your electrical system is no different. You may need to rewire your house to improve both safety and functionality. Old wiring can lead to all sorts of headaches, from annoying power outages to scary situations like electrical fires. Many of you folks in the Orlando area have asked us, “Will my home insurance cover house rewiring costs if I need to?” Well, yes and no.
We will discuss how home insurance might (or might not) cover costs associated with rewiring. But for those of you needing dependable house rewiring services, Service Minds Mister Sparky has a team of top-notch electricians who can keep your home’s electrical system safe, updated, and in line with local code requirements. So, we’re here when you need us.
The Insurance Scoop: What Your Home Insurance Covers
Home insurance typically only covers unexpected disasters and accidental damage. But regular maintenance? Not so much. It’s like how your car insurance covers accidents but not oil changes.
Most standard policies include protection for sudden events like fire or storm damage. Still, they often exclude costs for regular upkeep. For example, you’re probably covered if a lightning strike fries your wiring. But if your wiring’s old and worn out, that’s coming out of your pocket (sorry!).
Does Home Insurance Cover House Rewiring in Orlando?
Let’s be honest. Most of the time, rewiring falls under the “home maintenance” category, which means you’re on your own. But hey, there are exceptions! If a covered disaster damages your wiring (like that lightning strike we mentioned), your insurance may help.
However, these scenarios are often unique, and every policy is different. So, it’s worth checking with your insurance to understand what may or may not be included in your plan.
Insuring Older Homes with Outdated Electrical Systems
For those of you in older homes, an electrical inspection is a smart move and sometimes a requirement from insurance companies. That’s because insurance companies get nervous about outdated electrical systems, particularly if you’ve got knob-and-tube wiring and aluminum wiring.
These older systems can be like ticking time bombs, especially in Orlando’s humid climate. And many insurers consider them high-risk because of the increased potential for electrical fires. In this case, insurance companies may charge you more or even refuse coverage until you upgrade.
The silver lining is that updating older systems brings you safety benefits and, in many cases, can reduce your premiums. Some insurers even adjust premiums downward after rewiring. So, if you’re a homeowner in Orlando with properties built several decades ago, you can benefit from both safety and insurance with an inspection and any necessary upgrades.
Warning Signs of Outdated Wiring
Several warning signs may suggest your home’s wiring needs an upgrade.
So, your house may be trying to tell you something if you notice:
- Circuit breakers that keep tripping and fuses that are frequently blowing.
- Lights doing the disco. They flicker or dim, even with new bulbs.
- Outlets and switches that look burned.
- Outlets that spark or feel hot.
- That concerning electrical burning smell near outlets.
We recommend you don’t brush these issues off, as they’re like your home’s way of waving red flags! Taking care them early can reduce the risk of fire. It may also prevent complications with insurance coverage, especially if your home is over a few decades old.
The Issue Insuring Homes with Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Knob-and-tube wiring was common in homes built before the 1950s but doesn’t meet today’s safety standards. This wiring lacks grounding, which increases the chance of electrical shorts or shocks.
Because of these risks, insurance companies often classify homes with knob-and-tube wiring as high-risk. This can lead to higher premiums, or in some cases, providers may require you to update your house wiring before issuing coverage, as we mentioned previously.
Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is Hazardous
Several factors make knob-and-tube wiring hazardous by modern standards. First, the lack of grounding is a major risk. This makes the system more prone to electrical shocks and short circuits.
Also, the insulation on knob-and-tube wiring tends to deteriorate as time passes. This exposes wires and increases the likelihood of fires. So, replacing this wiring with a more modern system boosts both safety and insurability.
The Issue Insuring Homes with Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring, which became popular in the ’60s and ’70s, has its own set of safety risks. Unlike copper, aluminum oxidizes easily, especially in humid environments like Orlando. And this oxidation bumps up the risk of overheating and fire.
That’s why homes with aluminum wiring often face higher premiums, or insurers may require rewiring to copper before issuing a policy.
The nice thing about this is that your home can potentially qualify for better insurance terms (without mentioning home safety).
Why Aluminum Wiring Is Hazardous
The primary risk with aluminum wiring is its tendency to oxidize and expand over time. This can result in loose connections. These loose connections, on the other hand, can create “hot spots,” leading to potential fire hazards.
Like with knob-and-tube, when you switch from aluminum to copper wiring, you drop these risks and may be eligible for lower insurance rates.
Does House Insurance Cover Electrical Problems?
In general, that is a tricky situation. Say your outlets stop working. If it’s because of a crazy power surge during a storm, insurance may cover the electrical fault. But if it’s just because your wiring’s getting old, that’s probably on you to fix. Insurers usually deny the claim, citing the need for routine maintenance.
In these situations, it is a good idea to maintain an up-to-date electrical system to avoid issues with insurance claims.
Importance of a Home Electrical Safety Inspection
Getting an electrical inspection is like a check-up for your home’s electrical system. As a matter of fact, many insurance companies require what’s called a four-point inspection (checking electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roof) before they cover older homes in Orlando.
Service Minds Mister Sparky can assist you with thorough inspections and, if necessary, rewiring your home to meet modern safety standards.
Rewiring Your Home with Mister Sparky
The bottom line is your home insurance won’t cover house rewiring unless it gets damaged in some freak accident. Look, we get you. Rewiring isn’t cheap! But think of it as an investment not only in your safety but potentially in lower insurance rates, too. Plus, you can’t put a price on peace of mind, right?
Need help figuring out if your home needs rewiring? Our team at Service Minds Mister Sparky knows Orlando homes inside and out. We can check things out and make sure your electrical system is safe and up to code. No malarkey! Just honest, professional service when you need it.
Remember, if you’ve concerns about your home’s wiring or need an inspection, we’re just a phone call away. After all, better safe than sorry!