If you've ever sought protection for equipment breakdown in your home including appliances, electronics and service lines and were unsure where to find it, the Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada has it covered.
The new concept in homeowners insurance, Home Systems Protection, provides breakdown coverage for heating, cooling, water and power, security and other home systems, appliances and electronics.
“Systems in the home are becoming more complex, costly and prone to breakdown,” said Derrick Hughes, vice president for HSB BI&I. “Yet, homeowners policies do not cover losses caused by electrical or mechanical breakdown. Manufacturer warranties, extended warranties and service contracts have limitations — our Home Systems Protection provides broad coverage at much less cost than extended warranties. It closes an important coverage gap.”
The coverage is likely based on recent ice storm and flooding disasters and the gap that exists with current home insurance policies.
Included in the new insurance package is damage caused by sudden and accidental mechanical or electrical breakdown, loss of use and additional living expenses if a home becomes uninhabitable plus spoilage of refrigerated goods. There are also efficiency incentives, which pay up to 150 percent on a covered loss for replacement of damaged equipment that is better for the environment, safer for people, or more energy or water efficient.
Service Lines Protection is also offered as an option and covers physical damage that results in a leak, break, rupture or collapse of a pipe or line delivering water, drainage, heat, steam or power to or from your home. As you know, physical damage can be caused by accidents during digging or other work, root damage, deterioration, freezing and electrical arcing.