Summer is a season of rising temperatures. It's the time when cooling appliances work overtime, which unfortunately sometimes results in frequent power surges. In India, the increased electricity demand during the hot months often leads to voltage fluctuations and power cuts, posing a serious threat to home appliances like ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, and more.
But did you know you can financially protect your appliances from such damage? Here’s how
A comprehensive home insurance policy offers all-around protection at just a fraction of your home’s value, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. But before, let us understand a few things:
What Are Power Surges?
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that can happen due to lightning strikes, grid switching, faulty wiring, or overloads caused by heavy appliance usage. These surges can fry circuit boards, damage compressors, or completely ruin electronic devices.
Common Appliances Prone to Power Surge Risk in Summer
- Refrigerators
- Air Conditioner
- Washing Machines
- Televisions
- Microwaves
- Computers
Types of Home Insurance Available with Appliance Protection
Comprehensive Home Insurance Policy
A comprehensive home insurance policy is your first and strongest line of defense. These policies protect your house against fire, burglary, and natural disasters, but many also come with an add-on cover for electrical and mechanical breakdown, including power surges.
Key Features:
- Covers appliances against damage from voltage fluctuation
- Can be customized to include personal electronics like laptops, TVs, etc.
- Also protects furniture and interiors in case of a fire caused by an electrical short-circuit
Standalone Appliance Insurance
If you're not ready for full-fledged home insurance, you can choose standalone insurance for individual appliances. Many insurers offer protection plans for devices like:
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Water purifiers
- Televisions and more
Extended Warranty from Retailers
Brands or third-party providers often offer extended warranties or protection plans when purchasing appliances. Check if these include surge protection clauses.
- Surge protection
- Free Servicing
- Replacement or cash settlement options
What to Check Before Buying Coverage?
Before purchasing any coverage, read the fine print carefully. Here’s what to look for:
- Inclusions: Ensure that "electrical surge," "voltage fluctuation," and "mechanical breakdown" are explicitly mentioned.
- Exclusions: Many policies don’t cover damage due to aging appliances or lack of maintenance.
- Claim Process: Is it hassle-free? Does it require physical verification or an engineer's report?
- Value Covered: Some plans apply depreciation, others offer full replacement.
Bottom Line
Don't wait for a costly appliance breakdown to take action. With rising summer temperatures and unpredictable power supply, insurance against surge damage is a smart way to protect your home and savings.
FAQs
What causes power surges during summer?
Power surges in summer are commonly caused by excessive electricity demand due to ACs, sudden grid failures, thunderstorms, or transformer malfunctions.
Is this coverage included in standard home insurance?
Not always. Some standard policies may not cover power surges by default. You may need to opt for an “electrical/mechanical breakdown” or “appliance protection” rider.
What types of appliances are typically covered under this insurance?
Coverage generally includes high-value electronics and appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, microwaves, and desktop computers.
