Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Repairs

If your lights are flickering more than a haunted house or your outlets smell like burnt toast, you might be wondering: “Does my homeowners insurance cover this electrical mess?” The answer? Well, it depends.

As your trusted Colorado electricians, we get this question all the time.

So, we’re breaking it down with a spark of humor, a jolt of expertise, and a surge of helpful information to give you the full story on homeowners insurance and electrical repairs.

What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers (and Doesn’t)

Let’s start with the basics. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from sudden, accidental damage to your property, not issues that develop over time due to age or neglect.

✅ Electrical Repairs Usually Covered:

• Damage from lightning strikes
• Electrical fires
• Power surges caused by covered perils
• Fallen trees taking down power lines
• Damage caused by storms or hail (if it affects your electrical system)

These events are often listed under your homeowners insurance coverage and may include liability coverage if damage affects others.

❌ Electrical Repairs Usually NOT Covered:

• Faulty or outdated electrical wiring
• Wear and tear or poor maintenance
• Damage from DIY electrical work (yes, that YouTube tutorial might void your coverage)
• Rodent or pest damage to wires
• Code violations from previous work

So if your 1970s aluminum wiring finally gives out, your insurer is probably going to say, “Not our problem.”

Real-Life Scenario: Covered vs. Not Covered

Let’s say a lightning storm rolls through Denver and fries your panel. You’re probably covered.

Now, let’s say your panel catches fire because it hasn’t been inspected since the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 1999, yeah, not so much.

Insurance companies love the term “covered peril”. If your issue stems from one of those, you’re in luck. If not, it’s time to call your favorite local electricians (that’s us) and start planning a repair or upgrade.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Rewiring?

Great question, and it comes with a frustrating answer.

No, not usually. Rewiring is considered a preventative or maintenance-based upgrade, not an emergency repair.

But here’s the kicker: if your outdated wiring causes a fire, then the fire damage might be covered… even if the original issue wasn’t. Confusing? Yep. Welcome to insurance.

Will Insurance Cover Smart Panel or Electrical Upgrades?

Unless a smart panel or surge protector was damaged by a covered event, your insurance is unlikely to foot the bill for new tech.

However, upgrading to a smart electrical panel or whole-home surge protection could save you from bigger issues down the road. Curious? Here are some helpful reads:

• What is a Smart Electrical Panel?
• Best Home Electrical Upgrades

How to File an Electrical Repair Claim

Here’s a step-by-step rundown:

1. Document the damage — Photos, videos, smoke detector reports, etc.
2. Call your insurance provider — Explain the issue and how it happened.
3. Schedule an inspection — An adjuster may be sent to assess the damage.
4. Call a licensed electrician — We’ll give you a detailed report and repair estimate.
5. Submit repair estimates and wait — Insurance can take time, but having clear records helps.

📌 Pro Tip: Choose a licensed, insured, local pro. Hint: The Electricians is a great option if you’re anywhere near Denver or Colorado Springs.

When Does Insurance Deny Electrical Claims?

It happens more often than you’d think. Common reasons include:

• Pre-existing issues (“That knob-and-tube wiring was a fire hazard before the spark”)
• Negligence (“You ignored that burning smell for 6 months?”)
• Unlicensed work (“That ‘electrician’ was your buddy Dave from the gym?”)

Moral of the story: Don’t cut corners. You’ll end up paying for them later.

Preventive Tips to Stay Covered

Want to stay out of electrical trouble and keep your insurer happy? Here’s how:

• Schedule annual home electrical inspections – Learn why they matter
• Replace outdated panels and breakers
• Install surge protection
• Avoid DIY electrical work – Seriously. Just don’t.
• Stay alert to warning signs like flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips

A small investment now can prevent a shocking insurance denial later. These steps also enhance your electrical safety and could reduce your risk of costly repairs or replacement later on.

Bonus: Does Renters Insurance Cover Electrical Damage?

If you’re renting and your toaster explodes from a power surge, your renters insurance might cover your personal property, but not the electrical system itself. That part is up to the landlord.

So, renters: make sure your electronics are covered under your policy, and landlords: call us if your building needs a check-up.

Common Questions People Ask (And We Love to Answer)

Does insurance cover electrical panel replacement?

Only if it was damaged by a covered peril (like a fire or lightning strike).

Will insurance cover electrical rewiring after a fire?

Yes, usually. But not the cost of rewiring before the fire

Is aluminum wiring covered by insurance?

Not unless it causes covered damage. It’s best to replace it proactively.

How do I find out what my policy covers?

Ask your agent and read the fine print. Or bring us your questions, we’re happy to help you make sense of it.

Need an Electrician to Help with Your Insurance Claim?

If your breaker panel is smoking or your outlets are sparking, don’t panic. The Electricians are here to help.

We offer a wide range of electrical services, and we work with Colorado homeowners to assess damage, write up insurance-ready reports, and perform repairs to code. Whether you’re in Denver, Colorado Springs, or somewhere in between, we’re just a call away.

📞 Call us at 720-633-5937 or contact us online to schedule an inspection.

Because when it comes to electrical work, insurance is tricky, but hiring the right electrician shouldn’t be.

Remember: It’s better to ask a question now than file a claim later. When in doubt, reach out. We’re not just here to fix your wires, we’re here to help you stay powered, protected, and informed.