As cold weather drives up energy bills, many Americans rely on space heaters to stay warm.
These portable, plug-in devices are inexpensive, easy to use and make it possible to heat just one room. But there’s a little-known downside to these common household appliances: they’re a well-documented fire hazard, and their use can complicate insurance claims.
Standard home insurance policies in the US generally cover accidental fire damage, including fires that start inside the home (1). However, payments are not made in all cases. Insurers may scrutinize claims involving space heaters, especially if there are questions about whether the device was used safely or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
One attorney with years of experience in insurance cases told Tampa Bay 28 that insurers are strict when reviewing damages related to these devices and may deny a claim if there are signs of misuse.
“Space heaters are notorious for causing fires; everybody hears that and knows about that and insurance carriers will be careful to file claims and investigate claims,” said Charles Gallagher III (2).
According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires in the US (3). Insurers are aware of these high risks and, as a result, they tend to look closely at claims related to space heaters.
Most home insurance policies cover damage caused by space heaters, Gallagher III said, but there are a few ways that coverage can be waived. Examples he listed include if the appliance is used as a primary heating source instead of a secondary one, its age, whether it is connected to a power line or extension cord instead of directly from the wall, and if it is placed near flammable materials (2).
Problems may also arise if the heater is left unattended, or if any other safety instructions in its manual are ignored. “They want to make sure it’s being used according to its instructions and if it’s not, that would be grounds for denial,” Gallagher said.
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Given the high cost of fire damage, insurers often do well. They typically review documents, fire investigation reports and policy exclusions to make a decision and will jump at any opportunity to deny a claim and save money. Depending on the findings, the insurer may accept the claim in full, issue a partial payment or deny coverage entirely.
Whether you own your home or rent, finances can be important. Fire damage tied to space heaters can easily reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars when structural repairs, loss of personal property and temporary housing costs are included.
In the US, homeowners typically carry home insurance to cover fire damage to the building and home contents, while renters rely on renters insurance – commonly known as an HO-4 policy – to cover their personal belongings (4). Although the landlord is responsible for insuring the property, the tenant may still face financial liability if negligence on his part is determined (5).
If insurers conclude that safety guidelines have been ignored, the tenant can be held financially responsible. The landlord or his insurer may pursue reimbursement for the damage, and the renter’s insurance policy may not cover the loss, leaving the tenant responsible for both personal property and damage to the unit.
Consumers are encouraged to review their home or residence insurance policies to understand how space heater-related fires are covered and whether any limitations or conditions apply. Consumers should also ensure that they comply with these requirements before using the machine.
Although policy details are often spelled out in writing, it’s best not to take chances. No one wants their belongings and home to burn down, or find out that they are the ones paying all the expenses.
Common good practices may include:
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A space heater with a suitable test laboratory seal is used, with a thermostat and overheat protection, as well as an automatic shut-off function when exhausted.
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Following the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
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Keeping it three meters (one meter) away from anything that can burn.
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Place the heater on a firm, flat surface.
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Connecting heaters directly to the walls rather than using extension cords or power cords.
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To turn off the units when you leave the room or go to bed.
Space heaters can be a useful and affordable way to stay warm during the winter months, and are usually covered by insurance. But that doesn’t mean the insurance will automatically pay out if one of them causes a fire. How you use these devices, and what your policy says about them, determines whether the loss is covered or out of pocket.
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Travelers (1); Tampa Bay 28 (2); National Fire Protection Association (3); Continuous (4); Ronemus and Vilensky (5).
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. Offered without warranty of any kind.
