Why Insurers Worry About Space Heaters
Insurance companies often worry about space heaters due to their fire risk. The United States’ National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that out of an annual average of 44,210 home fires in 2016-2020 caused by heating equipment, one-third of those occurred due to space heaters. Meanwhile, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs warned that home heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths, with half of all fire incidents reported in January, February, and December.
Are Fires from Space Heaters Covered by Home Insurance?
Most standard policies do cover accidental fires, including those caused by space heaters. However, claims may be denied if:
- The heater was used negligently
- It violated policy conditions
- It was known to be defective.
How Having a Space Heater May Affect Your Premiums
Having a space heater may affect your premiums because space heaters are considered riskier to insure. So, having a space heater at home may raise your premiums, especially if:
- Space heaters are the main heating system in your house
- Your home has older wiring or safety concerns
- Your insurer flags it as a risk factor.
Safer (and Insurable) Alternatives
If you’re worried about space heaters raising your home insurance premiums, you can consider other heating methods that are safer and more insurable. Here are a few examples:
Questions to Ask Your Insurer About Space Heaters at Home
Revamping or installing a home heating system is an expensive and time-consuming effort, and it’s very understandable if you don’t want to do that to save money on home insurance. Fortunately, you can still get home insurance with a space heater installed, although it may be a bit tougher.
That said, asking the right questions can help you find the right home insurer that’ll protect you, even with a space heater installed. Ask these questions when you’re hunting for home insurance policies:
- Do you provide home insurance for houses that use space heaters?
- How high are my premiums compared to homes that don’t use space heaters?
- What can I do to reduce my home insurance premiums and offset the risk of the space heater?
- I just use my space heater as a secondary heating source. Would that change my risk level?
Key Advice from MyChoice
- Check with your home insurer to ensure they cover homes that use space heaters.
- If your insurer doesn’t cover homes with space heaters, consider switching companies.
- Replacing space heaters with safer heating methods like furnaces and heat pumps can increase your insurability.