According to the USDA, refrigerator food lasts up to four hours during a power outage when the refrigerator doors are kept closed. Hard and processed cheeses, as well as fruits, margarine and condiments can be salvaged after that four-hour window, but when it comes to meat, poultry, seafood or milk, it’s important to remember “when in doubt, throw it out.”

The good news is when you suffer a power outage and food goes bad, your homeowner’s insurance can help recoup some of the losses.

Insurance coverage for food spoilage and loss

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage — typically between $500 and $1,000 — for some food loss during an emergency power outage. Any amount of food loss over the amount specified in your policy will not be covered, even if you have documentation for it.

Like any coverage, homeowner’s insurance has exclusions, so ask your broker about your specific policy. Here are common exclusions related to food loss:

  • If the outage was widespread and didn’t originate on your property, food loss may not be covered.
  • If your insurer covers off-premises power loss, the outage's cause must be covered specifically under your policy. For example, your policy may cover the food if a windstorm caused the outage but may not if a flood caused the power loss. Such a loss may be covered under flood insurance.

Because each policy is different — and therefore carry different exclusions — work with your broker to determine if you can make a claim against your homeowner’s insurance coverage for spoiled food.

For refrigerator malfunctions unrelated to a general power outage, consider filing a claim against your home or appliance warranty to avoid making a claim to your homeowner’s policy, as a claim could affect your rate at renewal.

Making a claim against your homeowner’s policy

If you do make a claim against your homeowner’s policy for food loss, here’s what you’ll need to include:

  • Pictures and an itemized list of the food
  • An estimate of the food’s cost
  • If you have them, purchase receipts for the food

Remember to submit your claim as soon as possible and know that you may have a deductible related to the loss.

Contact your HUB personal insurance broker for more information on what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers.