Is our tv covered by renters insurane?

Question

it was struck by lightning, also our all in one printer, we have nationwide.

Answer 1

Natalie gave a very good answer.

I will add by saying that lightning and or power surges are usually named in the policy.

You have to consider your deductible though.  If everything isn't worth much more than the deductible you might not want to claim as you will get a limited amount. And the claim could raise your rates.

Answer 2

Well, it should be, subject to your deductible.  Lightening is a standard peril, so most likely it's covered.

Don't throw away any parts until the adjuster says you can - he'll need to see the scorching to show that the damage was, indeed, lightening.

Answer 3

I'm a former insurance agent and over the past couple years companies have been greatly limiting damage to electronic items.  If the items were actually hit by a lightning bolt that entered your apartment then they'd be covered, minus your deductible.  The damage was probably done by an electrical surge that happened during a storm, and that's where things get tricky.  Before you call Nationwide (sometimes inquiries get logged as claim reports and hurt you later even you don't receive a claim payment), determine if the cost to replace the items is higher than your deductible.  If it is, then read the policy booklet that came with your original policy.  Under Section I coverages there will be a section detailing personal property or contents.  It should name about 15-18 perils, or causes of damage to household contents that are covered by your policy (this is a "named perils" policy), and one of them should be related to power surges.  If you have an open perils policy then there will be only a list of exclusions and as long as the electrical surge isn't among the exclusions, then you have coverage.  Also if your claim will be "small", for instance it will cost $400 to replace the items and you have a $250 deductible, you may want to forget about getting the insurance company involved at all.  The $150 payment that you will get will stay on your record as a claim for up to 5 years and could make it difficult to get another renter's policy or homeowner's policy in the future.

Answer 4

When something is struck by lightning it usually falls under the "act of God" exclusion, but you should check with your insurance company.