are ice machines covered by insurance

Are Ice Machines Covered by Insurance?

When running a business or owning a home, unexpected issues can arise that end up costing a lot of money. One of those unexpected issues could be a broken ice machine. Depending on the situation, ice machines may or may not be covered by insurance. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not ice machines are covered by insurance and what factors may play a role in determining that coverage.

What is an Ice Machine?

First, let’s define exactly what an ice machine is. An ice machine is a device used to produce ice in large quantities. They’re commonly found in commercial settings like restaurants, bars, and hotels, but they can also be used in homes with a high demand for ice.

Are Ice Machines Covered by Business Insurance?

The answer to this question depends on a few key factors. One of those factors is the type of insurance policy you have in place. General liability insurance is often used to cover claims related to damage or injury caused by a business. However, this type of policy typically doesn’t cover damage to equipment. To cover damages to equipment like an ice machine, a business owner would need to obtain additional coverage such as equipment breakdown insurance.

Equipment breakdown insurance provides coverage for damages caused by electrical malfunctions, power surges, and other mechanical failures. This type of insurance could cover damages to an ice machine, but it would depend on the specific policy language and the cause of the damage.

Another factor that could affect coverage is whether or not the ice machine was properly maintained. If the damage to the ice machine is a result of neglect or failure to properly maintain it, then insurance coverage may not apply.

Are Ice Machines Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

When it comes to home insurance, ice machines are typically not covered. Homeowner’s insurance policies typically only cover major appliances, like HVAC units or refrigerators. Ice machines are often considered to be smaller appliances and therefore not included in standard homeowner’s insurance. However, if the ice machine caused damage to the home, such as leaking water or causing a fire, then that damage may be covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy.

What Can Homeowners Do to Protect their Ice Machines?

Even though ice machines are not typically covered under homeowner’s insurance, there are still steps that homeowners can take to protect their investment. One option is to purchase an extended warranty for the ice machine. The warranty would cover repairs or replacements for a certain period of time, which could save the homeowner money in the long run.

Another option for homeowners is to include the ice machine in a separate insurance policy. Although this may not be necessary for all homeowners, those with larger homes or high-end ice machines may find that this additional coverage is worth the cost.

Conclusion

When it comes to determining whether or not an ice machine is covered by insurance, the answer is not always clear-cut. The type of insurance policy and the cause of the damage are two important factors that can impact coverage. Generally, most standard policies do not cover ice machines. However, additional coverage like equipment breakdown insurance or extended warranties can provide an extra layer of protection for businesses and homeowners.