TAMPA, Fla. — As temperatures drop, especially overnight, you might find yourself tempted to turn on a space heater. While using those heating sources comes with a well-known fire risk, it could also spark lesser-known problems with your insurance coverage.
"I look around, and I go wow," Patricia Freitag said, surveying what was left of her house after a space heater fire. "Just 5 minutes of your life can change things so drastically."
Freitag spoke with Susan Solves It last year after a space heater left her without a home. "I heard cracking, I went in and there were flames and smoke," she said.
Her insurance covered the damage caused by the space heater, but not everyone is as lucky.
"Absolutely," said Attorney Charles Gallagher III when asked if turning on a space heater could jeopardize homeowner's insurance coverage.
"Space heaters are notorious for causing fires; everyone hears about that and knows about that and insurance carriers are going to be careful to cover the claims and investigate claims," said Gallagher.
Gallagher worked in insurance litigation for years. While most homeowner's policies cover space heaters, he said you could run into problems if you use one as a primary, not secondary, heating source. He also warned that carriers will ask questions.
"Was it a new heater, was it a heater that was plugged into the wall as opposed to a power strip or an extension cord? They want to make sure it's being used pursuant to its instructions and if not that might be a basis for denial," Gallagher said.
Gallagher recommended reviewing your policy carefully.
"Things in there to be careful to look for would be a neglect exclusion,” said Gallagher. “Are you putting it in an area where it would otherwise be unsafe? Are you putting it near a fire source?"
It took months for Freitag to get back to her home. While the insurance money she received helped, it didn’t cover everything she lost.
"It's heartbreaking," she said.
If your insurance denies your claim, your only options could be mediation or taking your carrier to court, underscoring why it’s so important to protect yourself before plugging in a space heater.
Share Your Story with Susan
Consumer Investigator Susan El Khoury is here to advocate for you. From crimes targeting consumers to tips and tricks to help you save money, Susan works to help solve the day-to-day issues. Reach out to Susan with any problems you need help solving.
.
Protesters gather in Zephyrhills demanding justice after fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota
More than 50 demonstrators lined the streets near Alice Park following the weekend death of Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation.