If a power outage is caused by an event (aka “peril”) included in your policy (think: fire, lightning, wind or vandalism), renters insurance can help repair or replace damaged personal property or cover added costs if the renter has to move out temporarily.

Example: After an extended power outage during a winter storm, frozen pipes thaw and burst, damaging your furniture and a laptop.

• Personal property coverage in a renters insurance could help with the cost of replacing or repairing your belongings.

Example: A fire in your building damages the electrical system and your landlord says repairs will take three weeks. You have to move into short-term housing.

• Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage in a renters policy can help with costs that exceed ordinary living expenses. For example, if your rent is $2,000 a month and a hotel or temporary rental costs $2,800 a month, ALE coverage could pay the $800 difference. It can also cover restaurant meals (if you don’t have a kitchen) and even pet boarding if you can’t take your pet with you.

Example: Lightning hits a power line near your building and the utility company needs a day or two to restore electricity. The food in your refrigerator or freezer goes bad.

• Personal property coverage in a renters policy can help cover the cost to replace food.

Remember: if your power goes out because of a utility company problem — a local power plant malfunctions, the grid overloads or a nearby transformer blows up — renters insurance typically doesn’t cover damage in your rental.

Learn more about what renters insurance covers.

Yes. When an outage lasts for days, you may be left with a refrigerator and freezer full of spoiled food. Renters insurance can help with the cost of replacing the food if the outage was caused by a covered event. You’ll need to document your food losses with photos and receipts to support a claim. Keep in mind that many policies limit how much you can be reimbursed for spoiled food. Higher personal property limits or optional coverages that provide more protection may be available.

Yes, personal property coverage in a renters policy can cover your belongings in your living space. Electronics like a computer, TV or entertainment systems are especially vulnerable and can suffer damage from power surges both when an outage hits and when the power comes back on. This kind of damage can be covered by renters insurance if the cause of the outage was a covered event like lightning.

Other electronics can be at risk too, depending on how long an outage lasts. Examples of things that may be covered in an extended blackout or related power surge:

Aquariums or terrariums — loss of filtration/heating can harm fish or reptiles

Medications or medical supplies — insulin, refrigerated prescriptions, and certain medical devices that need power

Appliances — refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens

Home office equipment — desktop computers, monitors, routers, printers

Smart home devices — security systems, smart thermostats, smart speakers, lighting systems

Kitchen gadgets — microwaves, coffee makers, blenders with digital controls

HVAC systems — heating and air conditioning systems have electronic parts that are vulnerable to power surges

Remember: surges that result from everyday power fluctuations or utility company issues typically aren’t covered. Surge protectors and optional additional insurance may help fill the gap.

If you experience a covered loss from a power outage, filing a claim promptly can help you recover faster.

1. Document the problem. Take photos of damaged goods, including spoiled food and affected appliances and devices. Be sure to document the cause of the outage if you can see it — a power line outside that the wind brought down, for example.  
2. Contact your insurer right away. Report the loss. Your company can explain what’s covered and guide you through the process. 
3. Provide details. Share information about when and how the outage occurred and the items affected. 
4. Save receipts. Keep track of your expenses for replacing ruined food and belongings, plus temporary lodging if you can’t stay in your home. 

Most power outages are out of your control, but taking simple steps beforehand and during a blackout can help you minimize damage.

• Use surge protectors to protect against a power surge when electricity is restored. Many safety and consumer sources recommend devices rated at 1,000 to 3,000 joules or more to help safeguard electronics. 
• Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, water and nonperishable food. 
• Unplug electronics and appliances after the power goes out to protect against a power surge when electricity is restored. 
• Limit refrigerator use to preserve food for as long as possible. Limit the number of times a day you open the refrigerator and freezer doors. 
• Consider adding a generator or backup power supply. A generator that runs on natural gas or propane or a pre-charged battery pack can keep power going to selected lights, devices and appliances. 
• Review your insurance coverage  and ask your agent about endorsements that could extend protection for food spoilage or power surges.