We have gotten a few calls inquiring if you can get a policy discount on your home insurance if you have a home generator. Unfortunately, the answer is no, but a home generator reduces the risk of damage to your home, and personal property, and in turn reduces the potential of having to file a home insurance claim. And insurance claims end up increasing your home insurance premium.

Home generators come in a variety of types and sizes, from portable versions to standby and inverter units. There are three basic types of home generators:

Portable generators - typically run on gasoline and need to be operated at a safe distance from any structure.

Standby generators - start automatically when the power goes out and are run on propane or natural gas.

Inverter generators - have a more complex engine than the other types and are much quieter than their conventional counterparts.

Why would I get a home generator?

• We can't control the weather!

Most electric power outages are weather-related. As the number and severity of extreme weather events rise, so does the likelihood of a blackout lasting 24 hours or more.

• Do you have a private well?

Without electricity, your well water pump and filtration systems will lose the ability to provide potable water for drinking, bathing, and heating.

• Do you have a sump pump?

If you rely on a sump pump to keep your basement dry – including all your stuff you keep in the basement. Losing power means you also lose protection against water damage and increases the possibility of filing a home insurance claim.

• You work from home.

If you work remotely out of your home, you know every minute counts. Going without power for even an hour can be a major inconvenience to you, your clients and customers.

• Food spoils quickly.

According to the FDA, perishable food items should be thrown out once your refrigerator has been without power for as little as four hours.

• Your property is vacant for extended periods of time.

If you are a frequent traveler or own a seasonal home, having a generator can protect your property from outage-related emergencies. You don’t want to come home to a burst pipe and water damage; a generator will reduce the likelihood of having to file a home insurance claim.

• Is there homebound loved one at home?

If a loved one requires the assistance of a home medical device that runs on electricity, a power outage can be deadly.

Whether it's due to storms, branches or trees falling, or some other challenge, power outages can bring an assortment of problems for homeowners. A home generator can become one of your go-to remedies for those unexpected situations. Checking out the options before you lose electrical power is a smart way to beat the crowds who'll be racing to scoop up a home generator, for that "next time" outage scenario. Home generators also provide reduces the probability of having to file a home insurance claim.  Also, if your generator is damaged by a covered perils, homeowners insurance typically steps in to repair or replace the damaged unit, minus the deductible.

Dtown Insurance is here to help with your insurance; we can compare home insurance coverages with our carriers and look to provide you the best coverage available for your money!  Call us! 215-345-1796