Most Dangerous Household Appliances that Cause Home Fires
7 Most Dangerous Household Appliances that Cause Home Fires
Toasters that turn on by themselves and dishwashers that short-circuit can cause fires that can cost you thousands of dollars in home repairs. Unfortunately, not all appliance damage is covered by the various types of home insurance policies.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following appliances caused the most home fires.
1. Gas and electric stoves
Total number of fires: 44,708
Most common reasons: leaving the stove unattended; the stove turning on by itself.
2. Clothes dryers
Total number of fires: 13,723.
The most common causes are lint in the dryer vent and gas leaks.
3. Microwave ovens
Total number of fires: 2,308.
The most common reason is that the power is turned on without anything in the oven.
4. Refrigerators
Total number of fires: 1,512.
Most common reasons: A short-circuited switch; the light bulb remains lit when the door is closed.
5. Toasters and toaster ovens
Total fires: 1,335.
The most common reason is that the toaster turns on by itself; the mechanism jams while toasting.
6. Dishwashers
Total number of fires: 1,015.
The most common causes are control panel failures and rinse aid leaks into electrical circuits.
7. Washing machines
Total number of fires: 657.
Most common reason: Water leakage causes circuit-board fire.
Are You Covered by Appliance Fires Under Home Insurance?
According to Kevin Foley, owner of PFT&K Insurance Brokers in Milltown, N.J., you may not be covered for damage caused by an appliance depending on the circumstances. "You are not covered if the appliance fails due to normal wear and tear." "All you have to do is replace it," he says.
However, if an appliance, such as a clothes dryer, catches fire and your belongings are damaged or destroyed, cleaning, repair, and replacement are all covered, minus your deductible, according to Foley.
Damage coverage is determined by the cause of the incident. According to Jeff Reinig, a spokesman for Farmers Insurance, you are covered for unforeseeable mishaps.
"Most homeowner's policies require that the loss be sudden and accidental, such as an overflowing bathtub that destroys your floors," Reinig says.
A slow leak from your dishwasher, even if you aren't aware of it, may be considered your responsibility because you didn't perform proper maintenance, so any damage would not be covered, according to Reinig.
"You're expected to keep your appliances in good working order," Reinig says. "Something like a leaking dishwasher falls under wear and tear."
According to Reinig, your home insurance policy would cover a malfunctioning stove or microwave that causes a house fire, though your insurer will typically go after the manufacturer to recover money spent on your claim. "You'll get your deductible back if the manufacturer ends up paying your insurer for the damages," he says.
Check your policy for details, as all standard home insurance policies include coverage for fire damage but may exclude coverage for water damage, according to Reinig.
Tracking the most dangerous appliances
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System is a reporting system used by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to track product-related injuries. According to Alex Filip, the commission's deputy director, the system monitors injuries treated in emergency rooms across the country.
"Accidents are not always the fault of the person," Filip explains, "which is why we have recalls of malfunctioning appliances."
In general, you can protect yourself from appliance malfunctions by:
- Registering new appliances to receive notifications when a product is recalled.
- Checking www.recalls.gov for recalls and www.saferproducts.gov for consumer product experiences.
- Installing a smoke alarm on each level of your home, as well as in each bedroom.
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors outside bedrooms in hallways.
- Ensuring that appliances are installed by a qualified professional and that they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Inspecting power cords and replacing any frayed cords; electric cords should never be routed under carpeting, where they can overheat.
- Never leave hot food unattended, whether on the stove or in the microwave.
- After each load of laundry, clean the lint trap.
- Turning off small appliances when they are not in use.
Comparing multiple insurance policies will provide you with the best financial protection against any type of damage.