Anybody insure their portable generators? Talked with State Farm today and am trying to figure out what the best option is. A personal item policy (similar to insuring a watch) is one option that has no deductible but only covers that one item. The other I'm trying to do is the contents policy of the travel trailer. There is some weird wording in our policy that covers items "normally used" in a trailer, while outside of the trailer within 30 feet of the trailer. So I'm wondering if it might be covered there. The benefit there is the contents coverage covers more than just the generator and will probably be cheaper even with our deductible ($250). Thoughts?

Your homeowners policy would probably already cover it minus your deductible up to the limitation when away from your own premises. You would have to find out what that amount would be from your homeowners agent. Typically 10% of the amount for contents you have at your home.

Having an RV policy that covers the contents of the RV (including a portable generator) is generally better than having to go to the homeowners policy. If you have an accident that damages contents and the RV you only have one deductible. If you have to use both your RV and homeowners policy you will have two deductibles, two claims and two different adjusters to deal with. Most homeowners policies have $1,000 deductibles. With today's home insurance coverage, 1-2 claims and you may find yourself looking for a new policy. Keith Director of Good Sam Insurance Agency

doxiemom11 wrote:Your homeowners policy would probably already cover it minus your deductible up to the limitation when away from your own premises. You would have to find out what that amount would be from your homeowners agent. Typically 10% of the amount for contents you have at your home.Most homeowner's policies have $1,000 deductibles. Most claims on portable generators would not be worth it on such a policy. The potential hikes and or cancellations would not be worth the small amount reclaimed after the high deductible. If you want coverage, I would continue to look at the contents coverage you are already examining. Make the most sense to me.

The homeowners route is a waste due to my deductible being basically the cost of the generator. Hopefully they can clarify if it would be covered under the contents coverage. If not, insuring it as a personal article won't be that bad and there is no deductible there.

I don't try to insure everything that I own. I also don't buy extra extended warranties on stuff that I buy. I could probably buy a quarter of my used stuff for what the warranties and insurance would cost. I haven't lost or had anything stolen yet so I am way ahead as far as cost goes. I have too much stuff to insure it all.As far as liability insurance goes, I have a good umbrella policy and make sure to get in writing that I am covered while using something.

Portable Generator Insurance? | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

rexmitchell
Explorer
Dec 09, 2019
BarabooBob wrote:
I don't try to insure everything that I own. I also don't buy extra extended warranties on stuff that I buy. I could probably buy a quarter of my used stuff for what the warranties and insurance would cost. I haven't lost or had anything stolen yet so I am way ahead as far as cost goes.
I have too much stuff to insure it all.As far as liability insurance goes, I have a good umbrella policy and make sure to get in writing that I am covered while using something.

I don't typically do it either, but if the price is right I'm all over it. One of two things sounds like it may happen here. If it is covered under my contents coverage this will essentially be free since I'm already covered there. If I go the personal item route it will probably cost 20-30 bucks a year to insure a $2100 generator. I travel with it in my truck all the time and leave it at our hunting property at times so I think the price is right for piece of mind if either of those two options pan out.
BarabooBob
Explorer III
Dec 09, 2019
I don't try to insure everything that I own. I also don't buy extra extended warranties on stuff that I buy. I could probably buy a quarter of my used stuff for what the warranties and insurance would cost. I haven't lost or had anything stolen yet so I am way ahead as far as cost goes.
I have too much stuff to insure it all.As far as liability insurance goes, I have a good umbrella policy and make sure to get in writing that I am covered while using something.
rexmitchell
Explorer
Dec 09, 2019
The homeowners route is a waste due to my deductible being basically the cost of the generator. Hopefully they can clarify if it would be covered under the contents coverage. If not, insuring it as a personal article won't be that bad and there is no deductible there.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Dec 09, 2019
doxiemom11 wrote:
Your homeowners policy would probably already cover it minus your deductible up to the limitation when away from your own premises. You would have to find out what that amount would be from your homeowners agent. Typically 10% of the amount for contents you have at your home.

Most homeowner's policies have $1,000 deductibles. Most claims on portable generators would not be worth it on such a policy. The potential hikes and or cancellations would not be worth the small amount reclaimed after the high deductible. If you want coverage, I would continue to look at the contents coverage you are already examining. Make the most sense to me.
KPetrick
Explorer
Dec 09, 2019
Having an RV policy that covers the contents of the RV (including a portable generator) is generally better than having to go to the homeowners policy. If you have an accident that damages contents and the RV you only have one deductible. If you have to use both your RV and homeowners policy you will have two deductibles, two claims and two different adjusters to deal with. Most homeowners policies have $1,000 deductibles. With today's home insurance coverage, 1-2 claims and you may find yourself looking for a new policy.

Keith Director of Good Sam Insurance Agency
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Dec 09, 2019
Your homeowners policy would probably already cover it minus your deductible up to the limitation when away from your own premises. You would have to find out what that amount would be from your homeowners agent. Typically 10% of the amount for contents you have at your home.

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Portable Generator Insurance?

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