Insurance Companies That Cover Wood Stoves

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A rustic wood stove with a pot of food outdoors in a natural setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A rustic wood stove with a pot of food outdoors in a natural setting.

Some insurance companies do cover wood stoves, but it's essential to check with your provider to confirm their policies.

State Farm, for example, offers coverage for wood-burning stoves, but they may require a separate rider or endorsement.

GEICO, on the other hand, typically excludes wood-burning stoves from their standard policies.

If you're looking for a company that covers wood stoves, it's best to shop around and compare policies from different providers.

Insurance Coverage for Wood Stoves

Insurance companies that cover wood stoves are quite common, but they do have specific requirements to ensure your stove is safe and properly installed. Most large home insurance carriers cover wood stoves, but they must meet certain pre-defined requirements.

Having a wood stove doesn't automatically disqualify you for coverage, but your provider will likely want to verify that the stove is properly installed. This process may be as easy as taking a picture of your wood stove, but your insurance company may require an inspector to come to your home if they can't verify the information.

Warm indoor scene with a classic wood stove in a rustic cabin setting, ideal for cozy retreats.
Credit: pexels.com, Warm indoor scene with a classic wood stove in a rustic cabin setting, ideal for cozy retreats.

Your insurance provider may ask you to get a Wood Energy Technology Transfer, or WETT, inspection before covering you. A WETT inspector will determine if your wood stove meets building codes and safety requirements.

There are several things your insurance provider may want to verify about your wood stove, including:

  • Your wood stove’s make and model
  • The stove’s connection to your home’s chimney
  • The proper amount of fire guards are in place (such as a fire safety rug)

If your insurer doesn’t require an inspection, they might ask if your wood stove was installed by a professional, or if it was a DIY-job by you or a past owner. You might need to provide documentation that it’s up to code. If it isn’t, or if it’s a very old model of wood stove, you may be denied coverage.

Stove Requirements and Costs

Most homeowners insurance companies cover wood stoves, but they may require verification that the stove is properly installed. This can be as simple as taking a picture of your wood stove to show its make and model, connection to the chimney, and fire safety features.

Man Burning Wood in Stove in Room
Credit: pexels.com, Man Burning Wood in Stove in Room

If an insurance company can't verify this information through a photo, they may send an inspector to your home to ensure the stove meets safety requirements. A WETT inspection is one type of inspection that may be required, which checks that the stove meets building codes and safety requirements.

You can expect to pay more for homeowners insurance with a wood stove, potentially due to the increased risk of fire damage. In fact, the EPA estimates that 65% of all wood stoves are old, inefficient, and possibly dangerous due to leaking fumes and confined fires within chimneys and flues.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to insurance costs with a wood stove:

  • Increased fire risk due to direct flame, smoke, ash, and creosote/soot buildup
  • Operational safety concerns, such as embers escaping onto the floor or smoke accumulation within the home
  • Creosote accumulation in the chimney, which is highly flammable and poses health risks
  • Regular maintenance and correct installation are crucial to avoid affecting eligibility for claim reimbursement

Burning Stove Requirements

To have a wood burning stove, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Insurance companies typically require a professionally installed stove with a current WETT Certificate, which ensures the stove meets today's building code.

Elderly woman smoking a cigar beside metal pots on a rustic stove inside a wooden kitchen.
Credit: pexels.com, Elderly woman smoking a cigar beside metal pots on a rustic stove inside a wooden kitchen.

A WETT Certification will check for things like floor protection, appliance clearances, no dangerous locations, and proper chimney and flue pipe installation.

Having a wood stove doesn't automatically disqualify you for homeowners insurance, but your provider may want to verify certain information. This could include taking a picture of your stove, showing its make and model, and the connection to your home's chimney.

Your insurance company may also require an inspector to come to your home and inspect your wood stove if they can't verify the necessary information in a photo.

To get a wood stove installed, it's generally recommended to hire a licensed contractor. This is because improperly installed wood stoves can pose a severe risk of fire and extensive damage.

A WETT inspector will check for things like floor protection, appliance clearances, no dangerous locations, and proper chimney and flue pipe installation.

Here are some key things your insurance provider might look for when it comes to your wood stove:

  • Your wood stove’s make and model
  • The stove’s connection to your home’s chimney
  • The proper amount of fire guards are in place (such as a fire safety rug)

If your insurer finds out after a claim that you failed to perform regular maintenance regarding your wood stove, or that it wasn’t correctly installed in the first place, you’re less likely to be reimbursed for damages.

Regular maintenance and correct installation are crucial to avoid increased premiums and eligibility issues.

Pellet Stove vs Stove Cost

A vintage wood stove with firewood stack in a rustic indoor setting, evoking warmth and nostalgia.
Credit: pexels.com, A vintage wood stove with firewood stack in a rustic indoor setting, evoking warmth and nostalgia.

Pellet stoves are generally considered safer and more heat-efficient due to their controlled burning process.

Pellet stoves require less manual intervention than wood stoves, thanks to their automated system for adding pellets.

To install a pellet stove, you'll need professional installation to ensure safety and compliance with local codes, just like a wood stove.

Pellet stoves can use either a chimney or a vent, offering more flexibility in placement within your home.

This flexibility can be a plus, especially if you have limited space or want to place the stove in a specific area.

Pellet stoves use compact wood pellets, rather than logs, which means no outdoor wood pile on your property.

This can help reduce the other risks associated with wood piles, like termite and rat infestations, which are not typically covered by insurance.

However, pellet stoves do require an electrical power source, and this power source should be regularly inspected to ensure it's in good working order.

Here are some key differences between pellet and wood stoves that could affect your insurance premiums:

  • Installation and venting requirements
  • Burning process and fire risk
  • Fuel source

Home Premiums and Insurance

Traditional cooking setup with a wood fire stove in a rustic kitchen setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Traditional cooking setup with a wood fire stove in a rustic kitchen setting.

Homeowners with wood stoves often face higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of fire damage. This is because wood stoves carry a higher risk of fire compared to other heating methods.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that wood stoves cause over 4,000 fires every year. This is a significant concern for insurance companies, which aim to minimize financial risk when writing policies.

Regular maintenance and correct installation are crucial for wood stoves to reduce the risk of fire. If an insurance company discovers that a wood stove hasn’t been properly maintained or installed, it could affect your eligibility for claim reimbursement in the event of a fire.

In some cases, insurance companies may charge a flat rate for a wood stove, which can range from $10 to $100. This depends on various factors, including the location, size, and construction method of your house, as well as the age and type of wood stove.

Credit: youtube.com, Wood Stoves and your Insurance - Things you need to know!

A 10% increase in your insurance rate is possible, although it’s on the high end. Modern wood stoves are much more efficient and safer than older models, which can produce the same amount of heat using less wood while emitting fewer dangerous chemicals.

Here are some factors that may affect your insurance premium:

  • Your wood stove's make and model
  • The stove's connection to your home's chimney
  • The proper amount of fire guards in place, such as a fire safety rug

Insurance companies may require verification of these factors, which can be done through a photo or a comprehensive evaluation by an inspector.

Finding and Choosing Insurance

Many insurance companies will cover wood stoves as long as they meet the minimum requirements for safety and construction.

In northern states where wood-burning stoves are more common, insurance providers are familiar with dealing with them. They may require an inspection or a certificate to guarantee it’s up-to-code before giving you a policy.

Comparing quotes from multiple home insurers at once is the best way to find a provider that has the coverage you need at a price that works for you. Clovered can help you do this by partnering with the top insurance companies in the country.

Why Is It Harder to Get?

Warm indoor scene with a wood stove burning firewood beside an open door and glass of wine.
Credit: pexels.com, Warm indoor scene with a wood stove burning firewood beside an open door and glass of wine.

Insurance companies tend to look at the big picture and base their decisions on statistics. They've gathered a lot of data over the years from claims they've had to pay, and that includes people who misuse their wood stove.

Insurance companies consider wood burning units to be a higher risk of a fire hazard in a house. This is because not every person is equal in their abilities or understanding of their wood burning units.

Insurance companies make decisions based on the information they have, including people who misuse their wood stoves. They also consider wood stoves that were not installed correctly.

Insurance companies view wood burning units as a higher risk due to the potential for fires. This is a key factor in their decision-making process when it comes to insuring a house with a wood burning unit.

Find a Home

Finding the right home can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in securing the best home insurance for your needs.

A child warms hands by a wood stove in a cozy living room, creating a warm winter ambiance.
Credit: pexels.com, A child warms hands by a wood stove in a cozy living room, creating a warm winter ambiance.

To start, consider the best home insurance companies, which can offer a range of coverage options and competitive pricing.

If budget is a concern, you can also look into the cheapest home insurance options, which can help you save money on your premiums.

The average cost of home insurance varies depending on several factors, including location and coverage limits.

To get a better idea of what to expect, you can use a home insurance calculator to estimate your costs.

Here are some of the top home insurance companies to consider:

Companies Covering Stoves

Many insurance companies cover wood stoves, but they must meet minimum safety and construction requirements.

You can find insurance companies that cover wood stoves by comparing quotes from multiple home insurers at once.

In northern states, insurance providers are familiar with wood-burning stoves and may require an inspection or certificate to ensure it's up-to-code.

Most large home insurance carriers cover wood stoves, and they'll send an inspector to ensure the stove meets requirements if needed.

You might also need to send pictures of the stove to your insurance company to verify it meets the requirements.

Clovered can help you compare quotes from top insurance companies and find a provider that has the coverage you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does home insurance go up with a wood stove?

Home insurance costs may increase by a flat rate (up to $200) or a percentage of your policy, varying by region and insurance company

Does homeowners insurance cover stoves?

Homeowners insurance may cover stoves if damage is caused by a covered peril like fire or theft, but not for wear and tear or manufacturer defects. Check your policy for optional breakdown coverage for added protection.

Ruben Quitzon

Lead Assigning Editor

Ruben Quitzon is a seasoned assigning editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance and journalism, Ruben has honed his expertise in covering complex topics with clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Ruben has assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including the banking sectors of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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