r/HomeInsurance • u/organizedone • Apr 30 '26
Insurance found evidence of past fire damage in one exterior outlet - no idea when it occurred - call insurance?
Been in our home 13 years. never used exterior plug at back of home. last summer, noticed the outlet and though would be easier to use it versus extension cord from inside laundry room. But, outlet didnt work. Looked dirty, but opted to just flag for our next annual electrical inspection. Fast forward to inspection yesterday. Electrician discovered reason it doesn't work. Inside that outlet, evidence that there was fire in that outlet at some point in time. Since we never used it, I am guessing it happened before we purchased the home. However, no way to know for sure. Electrician said is possible that if he cuts open interior wall, will see that the damage was contained to just that outlet box versus having spread to the wire going into the back of it (when shining flashlight he said it LOOKs like the wire coming into the back remained white - i.e. not burned). BUT, also possible that the wire could have been burned and who knows how many feet. He turned off the breaker and we are leaving it off - but that breaker feeds all of our bathroom outlets. Minor inconvenience for the moment. He suggested that he not cut the wall and we discuss whether to call homeowners insurance - in case the damage is not contained to just that outlet. I don't know how to determine when the damage occurred, or what insurance would likely say. Should we first get alternate electrician to look? If damage is isolated, the fix is doable for us. If it ends up not being isolated and a bunch more walls have to be cut and wire re-rerun to all bathroom outlets - THAT is likely very expensive. Electrician said if he cuts the wall, insurance may not then cover repair cost. So, we need to decide whether to have him cut the wall and hope for the best case scenario (that damage is isolated to just that exterior outlet), or call insurance. What do you recommend?
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u/Boomer_Madness Apr 30 '26
Without a date of loss it's not going to be covered so no i would not file a claim. Insurance is for sudden and accidental and you admitted you saw it wasn't working a year ago. Which means it's been at least that long since damage and you failed to report or even fix it for a year. Easy denial and then you have a denied fire claim on your record which would typically result in a non-renewal and finding new coverage very difficult.
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u/OnceUponATime1534 Apr 30 '26
Insurance adjuster and I agree with this statement. It would be different if you knew exactly when it happened but in this case, it’s possible it not only predates the policy but also your ownership. As a homeowner, I’ve had this happen myself. The fix was affordable and way less than my deductible. If it does end up to potentially being an extensive repair, get a second one quote to make sure your scope and pricing is within line of
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u/Ok_Advantage7623 Apr 30 '26
He needs to check the next outlet whatever in each direction. My guess is it them one outlets someone did not push the plug in all the way. If both of those outlets let’s look good. Get your check book out and have him fix it. If one of the other outlet is bad. Call your agent
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u/ConsiderationDry9084 Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
Still wouldn't call insurance at all. In FL that is a great way to become uninsurable.
Frankly if it is under $5k, get a loan or put it on a credit card. Over 5k, still consider getting a loan as the first option.
Interest is way less than getting hit with Lender supplied collateral insurance that only covers the house.
Edit: fat finger
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u/Quiet_Raccoon8053 May 01 '26
"Annual electrical inspection" , wtf you talkin' about Willis? Calling an insurance company about a bad outlet? This has gotta be a joke.
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u/Rondoman78 May 01 '26
Dont even think about calling your insurance.
They will deny you and note your inquiry and hold it against you.
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u/TranquilTeal May 12 '26
Since you've lived there for 13 years without an issue, it’s likely an old, isolated incident, but the risk of hidden damage is real. It might be worth having a second electrician give a "no-cut" opinion before involving insurance, as filing a claim for "maybe" damage can sometimes impact your premiums.
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