Food spoiled due to power outage? How to file a claim

As Greater Columbus recovers from a two-day power outage that affected thousands in the area, many folks are most likely beginning the process of dumping out their spoiled food.

But don't throw everything away just yet. American Electric Power customers can file a claim for food that was spoiled during a power outage.

According to the company's website, customers must have an itemized list of the cost and type of spoiled perishable food, along with receipts or other documentation, such as photos.

There are some things, however, that the website indicates the company is not responsible for. These include:

Line failures

High winds

Causes beyond the control of the company

Voltage fluctuations and single phasing

Storms, lightning or severe weather conditions

An AEP official could not immediately be reached to say whether or not what happened in Columbus would constitute an eligible claim.

People can file a claim online at aepclaims.com.

Certain homeowners insurance may also help cover the cost of lost food.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies usually will cover up to $500 of food that spoils from a power outage caused by a covered peril under standard homeowners insurance policies. However, food spoilage coverage may include a $500 deductible, which means some insurance companies may only pay if the policyholder suffered more than $500 in food losses.

If policyholders want more than $500 in coverage, an insurer might offer additional spoiled-food coverage, but it will come at an extra cost, according to Forbes.

Some home insurance companies will cover food spoilage claims if a policyholder's utility company is at fault for the power outage, as was the case for many AEP customers. A person's policy might cover a food-loss claim prompted by a rolling blackout or another planned power outage, the magazine said.

Insurance companies like State Farm, AllState and USAA offer coverage on spoiled food, but it may depend on what type of policy a person has.

mwalker@dispatch.com

@micah_walker701