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How grills and BBQs affect your home insurance is crucial, especially with the risks of fire damage during outdoor cooking.
Grill-related fires can cause significant property damage, and understanding how your policy handles such incidents is vital. Find the best and cheapest homeowners insurance that suits your needs.
Homeowners' insurance typically covers fire damage caused by grills, but understanding the specifics of your policy is crucial. Ensure your coverage includes accidents involving grills and BBQs to avoid unexpected expenses. Having barbecue insurance or BBQ food insurance can help protect against such incidents.
Secure cheap insurance for your home by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above.
What You Should Know
- Grill-related fire coverage starts at $45 per month for protection
- Grills and BBQs raise fire risks, making home insurance vital
- Ensure your policy covers fire damage caused by grills and BBQs
Homeowners Insurance Premiums for Fire Coverage (Grill-Related Incidents)
This table offers a comparison of various home insurance providers, focusing on monthly rates and available discounts specifically beneficial for fire protection and grill-related risks. It highlights providers with coverage starting from $80 monthly, offering unique discounts to help homeowners manage fire-related concerns.
| Insurance Company | State Coverage | Monthly Rate | Available Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nationwide | $85 | Bundling, Fire Alarms |
 |
Nationwide | $90 | Multi-Policy, Fire Safety |
 |
Selected States | $80 | Early Signing, Safe Home |
 |
Nationwide | $95 | Home Security Discounts |
 |
Nationwide | $88 | Safe Fire Equipment |
 |
Nationwide | $84 | Multi-Policy Discount |
 |
Selected States | $87 | Loyalty, Bundling |
 |
Selected States | $82 | Fire Safety, Bundling |
 |
Nationwide | $85 | Safe Home, Loyalty |
 |
Selected States | $92 | Multi-Policy, Fire Safety |
Allstate and State Farm offer bundling and fire alarm discounts at $85 and $90 per month. Geico provides the lowest rate, $80, with early signing and safe home incentives.
Liberty Mutual and Travelers focus on fire safety, offering discounts for home security and equipment, at $95 and $88. Progressive and Nationwide round out the list with multi-policy and loyalty rewards for fire-conscious households.
Notably, Geico and Progressive emphasize fire safety and multi-policy discounts, ensuring coverage is tailored to fire-related incidents for grills and BBQs, addressing these key factors.
Read more: Top 3 Ways Customers Say They’ve Saved on Homeowners Insurance
Statistics Behind Grilling Accidents
The numbers might surprise you. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) tracks house and structure fires, and they released a report in April of 2016 on this topic.
Grilling — which covers grills, hibachis, and other outdoor cooking apparatus — caused 8,900 house fires during the study period from 2009 to 2013. These fires caused an annual average of 10 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and $118 million in property damage. Use these best practices to prevent a fire at your home effectively.
Additional Information From the NFPA Report
- The grills used in five out of six of these fires were gas-fueled grills
- The leading causes of these types of grill fires are: 1) a failure to clean properly; 2) having a grill too close to something that could catch fire; and 3) leaving the grill unattended
- Gas grills also resulted in fires caused by issues such as gas leaks or a break in the gas line
Steps to Take for Grilling Safely
The critical step to ensuring safe grilling is keeping your grill clean and functioning correctly. Regularly remove grease, fat, and food drippings. For gas grills, ensure that all hoses are securely attached. Having BBQ liability insurance can help protect you in case of any accidents.
Apply a 1:1 soap and water solution to the hose and valve that connects the fuel source to the grill, and then open the valve and check for bubbles. If bubbles appear, there is a crack or leak in the fuel line that needs to be repaired before you can safely use your grill.
Would you rather pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to recover and restore your home after a small fire or use your insurance to cover the cost? ➡️ https://t.co/UC30wLUwSs #Fires #Home #HomeSafety 🏡🔥 pic.twitter.com/y9usWkpCN2
— Clearsurance (@clearsurance) January 10, 2022
Ensure that your grill is placed at a safe distance from your home and other buildings, and positioned on a stable surface. For charcoal grills, always use lighter fluid made specifically for igniting charcoal fires to maintain safety. Including these practices may help mitigate risks associated with BBQ insurance.
Never use gasoline or other accelerants to light your charcoal, and never add fuel to a fire that is already burning to “speed it up.” Structure fires represent many claims, but injuries from burns happen too. Understand your homeowner's insurance claim to check questions with expert guidance.
Keep small children and pets away from hot grills, and wear protective clothing, such as heavy grill mitts and an apron whenever you are cooking over an open flame. Have a working fire extinguisher close by.
Grill Fires and Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Your homeowners policy will usually cover damage to your covered structures, such as the house and garage, if you do experience a grill fire. You’ll be required to pay up to your deductible, so small fires that cause only minor damage might not warrant submitting a claim. Simplify coverage with a practical guide for understanding homeowners insurance.
If you are a renter, check your lease — many apartments and rental properties prohibit the use of grills or hibachis. A grill fire that damages your apartment won’t be covered by your renters policy if it was used in violation of your lease. Grill safely, and bon appétit.
Find the cheapest home insurance today by entering your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can installing a fire extinguisher near your grill lower your homeowner’s insurance rates?
Yes, installing a fire extinguisher near your grill can improve safety and may qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance, reducing your monthly premiums. Discover important things to know about home insurance for better protection.
Are damages caused by Paradise Grills covered under standard homeowners insurance?
Yes, damages caused by using Paradise Grills are generally covered under standard homeowners insurance policies, provided the fire damage occurred on the insured property.
Is it legal for an HOA to ban grills in residential areas?
Yes, an HOA can enforce rules that ban grills, particularly in shared spaces or when fire safety concerns arise, as long as local laws permit such regulations.
Do insurance companies consider a grill to be an open fire?
No, insurance companies usually don’t classify a grill as an open fire, but the use of grills may have specific conditions in your policy, especially regarding fire safety.
What should you do if a red flag weather warning is issued while grilling?
A red flag weather warning signals extreme fire danger, and it’s recommended to avoid grilling during such conditions to reduce the risk of fire and potential insurance complications. Discover whether your insurance policy covers your insurance claim based on your coverage.
What is the most common type of insurance claim related to grill fires?
Homeowners insurance often handles claims for property damage caused by gas grill fires, which are the most common type due to gas leaks or malfunctions.
How far should a grill be from the house to avoid insurance issues?
To avoid potential insurance issues, grills should be placed at least 10 feet away from the house to minimize the risk of fire damage.
According to insurance guidelines, is it safe to use a BBQ on a balcony?
Many insurance policies discourage using a BBQ on a balcony due to the increased risk of fire, and some may not cover damages caused by such practices.
What are three insurance considerations when using a grill?
- Ensure the grill is placed at a safe distance from your home.
- Keep fire extinguishing tools nearby to minimize potential claims.
- Verify your policy covers grill-related incidents.
Find out what property damage liability insurance is and what it covers in the event of an accident.
Does using a fire extinguisher on a grill affect insurance claims?
Using a fire extinguisher on a grill could save your property from extensive damage, which may reduce the severity of your insurance claim, but the grill may still need repair or replacement.
Can neighbors complain about barbecue-related insurance issues?
Neighbours can file complaints if smoke or accidents from a barbecue cause damage to their property, which may lead to an insurance claim.
What are the disadvantages of not having insurance for grill-related incidents?
Without insurance, you may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for property damage or liability claims caused by grill-related fires or accidents.
What are the side effects of grilling on your homeowner's insurance?
Grilling incidents can lead to increased premiums if you frequently file claims for property damage or accidents. Understand how much bodily injury liability coverage I need to stay financially secure.
What are the safety precautions for grilling to maintain insurance coverage?
Keep grills clean, place them away from structures, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby to prevent accidents and maintain compliance with insurance policies.
What are the common problems that occur with grilling and insurance claims?
Common issues include fires caused by grill flare-ups or malfunctioning equipment, leading to property damage and resulting in homeowners insurance claims.
How do I protect my outdoor grill from the weather to prevent insurance claims?
Using a grill cover and storing it in a sheltered area helps prevent weather damage, reducing the likelihood of filing insurance claims for property damage.
How do I know if my grill is safe to avoid insurance liability?
Check for gas leaks, rust, and other damages to ensure the grill is safe to use, which helps you avoid potential insurance liability for accidents. Discover what comprehensive insurance coverage entails and its benefits for your policy.
What kind of grill is best for the environment and may impact insurance premiums?
Electric and pellet grills are often more environmentally friendly and may lower the risk of fires, potentially influencing homeowners insurance premiums.
What are the benefits of using a charcoal grill in terms of insurance?
While charcoal grills offer great cooking benefits, they pose a higher fire risk, which could affect your homeowners insurance coverage or premiums.
What is the shelf life of BBQ charcoal, and how does it affect insurance coverage?
Charcoal can last indefinitely if stored properly. Moist charcoal, however, could pose a fire hazard, which may affect insurance claims if a fire occurs.
How often should you buy a new BBQ grill to stay covered by insurance?
Replace your BBQ grill every 5 to 15 years, depending on its condition. Old, damaged grills could increase the risk of fire and impact insurance coverage. Discover the best ways to safeguard your home to avoid a homeowners insurance claim and reduce risks.
How do I keep my stainless steel BBQ from rusting to avoid insurance claims?
Regular cleaning and rust prevention can help maintain your grill’s condition, reducing the risk of fire or damage that could lead to an insurance claim.
What is the best grade of stainless steel for a BBQ to ensure compliance with insurance safety guidelines?
304 stainless steel is the best grade for BBQs as it resists rust and corrosion, helping ensure safer use, which may positively impact your insurance policy.
How do you prolong the life of a grill to avoid unnecessary insurance claims?
Regular cleaning, covering your grill, and checking for damage can prolong its life, helping prevent fire hazards that could lead to insurance claims.
When should I replace my BBQ grill to avoid insurance risks?
Replace your BBQ grill when it shows rust, burner damage, or uneven heating to avoid fire risks, which could lead to insurance issues. Protecting your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Enter your ZIP code below into our free tool to find affordable homeowners insurance today.