Before throwing away spoiled food due to AEP power outage, think about filing a claim

Micah Walker, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read

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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.

Power outage food safety: How long is food good in the fridge and freezer after a power outage?

AEP said via email that the company typically does not reimburse for perishable items lost during an outage, but customers are welcome to submit a claim for review.

People can file a claim online at aepclaims.com.

"When outages are caused by storms, under our approved terms and conditions of service, customers are not eligible to be reimbursed," the company said. "We recommend they check their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for any lost items."

Customers can also request an outage verification letter to request emergency food assistance from local food pantries and nonprofits by contacting AEP's call center at 800-672-2231.

People can seek additional information online at aepohio.com/assistance. 

Columbus-area residents who had to throw away spoiled food as a result of the recent power outages may be able to file a claim with AEP or their homeowner's insurance.
Columbus-area residents who had to throw away spoiled food as a result of the recent power outages may be able to file a claim with AEP or their homeowner's insurance.

In addition, the AEP website indicates other things 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

Columbus power outage: Power restored for most of Greater Columbus, but some still experiencing outages

Homeowners insurance can also cover spoiled food costs

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.

Micah Walker is the Dispatch trending reporter. Reach her at mwalker@dispatch.com or 740-251-7199. Follow her on Twitter @micah_walker701. 

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Greater Columbus residents can file claim for food lost during outage