Is DIY lighting covered by insurance?

[Myka]

I'm in the process of planning a new canopy for my tank. I'm wondering if my house burns down, and it's blamed on the lighting on the tank if my DIY procedures will null the insurance. Maybe I should get a "professional" to wire it? I know I could just phone the company, and they will probably say it's null if i do it, but what do you guys think?

[robert]

This is good point. Tagging along.

[globaldesigns]

My wife is an adjuster for State Farm... I just asked her and she stated that "INSURANCE COVERS STUPIDITY", so basically Yes... your insurance should not be void.

However she suggested to phone your insurance company because some are scrupulous... Better to be safe than sorry with a phone call.

[StirCrazy]

as long as all the componants are csa and being used as intended should be no problem. but phone them and ask.

Steve

[fkshiu]

I agree. As long as all of your components are CSA-certified then your own handy work should be covered. If you want to be really anal about it. Have an electrician have a quick look and "OK" it for you and/or take pics of everything so if something does go wrong you have a record of it all.

BTW, you should have pictures (and receipts) of all of your valuable items for insurance purposes in any event.

[mark]

sort of good that your considering the what if, but if I was thinking my build might cause my house to burn down doubt I'd go ahead with it.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by mark

sort of good that your considering the what if, but if I was thinking my build might cause my house to burn down doubt I'd go ahead with it.

I didn't think about it that way, very valid point. If you DIY, then maybe as stated prior, have a licensed electrician look it over.

[muck]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

My wife is an adjuster for State Farm... I just asked her and she stated that "INSURANCE COVERS STUPIDITY", so basically Yes... your insurance should not be void.

That is fantastic news!! I'm with State Farm.
Be right back guys... gonna try something Ive always wanted to do.

[Keri]

Really? Our insurance company (wawanesa I think) has pretty much stated that Any "accident" caused by a pet or it's equipment will void the insurance

I do really hope that's not true because we have a LOT of pets...

[Myka]

Ok thanks guys! I didn't think it would be covered at all. I have to call and add the tank to the insurance anyway so I will confirm then. I'm always freaked out about fires because I'm paranoid about my dog getting hurt. If it was my house (my bf owns it) I would install a couple fire sprinklers above the tank.

PS I'm not worried about my DIY skills. I wouldn't do anything I wasn't comfortable with, and lighting is very basic when you buy the retrofit kits anyway.