Many people are reluctant to get a home warranty as they don’t know what’s covered in these contracts. What’s worse, some homeowners are worried they’ll somehow get scammed or that a provider won’t fulfill their obligations. And while this might be a bit farfetched, it’s still somewhat understandable.
Unlike home insurance, where a company provides monetary relief in case of fires, earthquakes, and other calamities, home warranties mainly cover appliance replacements and repairs. Although some people see warranties as an unnecessary expense, they can be incredibly valuable for major appliance breakdowns.
In this article, we’ll talk about the main systems and appliances that home warranties cover. Keep in mind these contracts are customizable, so you can usually choose what to include or exclude from the list.
- Roof
The roof is a big ticket for any homeowner. Unfortunately, this part of the house is barely covered by warranties. Providers aren’t responsible for replacement and will only fix minor damage and leaks.
Another major issue with roof coverage is that home warranty providers aren’t responsible for damage caused by leaks. In other words, while they might fix the problem on your roof, they don’t have to do anything about the damage caused to your asphalt, walls, and patio.
- HVAC
HVAC is one of the main reasons why people get home warranties. This system is completely covered by the provider, and they’re responsible for repairing any damage to your AC or heating. Furthermore, if the system is completely out of order, they need to replace it with a new one.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Most notably, you might not receive assistance if you haven’t done scheduled maintenance or did something else to endanger the system.
- Plumbing
Many people take warranties so they don’t have to think about leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues. The company representatives are responsible for fixing any minor damage to your pipes, although they’re not responsible for leaks caused by this damage.
Once again, you have some freedom to modify these plans. For example, if you have a septic tank on your property, you might include its maintenance.
- Electricity
There are some major differences in how home warranty companies tackle electric repairs. Most providers are willing to fix your basic components, such as fans, exhausts, and switches. On the other hand, wiring, security systems, video surveillance, and circuitry aren’t always covered and are often a point of contention between users and warranty providers.
- Appliances
Many homeowners take warranties so they don’t have to think about their expensive appliances. Unlike some other items on the list, you have a lot of leeway to modify your contract to include or exclude certain systems. For example, things such as pool equipment are rarely added to warranties, as only a handful of homeowners own pools.
Almost all home warranties cover things such as ovens, refrigerators, and garbage disposals. Washers and dryers, although they belong to this group, are a bit specific. So, if you wish to learn more about this topic, you can read an article for washer and dryer warranty policies here.
- Garage door
Homeowners should be very careful when it comes to garage door coverage. Although most of these plans include garage door openers, that doesn’t go for all the parts. Specifically, home warranties rarely include tracks and the door itself. Most plans also don’t include springs, remote controls, and hinges.
- Solar panels
Given that solar panels are attached to your home, providers commonly consider them a part of the house. So, similar to walls, roofs, and some other areas, a home warranty company isn’t responsible for replacements.
Most common exclusions
Here are the most common exclusions to home warranties:
- Structural damage and sections (windows, doors, walls, paint, foundation, solar panels).
- Damage caused by unprofessional installation.
- Specific parts and appliances that can only be repaired by the manufacturers.
- Using systems that can’t work together.
- Avoiding scheduled maintenance or neglecting certain appliances.
- Preexisting issues.
- Damage caused by other malfunctions.
Ideally, you should read the contract before signing anything. Keep in mind that every brand retains the right to alter sections of the contract, adding or removing specific coverage. In some cases, the lines are blurred between what can be fixed and what can be replaced. For example, while companies are liable for certain garage door parts, they can omit others.
Homeowners often buy warranties according to their specific needs. However, there’s always room for negotiation and alterations, so make sure to talk with company representatives regarding your plan.
