A home warranty is different from homeowners insurance, and it can help pay for those unexpected things that may come up after the purchase of a home. A home warranty can be a great way to help defray unexpected costs and protect your new investment as a homeowner. But it’s important to clearly understand a home warranty’s function and what it typically covers. Use this guide to help you understand the scope of a home warranty.
1. Washer, Dryer, And Fridge
Even though home warranties provide some coverage for household appliances, washers, dryers, and refrigerators are often excluded from standard home warranty contracts. Read the fine print and make sure these appliances are part of your warranty if you have concerns about them giving out. In most cases, you can add enhanced coverage to include these appliances if they aren’t part of your standard home warranty.
2. HVAC System
Although home warranties are a type of system insurance, central air conditioning and heating units aren’t always part of standard warranties. It is becoming more common to include these systems, but make sure you are on the safe side. Also, watch out for secondary AC or heating units. Even if your home warranty covers the main HVAC system, secondary units are almost always excluded.
3. Windows, Walls, And Doors
Because home warranties apply to systems and appliances, structural problems aren’t usually covered. Some contracts may allow for repairs to windows that threaten the integrity of the rest of your home, but window and door issues usually fall under homeowners insurance.
4. Roof Leaks
When unwanted water comes into your home, it seems like something that should be covered under your home warranty’s plumbing portion. However, leaks from roof problems aren’t usually related to the plumbing and are therefore considered structural—not systemic—issues. The good news is that even though this might not be covered under your home warranty, it should be included in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
5. Hot Tubs And Pools
Like outdoor sprinkler systems, hot tubs, spas, and pools are not usually included in home warranties. However, you may be able to find a provider that will let you add on extra coverage to address typical wear-and-tear issues that arise on these fun home amenities.
6. Septic Systems
This can be a big shock, especially because toilets and plumbing are usually standard for a home warranty. Once again, we’re dealing with technically outside-the-home systems, which makes septic tanks and systems common exclusions for home warranties. If your home uses a septic system, be sure it’s included as part of any home warranty you accept or purchase.
7. Your Preferred Service Provider
A home warranty can help you defray the costs of plumbing repairs or a stove replacement, but not all policies allow you to choose your favorite contractor or plumber. If you want control over who does work in your home, verify that you can select your own service provider under your home warranty terms.
