Home warranties are keen to protect your assets. However, it is important to know that no warranty offers full coverage for every housing problem. Although the terms may differ from one to another, they are usually similar in a few ways. Here is what home warranties generally cover:
Main Coverage
The most basic protections that a home warranty offers are HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Their coverage includes service, repair, and replacements. However, most contracts do not provide full coverage for these three systems. Also, bear in mind that even though your home warranty covers repairs, it will not cover the damage caused by the problem.
For example, here are some things that may or may not be covered by your home warranty:
● The pipelines inside your house may be covered, but not the pipes for your garden sprinkles.
● Your leaking AC may get fixed for free, but not your sofa that gets mold caused by the water leaks.
Different companies also tend to have different policies about appliances. However, the main coverage includes refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers.
Extended Coverage
Besides the main coverage, companies will also offer you some additional items. They are mostly non-essential items that can be costly to repair or replace if you’re not prepared. Some examples of these items are:
● Roofs
● Garage doors
● Septic systems
● Well pumps
● Pools and hot tubs
● Electrical appliances
Unfortunately, not all companies are willing to cover these things. If you need such coverage, make sure to choose a company that is willing to cater to your preferences.
Excluded Coverage
Home warranties cannot cover structural items such as foundations, floorings, walls, windows, and doors. Claims are also impossible to get a repair for breakage caused by improper treatment, even if the items are in the contract list. The warranty usually only caters to normal wear-and-tear. Hence, don’t expect to get any free repairs if your kids hit your faucet until it breaks.
Pre-existing conditions will also not be covered. At the beginning of the contract, your house will get inspected by a professional to list all pre-existing conditions. You will also have to wait up to 30 days before the contract effectively starts. This rule is to prevent people from claiming insurance for pre-existing damages.
How Do Warranties Work?
Most home warranties offer a full year of coverage. You can extend it again every year. Every time you make a claim, the company will send an officer to inspect it as soon as possible. It takes around 3-5 business days for regular claims, and less than 24 hours for emergency problems. Reimbursement usually takes about 14 to 21 business days.
This kind of investment can be helpful in shielding you from unexpected cost of repairs. Houses with warranties are also easier to sell. People like to know that the property they buy is in prime condition and well-protected. As long as you understand what home warranties cover, you will benefit greatly from it.