Home Warranty Coverage: Key Points to Note

What would you do if a major appliance in your home stopped working unexpectedly? You would call a technician, right? However, dealing with repair costs is stressful. In such situations, home warranty coverage can be a lifesaver. With a home warranty, you are covered and shielded against costly repairs when things go wrong.

Whether it’s a malfunctioning HVAC unit or a broken dishwasher, a home warranty helps protect your budget from unexpected repair expenses. In this blog, we’ll break down the coverage home warranty offers. By understanding what’s included, you can make informed decisions to safeguard both your home and your finances.

Understanding Home Warranty: How It Works

A home warranty offers protection to home appliances when they fail due to everyday wear and tear. Appliances like your heating system, AC, refrigerator, and washer will inevitably face issues over time. A home warranty makes things easier by helping you manage repairs and costs.

When one of your home’s systems or appliances stops working, you just need to file a claim. Your warranty service provider will send a technician to diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly. Home warranty coverage takes care of repair or replacement expenses. It typically comes with a set fixed term, monthly or yearly, and many plans automatically renew for continued coverage.

Appliances Included in Home Warranty Coverage

Most plans cover those everyday appliances you can’t live without, like your HVAC systems, refrigerator, oven, built-in microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer. These appliances can be a real hassle if there is a breakdown, and it costs a lot to repair or replace. A home appliance warranty provides relief as all the headaches of repair and finance are taken care of by the service provider.

Choosing the right home warranty coverage starts with understanding your needs. Whether you’re focused on systems, appliances, or both, there’s a plan to match. Let’s explore the various types of coverage plans to help you decide what works best for your home.

System-Only Plans

If you’re focused on protecting essential home systems, a system-only plan might be your best choice. These plans typically cover major home systems, including:

- HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Water heaters
- Ductwork

Appliance-Only Plans

Homeowners who prioritize appliances might find appliance-only plans more fitting. Think of it as a safety net for your home’s workhorses. These plans offer coverage for everyday essentials like:

- Ovens, ranges, and cooktops.
- Dishwashers.
- Washers and dryers.
- Built-in microwaves.
- Garbage disposals and garage door openers.

Combination Plans

Want everything under one plan? Combination plans bring together the best of both worlds, safeguarding your systems and appliances. The higher the tier, the broader the coverage you receive.

Plus, if you have unique needs, you can add coverage for extras like pools or roof leaks, making your plan work for you.

Custom Add-ons or Extended Coverage

That’s not just all! You can customize your home warranty coverage with optional add-ons designed to protect the extra appliances that matter to you. From pools to additional HVAC systems, these custom features provide flexibility and extra peace of mind. Popular options include:

Additional Coverage Options on Custom Plan:

- - Garage door openers
  - Trash compactors
  - Ceiling fans
  - Pools and spas
  - Well pumps
  - Sump pumps
  - Septic systems
  - Additional refrigerator
  - Second HVAC units

Finding the Best Home Warranty: A Quick Guide

Your home is a valuable investment, so your plan should provide effective coverage while keeping your expenses under control. With careful research and consideration, you can make the best choice for your home.

Here’s how to identify the best home appliance warranty plan step by step:

1. Make a List of Items You Want Covered: Write down the appliances and systems you want your home warranty plan to include.
2. Ask for Recommendations from Friends and Neighbors: Talk to people you trust about their home warranty experiences and the providers they recommend.
3. Compare Different Home Warranty Providers: Evaluate multiple companies, focusing on reputation, customer reviews, and service quality, not just the price.
4. Review the Details of Plans and Pricing: Understand what each plan offers, including coverage limits, exclusions, and costs, to find the right balance of value.
5. Speak Directly to Home Warranty Providers: Contact companies to ask questions, clarify details, and get a clearer understanding of their offerings.

How to Find out What Exactly Your Home Warranty Offers?

To know exactly what is covered under your warranty, you need to check the service provider’s contract. The agreement document clearly defines what is covered, what is excluded, and any optional coverage that may be available. In short, it lists the following:

- - Covered home systems and appliances
  - Exclusions
  - Coverage limits
  - Time period (after which the plan needs to be renewed)
  - Service fees
  - When coverage begins
  - Additional coverage

How soon can you File a Claim?

Home appliance warranty becomes effective 30 days after payment and remains valid for one year, after which you’ll need to renew. The waiting period ensures providers can verify your home’s condition and safeguard against fraudulent repair claims.

The Claim Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Understand Your Home Warranty Plan

Before filing a claim, take a moment to review your home warranty coverage and check limits and exclusions. Identify the broken appliance or system and collect important details, including the model and age.

Step 2: Check Service Fees & Coverage Limits

Make sure to understand your service fees and coverage limits. This will help you determine whether filing a claim is financially worthwhile based on the cost of the service call and what’s covered.

Step 3: Request a Service Call

Once you’ve decided to file a claim, request a service call through your provider. A qualified technician will be assigned to assess the issue and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.

Step 4: Pay Your Service Fee

You need to pay the technician a service fee once the appliance is fixed. Home warranty pricing typically covers monthly premiums, repair service fees, and optional charges for extending coverage to extra appliances or systems. The service fee is paid according to your provider’s payment procedure, either online or directly to the professional.

What to Keep in Mind While Buying a Home Warranty

While home warranty plans cover the cost of repairs or replacements for major systems or appliances, they don’t cover everything. Each provider’s contract has some exclusions, such as issues caused by human error, lack of maintenance, or natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.

Moreover, home warranties typically exclude regular maintenance, as well as issues caused by pre-existing conditions, improper installation, or modifications.

The Takeaway: Bringing It All Together

You have likely realized how a home warranty plays a key role in keeping your home protected year-round. It offers you financial security by covering repairs or replacements for essential systems and appliances affected by normal wear and tear.

However, reviewing coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process is key to making an informed choice. If you are seeking a reliable plan to fit your needs, Select Home Warranty Coverage is your answer. Our plans are designed to bring you convenience, savings, and, most importantly, stress-free living.