What Does a Home Warranty Cover in 2024?

Understanding Home Warranty Coverage

A home warranty is essentially a service agreement that covers the repair or replacement costs of significant home systems and appliances. The purpose of a home warranty is to protect homeowners from unexpected expenses related to the breakdown or malfunction of these essential home components.

A home warranty offers peace of mind and financial relief. Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities, and unexpected repairs can be costly. With a home warranty, the stress of bearing the entire repair or replacement cost is alleviated.

There are several advantages to having home warranty coverage. Firstly, it offers convenience. When a covered item fails, all you need to do is contact your warranty provider, and they will coordinate with a qualified technician to assess and fix the problem. This saves you the hassle of hunting for a reliable repair professional.

Secondly, a home warranty can lead to substantial savings over time. Instead of paying for expensive repairs or replacements out of pocket, you only have to pay for the warranty and a service fee per claim. This could potentially save you a considerable amount.

Lastly, a home warranty can enhance the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are attracted to the added safety net and peace of mind a home warranty provides, making your property more appealing in a competitive real estate market.

At Sears Home Services, we offer comprehensive [home warranty coverage that includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, as well as appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Our team of skilled experts is constantly available to cater to your home repair needs. Our reliable service and comprehensive coverage allow you to enjoy the benefits of a home warranty without any worries.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty provides valuable coverage for a variety of systems and appliances in your home. Let's delve into the major systems and common appliances typically covered.

Major Systems Typically Covered by a Home Warranty

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) - This coverage typically includes your central heating system, air conditioning unit, and ductwork.
• Electrical - Coverage often includes your main electrical panel, wiring, and outlets.
• Plumbing - From your pipes to your water heater, a home warranty can help shoulder the cost of repairs or replacements.
• Garage door opener - If your garage door opener fails, a home warranty can cover repair or replacement costs.

Common Appliances Often Covered by a Home Warranty

• Refrigerator - Whether it's a mechanical issue or a faulty compressor, a home warranty can assist with repairs or replacement for your fridge. For the best home warranty plans, 2 refrigerators are covered.
• Dishwasher - From leaks to motor failures, a home warranty can provide peace of mind for your dishwasher.
• Oven/Range/Cooktop - If your oven isn't heating correctly or your cooktop burners are failing, a home warranty can aid with repairs or replacement.
• Washer and dryer - Whether it's a noisy washer or a dryer that won't heat, a home warranty can help shoulder the cost of repairs or replacement.

Examples of Common Repairs or Replacements Covered

Many home owners face these common repair or replacements that a home warranty typically covers.

• Air conditioner compressor replacement
• Plumbing pipe leaks
• Bad faucets
• Electrical panel repairs
• Refrigerator compressor replacement
• Dishwasher motor repairs
• Oven heating element replacement
• Washer or dryer motor repairs

It's essential to remember that specific coverage and limitations may vary depending on the terms of your home warranty policy. Always review the contract and understand what your coverage includes.

What Does a Home Warranty Not Cover?

When considering a home warranty, it's vital to understand what items are typically not covered, as well as any exclusions due to pre-existing conditions and limitations on coverage and service fees.

While home warranties are designed to cover unexpected breakdowns of major systems and appliances, certain items are typically excluded from coverage.

Items generally not covered by a home warranty may include:

• Pre-existing conditions: If a system or appliance already has a known issue or shows signs of a problem before purchasing a home warranty, it will likely be excluded from coverage.
• Outdoor items: Features like sprinkler systems, outdoor kitchens, and swimming pools are often not covered by a home warranty. However, some home warranty providers offer optional add-ons for these features.
• Structural components: Home warranties typically focus on systems and appliances, so structural elements such as the foundation, walls, and roof may not be included.
• Non-mechanical items: Cosmetic damages, like scratches or dents, are usually not covered.
• Improper maintenance: If an issue arises due to improper maintenance or neglect, it may not be covered by the warranty.

Exclusions due to pre-existing conditions are common in home warranties. Reading the terms and conditions thoroughly is crucial to understand what constitutes a pre-existing condition and what's excluded from coverage.

Also, most home warranties have limitations on coverage and service fees. Coverage limits may apply to individual items or categories, and service fees may be required for each service call or repair visit.

By understanding these exclusions, limitations, and fees, you can make informed decisions and ensure your home warranty provides the right coverage for your needs.

How to File a Claim

The process to file a claim with a home warranty provider is typically straightforward and hassle-free. Here are the steps involved:

1. Initiate a claim: The first step is to contact your home warranty provider and inform them about the issue. This can usually be done through their customer service hotline or online portal. Be ready to provide details about the problem and your contract information.
2. Required documentation: To submit your claim, you may need to provide certain documentation. This can include your home warranty contract, proof of purchase, and any supporting documentation related to the issue. Having these documents on hand can speed up the claim process.
3. Claim resolution process: Once you've initiated the claim and submitted the necessary documentation, the home warranty provider will review your case. They will typically send a service technician to assess the problem or request additional information. Once the issue has been evaluated, the provider will determine if it falls within your home warranty's coverage.

If your claim is approved, the home warranty provider will arrange for the necessary repairs or replacements. You may have to pay a service fee, depending on your contract terms.

If your claim is denied, the provider will provide an explanation for their decision.

It's important to review your home warranty contract to understand the specific terms and conditions related to claim filing. Each provider may have slight variations in their processes, so it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined by your specific home warranty provider.

Additional Coverage Options

A home warranty is a smart investment for protecting your home and its valuable systems and appliances. However, you can enhance your coverage with optional add-ons and upgrades. Let's explore these additional coverage options.

If you want broader coverage beyond the standard home warranty, optional add-ons are the perfect solution. These add-ons offer protection for specific items not typically included in a basic warranty. For example, you may choose to add coverage for your swimming pool, spa, or well pump. By customizing your plan with these optional add-ons, you can ensure all aspects of your home are protected.

Additionally, if your home has specialized systems or high-value items, upgrading your coverage is a smart choice. Specialized systems such as HVAC units, central vacuum systems, or even built-in appliances may require additional coverage due to their complexity and higher repair costs. By upgrading your plan, you can rest easy knowing these crucial systems are fully protected.

It's important to factor in the cost of additional coverage when selecting your home warranty. While these optional add-ons and upgrades provide enhanced protection, they may come at an additional cost. However, when you weigh the potential repair or replacement expenses of these specialized systems or high-value items, the cost of additional coverage often proves to be a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the Right Home Warranty

A home warranty can provide valuable peace of mind in protecting your home and appliances. But with numerous providers and plans available, how do you choose the right one? Here are some factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:

• First, consider your specific needs. Are you looking to cover major appliances, systems like heating and cooling, or both? Understanding what you want to protect will help you narrow down your options.
• Next, compare the coverage and limitations of different home warranty plans. Ensure the plan you choose covers the most crucial items in your home and includes services you may need, such as emergency repairs or replacements.
• Look at additional perks and discounts provided by the plan. Some plans provide preventive maintenance and discounted repair for uncovered failures.
• Additionally, consider the reputation of the home warranty provider. Look at customer reviews and satisfaction ratings to gauge their claims handling and customer service. A reliable and reputable provider will instill confidence in their ability to support you when you need it most.

At Sears Home Services, we offer comprehensive home warranty plans that cover a wide range of appliances and systems. Our plans are designed to provide peace of mind and protect your budget from unexpected repair costs. With a 24/7 claims hotline and a network of trusted service technicians, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Find more information about our Sears Protect plan on our Home Warranty page.