What's Covered in a Home Warranty?

What's covered in a home warranty?

Make sure you are aware of what's covered and what's not in your home warranty. (Photo courtesy of Eileen Fanning)

Date Published: May 09 2011

What's covered? Most home warranty companies offer a variety of plans, each providing different levels of coverage, so be sure to read the details of any contract before buying.

Even if you choose to renew the contract from year-to-year, double-check the details of your plan because coverage can change annually. Here is a general idea of what a homeowner can expect to find in each tier of service:

BASIC COVERAGE

Plumbing systems
Range/oven
Dishwasher
Garbage disposal
Exhaust fans
Sump pump
Water heater
Ceiling fans
Heating and electrical system components
Built-in microwave
Whirlpool tub

ENHANCED COVERAGE

A/C
Washer/dryer
Refrigerator
Garage door opener

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Pool
Spa
Well pump
Septic system
Standalone freezer
Central vacuum

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Home warranties

Year after year home warranty companies have topped the Angie's List most complained about category list, with nearly half of member reports in this category rating these companies unfavorably. The key behind this appears to be an expectations gap between the companies and their clients regarding what is covered and whether service calls on covered items are entirely free.

Comments

Permalink Submitted by Linda on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

I think you need more information to be able to help educate your membership. Also, I didn't like that when I opened your page AHS ad popped up! I have an article that was printed in the Orange County Assoc. of Realtors Magazine, if you are interested in a good overview of what a Home Warranty actually is!

Permalink Submitted by Celia on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

I feel that we are at the mercy of all these people with no recourse This includes Home Insurance Car Insurance and most warrantees!

Permalink Submitted by Judith on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

I suggest people look carefully at how many of the items are relevant to them. In basic coverage, only 3 of the items on the list, and two on the enhanced coverage. Seems pretty irrelevant to me, and likely not worth the $$.

Permalink Submitted by Nanelle on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

My checking account is debited $14 a month or $168 annually. This is supp0sed to cover my A/C. I recently had my A/C checked and it cost me an additional $234. I don't know what the $14 monthly covered!

Permalink Submitted by oscar on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

Very unhappy with AHS, they give you a hard time when you file a claim and they always replace your stuff with an inferior product,

Permalink Submitted by Chris Bond on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

Always ask if you need to do yearly maintenance.In hvac it's usually required.If you have the maintenance they have a hard time not upholding their warranty.Hvac requires home owners to provide maintenance for the year to cover compressors,I tell all my customers so there is no problem getting most things replaced.

Amrerican Residential Home Warrenty

Permalink Submitted by Pamela Givens on Thu, 2013-02-21 16:11

They're a farce, each time I've called them they explain my situation is not covered. The most recent work order was due to leaking wax rings between the toilette and the drain. The representative said fixtures are not covered just the piping of the plumbing. I then called the tech back that was at my home earlier and he explained it was not the fixture its the wax rings between the fixture and the drain which is a part of the piping and s/be covered. I asked the tech to call my warrenty company and explain his findings so they would honor his inspection and pay his fee, he agreed now I'm waiting for their response. After reading up on these so called warrenty companies I'm of the mind to cancel the company I just paid a 3 month term to. I used to sell term life insurance because I refused to sell whole life insurance as it's the biggest legal scam in the world! But after dealing with home warrenties I believe they're neck-n-neck if not worse. Truely frustrated!!!!!

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