You’ve heard that a Home warranty covers a variety of appliances, including plumbing, electrical systems, dishwashers, and dryers. Did you know that a home warranty doesn’t cover recalled products? Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage. This article will examine five things that nobody told you about home warranties.
Home warranty coverage.
While a typical home warranty covers all these items, you can find plans that cover specific items in the house. For example, a kitchen warranty typically covers built-in microwaves and garbage disposals, while a garage door opener and air conditioning units are sometimes covered. In addition, a home warranty covers plumbing, electrical systems, HVACs, refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers. Some plans even bundle whole-home systems and appliances for a lower premium than buying them separately. You can also get a basic home warranty plan that covers only appliances but doesn’t cover anything else. Finally, some plans have add-ons for specific appliances.
Providers like First American Home Warranty have service agents available around the clock, which will be critical when an appliance breaks down. In addition, some companies require an inspection before covering a part of the house. If you live in an older home, getting a recent inspection for covered items may be beneficial. Depending on the home warranty plan you purchase, you may be able to get replacement parts for certain appliances, but this will depend on how extensive your coverage is. If you are buying a home warranty, you should pay extra attention to the contract terms and how quickly they respond.
It doesn’t cover recalled products.
Home warranties do not cover recalled products, but they cover defects in the appliance or system causing it. Some exclusions apply to appliances used in commercial settings. If your appliance is covered under warranty, but it’s not recalled, you may be able to get a refund or free repair. However, recalled products can be hazardous. A home warranty does not cover faulty products, such as recalled microwaves and stoves.
It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.
While you can get warranty protection for a certain period, some plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions existed before the warranty protection period began, such as age or lack of maintenance. Be sure to read the fine print.
While most home inspections will highlight significant problems, some malfunctions may be so minor that they won’t be detected during a visual or mechanical test. These are called undetectable pre-existing conditions, and they aren’t covered when a home is sold or not going through a resale transaction. Therefore, before buying a home warranty, check the fine print carefully and make sure you understand all terms and conditions of your plan.
It doesn’t pay for repair services.
If your home requires repair services, you may not be able to obtain them from the warranty firm, even if the company has an agreement with a technician. It doesn’t pay for repair services performed by companies the warranty firm has a contract with. However, the homeowner can pay a service call fee similar to insurance deductibles. In addition, while many warranty providers don’t charge an overage fee for overdue repairs, some do.
Although most home warranty companies operate pretty, there are some bad apples in the industry. An excellent way to avoid being scammed is to read the fine print carefully and consider the benefits of a home warranty before signing up for one. You should also choose a plan covering multiple systems and appliances in your home without additional costs. The cost of these plans may be higher, but the peace of mind they provide is worth the extra expense.
