A Home Insurance Policy

A Home Insurance Policy

What Home Warranty Basics Can Cover Throughout Your Home

by Isabella Brooks

Having a home warranty isn't the same as having homeowners insurance. While the latter protects your home against theft and most natural disasters, the former provides coverage for the major items you use in your home every day. These items include home appliances that, if they break down or face other issues, could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix or replace.

Think of your home warranty as a safeguard against expensive repairs that could leave a hole in your home budget. Knowing what your home warranty covers is essential if you want to get the most out of your coverage. The following highlights some of the basic and additional items commonly covered under a typical home warranty.

Home Appliances

A home warranty usually covers appliances you regularly use throughout your kitchen, including your cooktop, oven, and refrigerator. Most warranties also include kitchen cleaning appliances, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, and trash compactors. Your washer and dryer may also be covered under your standard home warranty.

Although a typical home warranty covers the majority of your home's kitchen and washing appliances, there are exceptions to consider. While your home warranty covers your built-in microwave, for example, it may not cover a standalone microwave. Certain types and models of home appliances may also be excluded, depending on your warranty.

Heating and Cooling Equipment

You can also count on your home warranty to cover the appliances that help keep your home comfortable year-round. Not only does a typical home warranty cover central air conditioning systems and furnaces, but it may also cover the ductwork along with any ceiling fans and exhaust fans used in your home. HVAC systems tend to be the most expensive equipment to replace in a home, so it makes sense to have these items covered under your home warranty.

Your home warranty may also cover certain electrical equipment in your home, including circuit breaker panels, light switches and electrical wiring.

Plumbing and Septic Systems

A home warranty may also cover various portions of your home's plumbing system. If you have a severe plumbing stoppage due to a clogged drain line or have problems with your toilet, you may be able to have these items repaired or replaced using your home warranty coverage. Your home warranty may also cover your water heater as well as any sump pumps or circulating pumps use to keep water out of your home.

Some home warranty plans also cover septic system equipment, including septic tanks and effluent pumps, although this isn't common. As with any other type of warranty, it's important to read the fine print to find out what's exactly covered under your home warranty.

Pool and Spa Equipment

If you plan on relaxing by the poolside this summer, then you'll want your swimming pool to be in peak condition. Most home warranties will cover any repairs that need to be made to your pool and spa equipment due to a sudden breakdown or ongoing defect. It won't cover any repairs that result from neglect, however, so you'll need to keep up with your pool's maintenance.

Remember that some home warranty plans will offer pool and spa coverage as an add-on to your regular coverage. If you don't see anything mentioning pool or spa equipment on your standard home warranty, you may need to ask for additional coverage.

Additional Appliances

A second freezer or refrigerator can come in handy for storing extra food long-term. If you have an additional freezer or refrigerator in your home, you may be able to cover it under your home warranty. Most warranties offer additional coverage for second appliances.

To learn more about what is and isn't covered in your home warranty, contact services such as America's Preferred Home Warranty.


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A Home Insurance Policy

Owning a home insurance policy is extremely wise. Updating this important policy when your circumstances change is also smart. For instance, people typically need to increase the amount of their home insurance policies when they build an addition onto their homes. If you’ve recently bought an expensive piece of jewelry or art, you might also wish to alter your home insurance coverage to reflect this purchase. If the location you live in has experienced multiple floods in the last few years, you might want to invest in flood insurance for your home. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to determine the amount and types of home insurance coverage you need to obtain in order to protect your house and belongings. Enjoy!

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