Your in-depth Home Warranty Guide

    Owning your own home: It’s always been considered an essential part of the American dream. That’s because with home ownership comes freedom. No longer are you paying for the privilege to occupy someone else’s property; instead, you’re the master of your domain. And independence isn’t the only advantage. Feel like switching out a ceiling fan or knocking down a wall? It’s your property, so go right ahead. And that’s to say nothing of the improved privacy that comes from not sharing a building with a bunch of other tenants. But perhaps the most attractive aspect of homeownership is the financial advantage — as a homeowner you can deduct a portion of your interest expenses from your federal taxable income, and as the value of your property increases, your equity grows right along with it.

    But there’s also a downside: responsibility.

    What do you do if your air conditioning cuts out in mid July? What happens if your garage door stops working when you need to get to work? Who do you turn to if your dishwasher won’t drain, or your garbage disposal gets jammed? Renters can often turn to their property managers to deal with these kinds of problems. Homeowners, on the other hand, have only themselves. And it’s estimated that the average homeowner ends up spending thousands of dollars on repair and maintenance every year.

    This is where a reliable, effective home warranty plan becomes essential.

    home warranty real-state agent

    To jump to a specific section, click on any of the topics below:

    In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of home warranties — what they cover, what they cost, what advantages they provide, and everything in between.

    What Is a Home Warranty?

    First, let’s start with the basics: What is a home warranty?

    A home warranty is a service contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company. The contract covers repair and replacement costs on major home systems and appliances in the event of breakdowns associated with normal wear and tear. The contract generally lasts for a period of one year.

    In other words, a home warranty acts as a homeowner’s safety net. When important components stop working properly or fail outright, the homeowner can simply contact their home warranty company, and the company will take care of the problem. It’s fast, simple, and effective.

    But wait, covering repairs and maintenance — isn’t that what homeowners insurance and manufacturer warranties are for?

    Not exactly. Although there are some similarities between home warranties, home insurance, and manufacturer warranties, the truth is that each is different, and each provides a unique form of home protection. Let’s take a moment to look at the key differences:

    1. Homeowners insurance

      A home insurance policy is designed to cover accidental damage to your property and possessions, as a result of theft, fire, natural disasters, etc. Homeowners insurance is mandatory, meaning that banks won’t issue a mortgage or allow a buyer to close on a home unless he or she can provide proof of coverage. The four main areas of coverage are interior, exterior, personal property, and general liability, but homeowners insurance does not cover issues related to natural wear and tear. That means that if one of your essential home systems or appliances simply stops working, then your policy probably isn’t going to cover it.

    2. Manufacturer warranty

      Where homeowners insurance falls short, sometimes manufacturer warranties can pick up the slack. Manufacturer warranties offer maintenance, repair, and replacement services on specific home systems or appliances. The original equipment manufacturer will generally guarantee the use life of their products, and should the product or system fail, the manufacturer will take responsibility to fix or replace the item.

      That said, manufacturer warranties do have some fairly serious limitations; these warranties usually only apply to the original purchase made by the original owner. So if you purchase a home and inherit used systems or appliances, and those systems or appliances fail, don’t count on the manufacturer warranty to take care of the problem. Also, it’s worth noting that even if you buy a new house, manufacturer warranties seldom remain in effect longer than 12 months from the purchase date. Finally, a manufacturer warranty may cover the cost of the parts, but may not cover the labor involved.

    3. Home warranty

      Unlike homeowners insurance, a home warranty is not mandatory when purchasing a home. The main purpose of a home warranty is to offer coverage for the items that homeowners insurance overlooks — key items, appliances, and home systems that inevitably end up needing to be repaired or replaced over time. This is not limited to new items; which items or systems are covered depends upon the specific warranty plan.

    How Do Home Warranties Work?

    Alright. We’ve established what a home warranty is and what it is not, but how exactly does a home warranty work?

    Well, traditionally, the process follows this pattern:

    1. When a covered system or appliance fails, the homeowner contacts their home warranty company to request service.
    2. The home warranty company contacts a professional repair expert in the homeowner’s local area.
    3. The repair expert contacts the homeowner to set up an appointment with the homeowner.
    4. The repair expert fixes the problem. If the covered item cannot be fixed, the home warranty company pays for the replacement and installation of a replacement item.
    5. A small trade service call fee (agreed upon at the time of sign up) is charged to the homeowner.
    6. The home warranty company follows up with the homeowner to ensure that they are satisfied with the service.
    Home service club warranty

    Some home warranty companies offer 24-hour assistance, so you can expect to be able to get your issue resolved within a matter of days, or even hours. This becomes especially important when the problem involves vital home systems. After all, you don’t want to have to wait overly long to get a water heater or central heating system fixed in the middle of winter.

    Of course, that’s only just scratching the surface. There are a number of reasons to invest in a home warranty beyond just getting a fast resolution to issues with important appliances and home systems. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages.

    Benefits of Having a Home Warranty

    No one wants to have to empty out their savings account or max out their credit cards just to pay for an unexpected home repair. Having a home warranty adds an extra layer of financial protection — a buffer — so that when vital systems and appliances inevitably break, you won’t have to break the bank to get them fixed. But home warranty benefits go further than that; they protect not only homebuyers and homeowners, but also provide a valuable service for sellers, listing agents, and buyer’s agents as well. Here’s how:

    1. Home warranty benefits for homeowners

      At its most basic, an effective home warranty provides peace of mind to homeowners. It helps protect limited budgets from unexpected repair costs, and gives homeowners a convenient and time saving way to locate qualified repair specialists. And, with 24/7 service and no limit to the number of service calls that can be made, the best home warranty plans are always available when you need them. Additionally, new homeowners who may not be as familiar with their home systems or maintenance history can enjoy the reassurance that comes from knowing that, should something fail, the home warranty company will fix the problem. And for those who have just spent a sizable amount of money on closing costs, it’s nice to not have to pay out of pocket for any repairs that might crop up.

    2. Home warranty benefits for sellers

      When you place a house on the market, it needs to be at its best. As such, when systems or appliances unexpectedly fail, your home’s market value can suffer. Sellers who invest in a home warranty plan during the listing period can ensure that their property is always in good working condition. Likewise, a home warranty helps prevent awkward and potentially costly situations where a sale has to be postponed or canceled due to a failed system or appliance. With the right home warranty plan, sellers can stand behind their properties with confidence, and can expect potential buyers to have the same confidence when the time comes to submit offers.

    3. Home warranty benefits for listing agents

      Home warranties aren’t just for buyers and sellers; listing agents can also benefit from purchasing a home warranty plan for a seller’s property. After all, the listing agent represents the current owner in the home-sale process, and is responsible for ensuring the best outcome for the seller. By investing in a home warranty, listing agents add an appealing selling point to the home’s listing — potentially leading to faster sales and better offers. And by offering home warranties as part of their standard listing package, listing agents demonstrate their commitment to their clients. Finally, most home warranty companies will provide free listing coverage when a real estate agent lists a home that is covered by a home warranty.

    4. Home warranty benefits for buyer’s agents

      Buyer’s agents are responsible for guiding home buyers through the complexities of the transaction process, answering any questions or concerns they might have along the way. Unfortunately, there are a lot of potential concerns associated with buying a home. Buyer’s agents can alleviate a lot of those concerns and increase buyer confidence by investing in a home warranty for the purchased property. A home warranty will reassure buyers that, should there be any system or appliance problems with their new home, the issues will be resolved quickly and inexpensively. This also helps avoid the legal minefield of post-sale liability; if something stops working, homeowners contact their home warranty company rather than having to get the sellers involved.

    OK, so a home warranty offers some fairly significant benefits for buyers, sellers, and agents on both sides. Next, we’ll take a closer look at some of the expenses associated with home warranties.

    Home Warranty Costs

    How much does a home warranty cost? It’s an important question, and one that goes hand in hand with the big question “Are home warranties worth it?” After all, if you’re annually paying more for a home warranty than you would be paying for repairs, then what would be the point of investing in one?

    Thankfully, home warranty coverage is not prohibitively expensive, especially when compared to repair and replacement costs. For example, repairing a broken HVAC system can cost over a thousand dollars, and replacing such a system can easily cost more than $10,000. Likewise, plumbing repairs can cost hundreds of dollars per hour in service and parts. A typical kitchen appliance repair costs between $1000 and $2000. And if you’re unlucky enough to need several such repairs in a short space of time, those costs can really add up fast.

    Air Conditioner

    Standard Coverage

    $450 - $650 per year

    Appliance

    Expanded Coverage

    Additional $100 - $500 per year

    Additional $100 - $500 per year

    So, what does home warranty coverage cost? Usually, significantly less. Every home warranty company is different, of course, and will charge different rates for different warranty options. That said, the average cost of a basic one-year home warranty plan ranges from about $450 – $650 per year. Expanded coverage plans may add an additional $100 – $500 to that cost. Additionally, home warranty companies also charge a small service fee per repair job, usually $75 – $95.

    Essentially, all it takes is one or two medium-level repair jobs, and the home warranty generally pays for itself.

    That said, it’s important to know what components are eligible for coverage before you invest in a home warranty.

    What Do Home Warranty Plans Cover?

    Just as the cost of a home warranty can vary from plan to plan and provider to provider, the items and systems covered by these plans may not always be the same. This is why it’s always important to review your coverage before you commit to a specific home warranty. That said, most basic home warranties will cover a range of items, including built-in appliances, as well as plumbing and electrical systems.

    • Refrigerators

      Refrigerators

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air refrigerator is $412 – $1,151

      There are few appliances that create as much panic as a broken refrigerator. That’s because once the fridge stops working, every perishable item inside it becomes a ticking time bomb, counting down the seconds to spoilage, unbearable odors, and more. And getting a refrigerator up and running again can be really expensive.
      Protect your food, your home, and your wallet, with a reliable home warranty for your refrigerator.
      The Home Service Club offers extensive refrigerator coverage for repair or replacement of most refrigerators, refrigerator components, and systems, including:

      • Top freezer refrigerators
      • Bottom freezer refrigerators
      • Side-by-side refrigerators
      • Built-in refrigerators
      • Components and parts that malfunction due to normal wear and tear
      • Electrical and mechanical systems

      Keep your kitchen’s most important appliance safe. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your refrigerator components and systems, so you won’t have to worry about what happens when tuna casserole goes bad.

    • Air Conditioner

      Air Conditioner

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air conditioner is $437 – $4,233

      When the days get longer and the temperatures start to climb, home air conditioning becomes more than a luxury. Without the ability to stay cool when it gets hot, a home can start to feel like an oven. Unfortunately, when these systems break down, they can really turn up the heat on your finances. Air conditioning is a necessity, and having a dependable air conditioner warranty is absolutely vital.

      The Home Service Club offers extensive air conditioner coverage for repair or replacement of most AC components, including:

      • Forced air ducted split-system air conditioner units
      • Forced air ducted package-system air conditioner units
      • Forced air ducted package-system heat pumps
      • Ductless mini-splits
      • Swamp coolers
      • Geothermal systems
      • Wall air conditioners
      • Forced air ducted split-system heat pumps

      Don’t suffer through the heat. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your air conditioner when the cool air stops coming.

    • Heating Systems

      Heating Systems

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Heating Systems is $482 – $3,029

      A malfunctioning furnace is more than just an annoyance; it’s a potential health threat. When snow is piling up and the temperature is plummeting, you need a warm, safe place to shelter you from the cold. And when your home heating system breaks down, taking a lot of time hunting for repair experts and scheduling appointments may not be an option. And don’t forget about the cost.

      Keep your home and your family safe and warm, with a Home Service Club warranty for your heating system.

      The Home Service Club offers heating system coverage for repair or replacement of most heating systems components, including:

      • Forced air furnaces (gas, electric)
      • Heat Pumps; Geothermal
      • Wall mounted heaters
      • Floor furnaces
      • Package units (gas, electric)
      • Mini-splits
      • Boilers / Hot water or steam circulating heat
      • Room heaters
      • Oil heating system (if main source of heat to the home)
      • Cable heat (if main source of heat to the home or room)

      With the right home warranty solution, you’ll never have to worry about losing heat when you need it most. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your heating system when inevitable breakdowns occur.

    • washing machine

      Washing Machines

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Washing Machines is $282 – $544

      Back before washing machines, homeowners had to spend tedious hours painstakingly beating, scrubbing, and stirring their clothes to get them clean. And when your washing machine breaks, you might find yourself in a similar situation. Unfortunately, most washing machines require numerous repairs throughout their lifespan. And in addition to the inconvenience of having to use a washboard on your laundry day, it can also cost you quite a bit in repairs.

      Washing clothes by hand is a pain; paying out of pocket for washer repairs is even more so. A home warranty can ensure that you never have to do either.

      The Home Service Club offers complete coverage for repair or replacement of most washing machines and components, including:

      • Front load washer
      • Top load washer
      • High efficiency unit
      • Laundry center
      • Washer dryer combo unit
      • Stackable washer

      Don’t throw away one of the biggest conveniences of modern life. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your washing machine, so that you’ll never have to figure out how to get grass stains out with a washboard.

    • Dishwasher

      Dishwashers

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Dishwashers is $148 – $440

      Cleaner dishes and no dishpan hands — there’s just no denying the benefits of owning a dishwasher. But when that dishwasher stops working the way it’s supposed to, all those benefits go down the drain. And paying to have a dishwasher repaired isn’t exactly dirt cheap, either.

      When you’re stuck at the sink up to your elbows in greasy water and soap suds, that’s when having home warranty coverage really cleans up.

      The Home Service Club offers complete coverage for repair or replacement of most dishwashers. This coverage includes:

      • Repair or replacement of components and parts that malfunction due to normal wear and tear
      • Electrical and mechanical breakdowns

      Don’t end up all wet. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your dishwasher and related systems. As for putting the dishes away? That’s still your responsibility

    • plumbing stoppage

      Plumbing Stoppage

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Plumbing Stoppage is $395 – $750

      The pipes in your home carry away waste and unclean water so you can enjoy your life without feeling like you’re living in an indoor swamp. But pipes don’t always flow as smoothly as they’re supposed to, and when waste or drain lines get backed up, things can get really bad, really fast. When that happens, the inability to use your in-door plumbing may be the least of your worries; water from a backed up pipe can cause extensive home damage, and paying for repairs can be just as messy.

      When the drain stops draining, the toilet level rises, and the shower becomes an uninviting bath, an effective home warranty solution can help you keep your head above water.

      The Home Service Club offers coverage for dealing with unexpected plumbing stoppages. This coverage includes:

      • Clearing of sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet stoppages
      • Clearing of mainline drain and sewer stoppages up to 100 feet from access point
      • Clearing of lateral drain line stoppages up to 100 feet from access point including accessible cleanout, p-trap, drain or overflow access points

      Your plumbing may be the most important part of your home that you never think about. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement costs associated with plumbing stoppages, so everything can keep flowing the way it’s supposed to.

    • Garbage Disposal

      Garbage Disposal

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Garbage Disposal is $85 – $236

      What do you get when you combine drainage pipes, food waste, electric motors, and spinning metal blades? Possibly the most convenient kitchen appliance since the dishwasher. That’s because garbage disposals can streamline the cleanup process, saving you time, money, and the stink that comes from dumping food scraps into the kitchen trash bin. Unfortunately, when garbage disposals stop working, they can also be a big headache — and a big expense.

      A broken garbage disposal can cause waste back-up, water leaks, bad odors, and plenty of inconvenience. An effective home warranty is the solution.

      The Home Service Club offers complete coverage for repair or replacement of most garbage disposals and components. This coverage includes:

      • Repair or replacement of components and parts that malfunction due to normal wear and tear
      • Electrical and mechanical breakdowns

      When it comes to your garbage disposal, you really shouldn’t take any chances. The Home Service Club will pay for covered diagnosis, repair, or replacement of your garbage disposal when malfunctions occur. Now you can have your cake, and dump it down the sink too!

    • Ovens Ranges Cook-tops

      Oven, Range, and Cooktop

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Oven, Range, and Cooktop is $195 – $779

      If you’re like most homeowners, your oven and cooktop is the go-to solution when it comes time to get down and do some serious cooking. But whether your cooktop uses gas or electricity, at some point it’s going to stop working. And when these appliances fail, it’s back to the microwave until you can get everything fixed — and those repair costs that can be difficult to swallow.

      You know what they say: If you can’t stand the heat, get a home warranty for your kitchen. A reliable home warranty plan will ensure that your oven, range, and cooktop keep sizzling. No matter what.

      The Home Service Club offers complete coverage for repair or replacement of most oven, range, cooktops, and related components. This coverage includes:

      • Freestanding range (gas/electric)
      • Slide-in range (gas/electric)
      • Built-in wall oven (gas/electric)
      • Built-in double wall oven (gas/electric)
      • Dual-fuel range
      • Cooktop (gas/electric)

      You depend on your major cooking appliances. And with the Home Service Club, you can depend on fast, reliable repairs to your oven, range, or cooktop, whenever you need them.

    • Water Heater - Home warranty

      Water Heater

      The average cost to repair or replace a home air Water Heater is $235 – $98

      If you need a hot shower before you can start the day, then discovering that something’s wrong with your water heater is a rude wakeup call. Your water heater is one of the most crucial systems in your home. When a break down occurs, stress, messy leaks, and a ton of inconvenience are sure to follow. And paying out of pocket to get your water heater can be an extremely chilling prospect.

      Don’t get burned by repair costs. A good home warranty will get the hot water flowing again, quickly, easily, and at low cost to you.

      The Home Service Club offers complete coverage for repair or replacement of most water heaters and related components, including:

      • Gas water heaters (tall or short tanks)
      • Electric water heaters (tall or short tanks)
      • Tankless water heaters
      • Direct vent water heaters
      • Power vent water heaters
      • Indirect water heaters/domestic hot-water coils attached to boilers

      Don’t settle for tepid showers. With a home warranty from the Homer Service Club, you’ll never have to worry about the hot water cutting out when you need it most.

    The Home Service Club covers up to 50 different systems and appliances to ensure that you get the coverage your home needs. We’ve got you covered. It’s as simple as that.

    *Average repair and replacement costs are before any deductibles and/or rebates and are based on actual jobs done for our customers in 2015-2017. Repairs for systems and appliances may vary, please check your selected plan and terms and conditions for specifics of coverage and limitations. Further reproduction or use is expressly prohibited.

    With basic home warranty plans, covered appliances and systems often include:

    • Refrigerators
    • Ovens, ranges, and cooktops
    • Dishwashers
    • Clothes washers
    • Clothes dryers
    • Freestanding ice makers
    • Microwave ovens (built in)
    • Trash compactors
    • Food centers (built in)
    • Air conditioning systems
    • Heating systems
    • Electrical systems
    • Water heaters
    • Plumbing systems
    • Garbage disposals
    • Garage-door opener
    • Ceiling fans

    Extended plans will take coverage further, possibly including:

    • Plumbing stoppage
    • Ductwork
    • Gas leaks
    • Pest control
    • Whirlpool tubs
    • Alarms
    • Telephone wiring
    • Smoke detectors
    • Exhaust fans
    • Sump pumps
    • Doorbells
    • Hot water pumps
    • Hot and cold water dispensers

    Home Warranty Limitations

    Home warranties that cover most home systems and appliances are available, but there are some limitations that you should be aware of. Home warranties focus on providing appliance and internal system coverage, and usually are not designed to cover structural damage to your home. They also don’t generally cover windows, doors, or walls. Sprinklers and other outdoor systems also generally do not fall under the coverage of a home warranty. Home warranties will also usually not cover pre-existing conditions (so don’t bother purchasing a home warranty to cover that big repair job you’ve been putting off). It’s also worth noting that home warranties cover natural wear and tear on appliances and systems, but do not cover issues that result from improper maintenance.

    Home warranty companies also have coverage limits. Coverage limits are basically caps on the amount per year that a home warranty company will pay for the repair or replacement of an item. For example, if you’re looking at a $3000 repair, and your home warranty coverage limit is $2000, you’ll be expected to pay the $1000 difference. The higher the coverage limit, the better you’ll be protected against having to cover these costs yourself, so be sure to take this factor into account. What are good coverage limit amounts? Look for a home warranty company that sets it coverage limits above $5000, and you should be protected against most appliance or system repairs. At the very least, you’ll end up paying significantly less on a costly repair than you otherwise would.

    Home warranty dining

    Choosing the Right Home Warranty Plan

    No one wants to have to empty out their savings account or max out their credit cards just to pay for an unexpected home repair. Having a home warranty adds an extra layer of financial protection — a buffer — so that when vital systems and appliances inevitably break, you won’t have to break the bank to get them fixed. But home warranty benefits go further than that; they protect not only homebuyers and homeowners, but also provide a valuable service for sellers, listing agents, and buyer’s agents as well. Here’s how:

    1. Figure out what you want covered

      Every appliance and system in your home has its own average lifespan. For example, a garage-door opener will usually last about 15 years before it needs to be replaced, while a dishwasher will likely only last for about 10 years. Knowing what appliances and systems you need covered, as well as their respective ages, will help you determine what kind of coverage plan is best for you.

    2. Ask around

      Do you know anyone who has a home warranty? Friends, family, co workers, and aquantenances who currently have a home warranty plan will be able to give you the inside scoop on how well it’s working for them. Have they had any problems with it? Is it cost effective? Are they planning on renewing their coverage when it expires? An objective opinion from an actual customer can be invaluable in helping you determine which home warranty company to go with. Similarly, expanding your search to include online reviews will give you a much wider pool to draw from. If a company has mostly positive reviews, then there’s a good chance that it will be able to meet your needs.

    3. Review available plans and options

      Most home warranty companies offer more than one plan option. In many cases, this means you’ll have the choice between purchasing a basic plan or an extended one, but what is covered in these plans isn’t always the same. As you compare potential providers, review the plans to see what they cover, what they don’t cover, and what you can expect to pay for that coverage. Also, be aware that the best home warranty companies offer customization in their coverage through optional add ons.

    4. Take availability into account

      What happens if one of your home’s vital systems stops working in the middle of the night? Or during the weekend? Or on a holiday? There are some repairs that just won’t wait for regular business hours. An effective home warranty provider will be available to help at anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, take into account what contact options are available to you.

    5. Check out sample contracts

      Home warranty coverage plans can be very complex, and it’s important to know exactly what’s covered, what isn’t, what coverage limits to expect, and what you’ll be expected to pay. All of this information will be detailed in your home warranty contract, but before you get to that point, check around to see if there is a sample contract you can look at first. The top home warranty companies provide sample contracts, easily accessible through their websites. These contracts will give you a clear idea of what you can expect in your own contract if you decide to buy a home warranty plan.

    6. Get a free quote

      Getting a home warranty isn’t like ordering off a menu; there are a lot of factors that go into determining cost and coverage limits. So, if you can’t find specific prices listed on a home warranty company’s site, don’t feel discouraged. Many home warranty providers offer free quotes. Just fill out an online form, and you’ll be able to see what you can expect to pay should you commit to a specific plan.

    7. Speak with a home warranty agent

      As you inventory your needs and do your research into home warranty providers, you’ll likely end up with some questions. Take these questions to the source, by contacting a home warranty agent directly. Agents employed by their respective warranty companies will be able to address any concerns you may have. And, if you decide to buy the plan, the agent will be able to walk you through the sign-up process.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Home Warranties

    There’s a lot riding on your choice of home warranty, so there’s nothing wrong with asking questions before you make a decision. Her are some common questions that many homeowners have about home warranties:


    • Do I need a home warranty?

      If you want to protect the functioning items in your home, you’ll want a home warranty plan. Unlike traditional homeowners insurance, home warranties can cover items that fail or break down due to simple wear and tear. Many home warranty plans will also include maintenance and service to help extend the life of many essential home system components beyond the manufacturer warranty.

    • What is a home warranty?

      A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of a multitude of home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.

    • How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance and a manufacturer's warranty?

      A home warranty is a non-mandatory plan that protects various home systems and built-in appliances, covering the cost or repair or replacement in the event that they break down from natural wear and tear. Homeowners insurance is mandatory (meaning that most banks won’t issue a mortgage if the homeowner doesn’t have homeowners insurance) and covers accidental damage to a property and personal possessions, as a result of theft, fire, natural disasters, etc. A manufacturer’s warranty offers maintenance, repair, and replacement services on specific home systems or appliances, but only for new components, and only to the original owner.

    • What makes the best home warranty?

      The best home warranty is one that offers flexible plans with generous coverage, minimal exclusions, and excellent customer service. Check home warranty reviews to find the best home warranty company for your needs.

    • How much does a home warranty cost?

      The annual price of a home warranty can vary greatly depending on your plan and the number of covered items, systems, or appliances. Some plans can be as affordable as $36 per month. Often, the cost of a home warranty plan is lower than the price you would have to pay to cover even a single costly repair.

    • How long does a home warranty last?

      A home warranty lasts as long as you continue to renew it. Many plans have a one-year service contract, and can be renewed annually.

    • Who pays for a home warranty?

      A home warranty plan is typically paid for by you as the homeowner. In some cases, landlords may purchase home warranty plans to protect their rental home. Similarly, buyers agents or listing agents may purchase home warranties for their clients.

    • Do home warranties cover HVAC systems?

      Although specific coverage will vary from plan to plan, many home warranties do include HVAC coverage — either as part of a basic plan, extended plan, or as an add on.

    • What does a home warranty cover?

      Most home warranty providers offer coverage on appliances including washers and dryers, air conditioning units, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Home appliance protection plans are often part of a home warranty plan. Many home warranty plans will also include coverage on heaters, plumbing systems, electrical systems, and roofs. Often, a home warranty that covers roof repairs will also cover appliances.

    • Are there exceptions to home warranty coverage?

      Home warranties do not generally cover pre-existing conditions, outdoor systems, or structural issues. Any exceptions to your home warranty will be outlined in your home warranty contract.

    • Do home warranties cover older appliances and systems?

      Most home warranties do not cover appliances or systems with pre-existing conditions. However, functional systems and older appliances may still qualify for coverage.

    • Who are home warranties for?

      If you want to protect the functioning items in your home, you’ll want a home warranty plan. Unlike traditional homeowners insurance, home warranties can cover items that fail or break down due to simple wear and tear. Many home warranty plans will also include maintenance and service to help extend the life of many essential home system components beyond the manufacturer warranty.

    • How does a home warranty work?

      When you purchase a home warranty plan, you will not need to pay for any appliance repairs or system replacements that are listed as covered items under your plan. You won’t need to worry about buying parts or new appliances, or even calling and scheduling a time with a service contractor. Home warranties provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you won’t have to stress if anything falls apart.

    • How do I get a home warranty?

      Getting a home warranty is as easy as contacting a home warranty company directly. Additionally, home warranty companies will often team with real estate professionals and agents to provide real estate home warranty plans. Those who work with a realtor or other real estate professional may be able to approach them to see if they can offer any special home warranty plans.

    • How do I submit a home warranty claim?

      Most home warranty companies provide multiple claim reporting options, such as toll-free telephone numbers and online claim sites. After a claim has been reported, the home warranty company will dispatch a professional, local service contractor to your home for a service call. After the repair professional diagnoses and repairs your system or appliance, you’ll be charged a trade service call fee. You can repeat this file claim process as often as needed during your home warranty term.

    • What is a trade service call fee?

      A Trade Service Call Fee (deductible) is a pre-set, one-time fee that you pay per claim on a repair or replacement covered by your home warranty.

    • What if an appliance or system cannot be fixed?

      If a covered appliance or system is not able to be fixed, the home warranty company will pay to replace the faulty component, covering any expenses associated with parts and labor, up to the predefined coverage limit.

    • Do I need to have a home inspection to qualify for a home warranty?

      Some home warranty companies require that you get a home inspection before you can be eligible for coverage. Others do not require a home inspection.

    • What if I sell my home before my warranty expires?

      Many home warranty companies allow you to transfer ownership of a home warranty to a new homeowner, in the event that you sell your home before your warranty expires. Having a home warranty attached to your property can be a positive selling point for potential buyers.

    The Home Service Club Difference

    With a decade of service behind it, HSC Warranty is committed to providing you with the service, assurance, and information you need to keep your home in the best possible shape. The Home Service Club will eliminate the hassle, frustration, and expense of repairing or replacing covered home appliances and mechanical systems that inevitably break down due to normal wear and tear. By purchasing a home warranty from the Home Service Club, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with home service warranty protection against unpredictable breakdowns. And HSC Warranty takes things even further, by offering extensive warranty plans and some of the best coverage limits in the industry.

    Affordable, reliable financial protection for your home’s most important appliances and system, backed by unmatched industry experience and expertise. That’s the Home Service Club difference.

    Other perks of joining the Home Service Club include:

    • Special access to discounts on, and help with, many household projects such as cabinetry, flooring, name brand appliances, and more.
    • Access to an extensive supply chain of household systems and appliances, to ensure all of the equipment used in your home repairs is brand new, up to codes and requirements, and fully warranted.
    • Access to a network of over 10,000 top-rated, independent service providers to ensure the best quality of work, with the least amount of downtime.
    • Industry-leading award-winning service and access to experts’ wisdom and advice on maintenance, upgrades, upkeep, efficiency and savings, conversions, and more.
    • Ability to submit claims, access your policy terms, and manage your account online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    Home warranty
    Home warranty

    Protect Your Investment

    A home is a major investment. And once you’ve paid your earnest money, covered your broker fees, made your down payment, and taken care of the closing costs, the last thing you want to do is pay for a bunch of repairs out of pocket. A home warranty protects you from this danger. And whether you’re buying a new home or are just interested in safeguarding the home you’ve got, investing in coverage for your appliances and home systems makes a lot of sense.

    If you’re buying a home, selling a home, or looking for a better way to protect the appliances and systems that support your home, a home warranty from the Home Service Club gives you the power to enjoy the freedom that comes with homeownership… without the responsibility of paying for that next big emergency repair. To put it simply, a Home Service Club home warranty means no worries; just service.

    Contact Home Service Club today, and get the protection your home needs to help turn your American dream into reality.

    We Have Earned National Recognition & Multiple Awards for Home Warranty Service

    The customer care gentleman at the Home Service Club was excellent. He was professional and efficient. He helped me complete the claim. It took less than five minutes over the phone. The next day a plumber arrived in my house to repair the leak under my bathroom sink.

    March 1st, 2019

    – Charlee S.