Home warranty questions, answered.

A home warranty is a renewable service contract, usually one year long, that helps pay to repair or replace covered home systems and appliances when they break down from normal wear and tear. When something covered fails, you request service, a technician is sent, and you pay a set service fee instead of the full repair bill for covered work.

Homeowners insurance covers sudden damage from events such as fire, storms or theft. A home warranty covers breakdowns from everyday use and age, like a furnace that stops working or a dishwasher that fails. Many homeowners carry both because they protect against different risks. A home warranty does not replace homeowners insurance, and lenders that require insurance will not accept a warranty instead.

A manufacturer's warranty covers a single new product for a limited time, usually against defects. A home warranty can cover many systems and appliances at once, regardless of brand or age, as long as they are in working order when coverage starts and are properly maintained.

It depends on your home and budget. A warranty tends to be most useful when systems and appliances are older or out of manufacturer warranty, when you want predictable repair costs, or when you just bought a home and don't know its history. Compare the yearly cost and service fee against what typical repairs in your home might cost, and read the coverage limits and exclusions before you decide.

Common buyers include new homeowners, people with older appliances or systems, landlords who want one number to call for repairs, and home sellers who offer a warranty to make a listing more attractive to buyers.

Plans are generally grouped into systems coverage (heating, air conditioning, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, water heater), appliance coverage (refrigerator, oven and range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, washer, dryer, garbage disposal) and combination plans that include both. Exact items, limits and conditions are listed in each provider's contract.

Many providers sell optional add-ons for items such as pools and spas, septic systems, well pumps, sump pumps, second refrigerators, roof leaks and standalone freezers. Availability and pricing vary by provider and location.

Common exclusions include pre-existing problems, damage from misuse or lack of maintenance, cosmetic issues, code upgrades, permits, items that are not accessible without removing walls or floors, and damage from events homeowners insurance is meant to cover, such as fire or flooding. Always read the exclusions section of the contract.

Generally no. Most plans exclude problems that existed before coverage began. Some plans bought during a real estate transaction may cover unknown pre-existing conditions that could not have been found by a simple visual inspection. Check the contract for the exact wording.

Yes. Most contracts require routine maintenance, such as changing HVAC filters and keeping equipment clean. Claims can be denied if a failure is caused by neglect, so keeping basic maintenance records is a good idea.

Many plans set a maximum dollar amount the provider will pay per item, per claim or per year. If a repair or replacement costs more than the cap, you may pay the difference. Comparing caps is just as important as comparing monthly prices.

If a covered item can't be repaired, or the repair cost is higher than replacement, most providers will replace it, either with a comparable item or a cash payment, up to the plan's limits. Policies on brand, color and features vary.

Pricing depends on the provider, your state and ZIP code, home size and type, and the plan and add-ons you choose. Plans are usually paid monthly or yearly. Our comparison above shows each provider's published starting price where one is available; your actual quote may differ.

A service call fee (also called a trade call fee or deductible) is the amount you pay each time a technician is sent for a claim. Many providers publish fees in a range, and some let you choose a higher fee in exchange for a lower monthly price.

Possibly. You may pay for items the contract excludes, for amounts above coverage caps, or for things like permits, code upgrades or equipment modifications. Ask each provider what is and isn't included before you buy.

Providers sometimes run promotions, such as free months or discounted first years. Promotional offers may be available, but they are set by each provider and can change at any time. We make no guarantees of pricing or availability.

Contact your provider by phone or online as soon as a covered item stops working. The provider assigns a licensed technician from its network, who schedules a visit, diagnoses the problem and, if it's covered, completes the repair. You pay the service fee to the technician or provider.

Many homeowner plans have a waiting period, often about 30 days after purchase, before you can request service. Plans bought as part of a home sale often have no waiting period. Your contract states the exact start date.

Response times vary by provider, location and how urgent the problem is. Many providers aim to contact a technician within one to two business days, and some speed up service for emergencies like no heat in winter.

It depends on the provider. Most assign technicians from their own network, while some allow you to use your own licensed contractor and get reimbursed under certain conditions. Check the contract before scheduling work yourself.

Common reasons include a pre-existing condition, lack of maintenance, an item or cause that isn't covered, improper installation, or exceeding the coverage cap. If a claim is denied, ask the provider for the reason in writing and review your contract.

Many providers guarantee their repairs for a period, such as 30 days on labor and longer on parts, so you can request a follow-up visit without paying another fee. Terms vary by provider.

You can usually buy a home warranty at any time, not just when buying or selling a home. Sellers sometimes purchase one for the buyer, and buyers can add one at closing or later.

Some sellers offer a warranty to reassure buyers, and many providers offer coverage for the listing period. Whether it helps depends on your market and buyer.

Many providers allow a plan to be transferred to the new owner, sometimes for a fee. Check your contract or ask the provider.

Most contracts can be cancelled, but refund and cancellation fee rules vary by provider and state. Review the cancellation section of the contract before you sign.

Many plans renew automatically at the end of each term. Renewal pricing may change, so review your renewal notice each year.

Often, yes. Many providers offer plans for condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and rental properties, though coverage and pricing may differ from single-family plans.

Compare monthly price, service fee, coverage caps, exclusions, waiting periods, add-ons, cancellation terms and customer reviews. Make sure the provider is licensed to sell plans in your state and read the sample contract before you buy.

Yes. Comparing is free and there is no obligation to buy. This site is operated by Paradox M LLC, which is not a seller or provider of home warranty plans.

You answer a few quick questions about your home and the coverage you want. If you choose to submit your details and agree to be contacted, home warranty providers or their sales teams may reach out with quotes, often within seconds. Agreeing to be contacted is not a condition of purchase.

Yes. Call 888.309.4404 to speak with someone about home warranty options.

No. We make no guarantees of pricing, coverage or availability. All plans, prices and promotional offers are set by the individual providers and can change at any time.