What is a home warranty?  

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repairs and replacements necessary to restore the appliances and mechanical systems of your home to normal operating conditions.  You call one toll-free number and we send a service technician out to take care of the problem. 

 

What does your Home Protection Plan home warranty cover?

Our standard Home Protection Plan covers, the heating system, central air conditioner, air exchanger, ductwork, interior plumbing, interior electrical wiring, water heater, sump pump, garage door openers, garbage disposal, trash compactor, built-in microwave oven, range/oven/cooktop, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. 

 

You can also purchase optional coverage on pool and spa equipment, well pump, water softener, plumbing stoppages, stand-alone freezer, or more than one of the appliances listed in the standard coverage (e.g. if you have two washer or two furnaces).  Click here for a complete copy of our brochure: http://www.homewarrantyinc.com/docs/Home%20Protection%20Plan.pdf

Refer to the contract for specific coverages, terms, conditions, limitations, exemptions, and state-specific information. 

 

What is not covered?

Some common exemptions are pre-existing conditions, appliances already covered by manufacturer’s warranty or recall notice, cosmetic and non-operational repairs (e.g. noise, corrosion), repairs resulting from owner’s negligence, act of God, or situations beyond what could reasonably be considered normal usage (e.g. fire, lightning, pet/pest damage), defects caused by mildew/mold/rot/fungus/moisture, and damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.  Our contract is meant to cover the “wear and tear” gap in your homeowner’s insurance policy, not to duplicate homeowner’s insurance coverage or a manufacturer’s warranty.

Refer to the contract for specific coverages, terms, conditions, limitations, exemptions, and state-specific information. 

 

How do you know if a condition is pre-existing?

Home Warranty, Inc. claim representatives refer pre-existing condition situations to our service expert who reviews home inspection information (if available) and then confers with the service provider to determine if a condition is pre-existing.  It is the home seller’s responsibility to ensure the appliances are working at the time of sale, the home inspector’s responsibility to verify the appliances are working at the time of inspection, and Home Warranty, Inc.’s responsibility to maintain the appliances in working condition from the closing until the end of the warranty period.

 

Is there an age limit on the appliances or the home?

No, we cover the appliances and mechanical systems without regard their age or the age of the home.  We do, however, require that the appliance be in normal operating condition at the time your home warranty coverage commences and properly maintained by the home owner thereafter. 

 

Is there a square footage limitation on the covered home?

A unique feature of Home Warranty, Inc’s Home Protection Plan is that there is no square foot limitation on the covered home.  Keep in mind, however, that larger homes often have more than one heating or cooling system and/or a second kitchen or utility room, in which case optional coverages would need to be purchased for the duplicate appliances and/or mechanical systems. Refer to the “What is covered” section for more information.

 

Is coverage available where I live?

Home Warranty, Inc. can provide home warranties to customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.  We will be expanding to other states in the future.

 

What is free listing coverage? 

Our 6 months of free listing coverage is available to home sellers that want to list their home with a home warranty in an effort to shorten the time the home is on the market AND increase the purchase price of the home.  The home seller can decide whether to include the home warranty in the final contract based on whether the home seller feels the offer on his or her home is enough to merit the inclusion of the warranty.  If the home seller decides NOT to include the warranty, the warranty cancels and no money is owed, even if there have been claims paid under the warranty (where allowed by state law). 

 

What if the home is listed with the free listing coverage and the home does not sell in 6 months?

The home seller can contact Home Warranty, Inc. to extend the listing coverage for another 6 months but will be required to pay $100. 

 

Is the free listing coverage the same as the regular buyer coverage?

Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) coverage is optional under the free listing coverage unless purchased at a reduced $60 cost.  We strongly recommend purchasing the HVAC coverage as over half of the claims we process are related to these systems. 

 

Who can purchase the warranty?

Typically the home seller will purchase the warranty for the buyer but the buyer, the real estate agent, or any third party can also purchase the warranty.

 

When is the warranty paid for?

The warranty is paid for at the time of closing and can be invoiced from the title company as requested. 

 

Am I required to have a home inspection done?

A home inspection is strongly encouraged as a way to know what you are buying and to show confidence in the property you are selling.  However, we do not require a home inspection in order to obtain a home warranty.

 

Who does the service, if needed?

One of the unique features of the Home Warranty, Inc. Home Protection Plan is that you can choose your own servicer or we can connect you with one of our Preferred Service Providers.  We give you that choice when you call to let us know of needed repairs to one of your covered items.

 

How do I let Home Warranty, Inc. know I have a claim?

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 877-977-4949 and refer to your agreement number that was on your welcome letter or that you transferred to the house-shaped magnet that came with your welcome packet.  You must contact us before service work is performed as we reserve the right to discuss repair options with your service provider. 

 

Is there a service fee due at the time of service?

There is a $75 service fee due at the time of service and payable to your service provider.  If you choose to use our Preferred Service Provider, he or she will bill us directly for the remaining amount of your repair bill.  If you choose to use your own service provider who is not one of our Preferred Service Providers, you pay the total cost of the repair to the service provider, then submit your repair bill to Home Warranty, Inc. for reimbursement (less the $75 service fee).

 

Is there a limit to the number of claims under the warranty?

No, Home Warranty, Inc. will provide unlimited claim service on all covered appliances as outlined in our brochure. 

Refer to the contract for specific coverages, terms, conditions, limitations, exemptions, and state-specific information. 

 

What if my appliance is not repairable?

If your appliance is not repairable, we replace your appliance with a duplicate appliance.  If you would rather upgrade your appliance, the additional amount for the upgrade is paid by you.  (e.g. replacing a standard refrigerator with a refrigerator that has an icemaker and water dispenser)

 

What if my appliance is repairable but I would rather replace it?

We are responsible to restore your appliance to normal operating condition.  If you would rather take the dollar amount we would have spent on the repair and apply that dollar amount, instead, toward replacing the appliance, you can do so.

 

Is there a dollar limit on the cost of a repair?

Another unique feature of our warranty!  On the standard list of items covered, there are no dollar limitations on the cost of repair. 

 

How long does the term of the warranty last?

The warranty is good for one year from the time of closing.  Prior to your coverage expiration date, you will be notified and given the opportunity to renew.

 

Can I renew the warranty?

Absolutely!  Many of our customers choose to renew because they know how valuable a home warranty is.  You can choose to renew for another year or for a multiple of years AND we offer monthly draft or annual payment options for your convenience.

 

What if just have a few appliances I want covered?

In addition to the Home Protection Plan, Home Warranty, Inc. has an “a la carte” Appliance Protection Plan that allows you to choose the appliances and/or mechanical systems that you wish to cover.  A copy of the brochure can be found at: http://www.homewarrantyinc.com/docs/Appliance%20Protection%20Plan.pdf