Home Warranties: The Basics

When it comes to protecting your investment in your home, a home warranty can be an invaluable safeguard. But what is a home warranty and why should you consider getting one?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers unexpected repairs and replacements of major home appliances and systems. This type of protection plan helps homeowners protect their investments from costly breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. With the help of a home warranty, homeowners can rest easy knowing that if something goes wrong with an appliance or system, they are covered.

Most home warranties cover the following items in a residence:

• Major kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerator, oven/stove, dishwasher)
• Major laundry room appliances (e.g., washer and dryer)
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
• Plumbing systems such as garbage disposal and water heater
• Electrical systems such as wiring, lighting fixtures and switches

Home warranties also come with significant peace of mind knowing that if a repaired item fails or needs replacement within the term of the policy, you won’t have to bear the full costs associated with replacing it.

Having a comprehensive home warranty can save you thousands over time by offering protection for major appliances and systems that may fail unexpectedly due to normal wear and tear. It’s worth spending some time researching policies to find one that covers exactly what you need at an affordable price point.