Choosing a suitable home warranty for your house may seem challenging because you have a lot to consider, including the features, plans, and coverage options. A great home warranty will help cover and protect your house. It will also save you from undesirable costs when one of your major home systems and appliances breaks down.  

    And if you already own a house or plan to buy one, you might be wondering about the coverages of a standard home warranty. And if you’re currently concerned about pests inside your house and whether or not a home warranty covers it, then do not fret. 

    Our comprehensive article will answer the questions you have in mind. We will also walk you through all relevant information to help you make an informed buying decision and ensure you have suitable home warranty coverage for your personal and house needs.


    What Is a Home Warranty?

    A home warranty is an annual service contract that covers the repair and replacement services and additional costs of house systems or components like furnace, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems for a one-year term due to manufacturing defects or normal wear and tear. It also covers repair or replacement service on home appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, and pools when they any defects or break down over time.

    A home warranty is an easy, straightforward way to guard your home against pests. Pest control coverage is inexpensive and ensures the thorough removal of ants, spiders, moths, and other creatures as soon as they appear. No fuss. No homeowner should be without it.”

     David Moreno, co-founder of Liberty Home Guard.

    This type of warranty coverage is provided by a home warranty company and works between the homeowner and the authorized home warranty company. A home warranty is often confused by many homeowners with homeowners insurance, but it’s quite different.

    Homeowners insurance is property insurance that provides financial protection and coverage for damages, property loss, liability, and repairs in your home’s structure, personal belongings, and other assets caused by damaging events, such as fire, lightning strikes, hail, theft, property crimes, and vandalism. There are only a few specific instances in which homeowners insurance can be used to cover termites.


    How Does a Home Warranty Work?

    Home warranties go into great detail about what terms and coverage they include in the contract. This type of warranty typically comes into effect within 30 days or a month after availing and your first payment.

    If one of your covered systems or appliance has visible defects or breaks down within the warranty coverage, you can file a service request or claim with your home warranty company. To get the issue addressed, you must follow a set process for the home warranty coverage to take effect effectively. 

    In general, the first thing you need to do is contact your home warranty company to process the service request or claim. The home warranty company will find a partnered service provider or technician, schedule an appointment, and send the service provider to assess the problem and report back about the diagnosis, including the damages on the item or system.

    After the assessment, the service provider will inform you about the diagnosis and recommend what measures to do to fix the issue, which is to either repair or replace the damaged system or appliance.

    If it only requires minor repairs, the contractor can fix it right away with the necessary parts. If the item needs replacing, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to complete the process instead. After the repairs or replacement, you will have to pay the service fee.


    How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

    In general, the standard annual price of a home warranty ranges from $300 to $600 and ranges from $25 to $50 for a monthly payment. It typically covers the repairs, replacement, materials, and labor costs. 

    Homeowners who availed of a home warranty will also pay a service fee, which commonly costs around $60 to $125 every time a service provider or technician comes to your house. In case the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the home warranty contract limit, the homeowner must shoulder the excess cost. 

    Moreover, a standard home warranty cost may vary, depending on the homeowner’s location, chosen home warranty plan, type of product used, and plan’s service fee. So before purchasing a home warranty, it’s best to ask your home warranty company first of the available plans, discounts, or promotions to help you have an estimate of the total costs.


    What Does A Home Warranty Cover?

    A standard home warranty covers repairs, replacement, and other services for your house’s major systems and appliances. The coverage of the plans may vary, depending on the different home warranty companies. In general, there are three types of available home warranty coverage, namely System plans, Appliance plans, and Combination plans. 

    • The System plan will cover specific home systems, including electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, ductwork, plumbing, water heater, doorbells, smoke detectors, ceiling fans, doorbells, central vacuums, plumbing, and garbage disposal. 
    • The Appliance plan will cover major home appliances, such as refrigerators, freestanding ice makers, range, stoves, built-in microwaves or ovens, dishwashers, dryers, clothes washers, garage door openers, ceiling fans, and pumps. 
    • The Combination plan will cover both major home systems and appliances, depending on the home warranty company plans, policies, and products you want to be covered.

    It’s also good to note that there are home warranty companies that offer additional coverage or add-ons to the home warranty inclusions. It includes roof leaks, guest units, well pump, space and swimming pool equipment, pumping and septic tank, and pest control services.

    For the pest control services, the typical pests included are ants, mice, cockroaches, spiders, crickets, scorpions, mice, and many more. The coverage may also vary, depending on the specific plan provided by the home warranty company. For instance, some policies won’t include termites as part of the coverage.

    So before signing up for a home warranty, make sure to read the fine print of the warranty to know and understand the policies, coverages, and exclusions. It will also help you know which plan you should choose, which will suit your personal and home needs.


    What Does a Home Warranty Not Cover?

    A home warranty will not cover any repair or replacement if it’s poor or improper installation and maintenance of the home system or appliance. Pre-existing conditions, improper use, and not following the standard residential use of the system or appliance will also disqualify the service request. 

    Moreover, repairs or replacements caused by a weather-related event, cosmetic issues, and exceeding the coverage limit will also result in the claim or service request being denied. The following circumstances mentioned will not be covered by the home warranty.


    So, Does a Home Warranty Cover Pest Control, and Is it Worth It?

    It’s a nightmare for every homeowner to see an infestation of pests inside the house and notice damages on your major house systems and appliances because of these pests. 

    Source: pixabay.com

    If you decide you need pest control for your home, you might be thinking about whether or not your home warranty policy covers pest control services.

    Available home warranty coverages may vary, depending on the company and plans. So, it’s best to always check first on the home warranty company policies if you plan to purchase or already have a home warranty. 

    Getting a home warranty that covers pest control services is a good investment for your house because it will help solve your problem, help you protect your house from damages and unwanted pests, and give you peace of mind. It will also protect your finances because you won’t need to spend too much whenever repair or replacement is needed.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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