Home Warranty Plans That Help You Budget Repairs
A home warranty can reduce surprise repair costs for covered systems and appliances. Compare plan designs, understand what’s excluded, and decide how a warranty fits into your property protection strategy.
Home Warranty Overview
A service contract designed to manage covered repair costs over a fixed term
Predictable budgeting
Annual or monthly plan cost plus a service fee can help smooth lumpy repair expenses.
Service coordination
Many plans coordinate a technician network, which can simplify scheduling and approvals.
Defined coverage scope
Coverage is limited to listed systems, appliances, and contract terms.
Commonly Covered Items
Plans vary, but coverage often focuses on high-use systems and major appliances
Home systems
- HVAC and ductwork components (as defined by the contract)
- Electrical wiring, panels, and select fixtures
- Plumbing lines, stoppages, and water heaters
- Garage door openers and built-in systems
Major appliances
- Refrigerator, oven, cooktop, and range hood
- Dishwasher and garbage disposal
- Washer and dryer (coverage varies by plan)
- Built-in microwave and trash compactor (if included)
Plan Structures at a Glance
Use plan tiers to decide which categories you want covered
| Tier | Best For | Typical Coverage Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance plan | Owners wanting appliance budgeting | Kitchen and laundry appliances | Often excludes HVAC and major plumbing/electrical |
| Systems plan | Homes with aging major systems | HVAC, plumbing, electrical | Read limits and caps closely |
| Combo plan | Broad protection priorities | Systems and appliances together | May offer optional add-ons |
What Home Warranties Usually Don’t Cover
Understanding exclusions helps set expectations and prevents surprises
Pre-existing conditions
Issues that existed prior to the contract effective date are commonly excluded or limited.
Improper maintenance
Neglect, code violations, or unapproved modifications can reduce eligibility for coverage.
Limits and caps
Many contracts have dollar caps per item, per visit, or per contract term.
Home Warranty Break-Even Calculator
Estimate the annual cost of a plan compared to paying for repairs directly
Home Warranty vs Homeowners Insurance
They cover different risks and are often used together
Homeowners insurance
Typically covers sudden damage from covered perils and includes liability protection. It is not designed to pay for normal wear and tear.
Home warranty
Focuses on covered mechanical breakdowns of listed systems/appliances, subject to service fees and contract caps.
How Service Requests Typically Work
A straightforward process helps reduce downtime for essential systems
Submit
Open a service request with the issue and basic details.
Dispatch
A technician is assigned based on availability and network rules.
Approval
Coverage and limits are reviewed before repair or replacement.
Resolve
Work is completed or replacement options are presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common home warranty planning questions
Compare Home Warranty Options
Get plan recommendations based on your home’s age, systems, and risk tolerance.