Home Warranty is a protection plan for home buyers and sellers, which protects home owners against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear (usage). It provides buyers peace of mind and protection against the unknown and budget protection. Most Buyers' Home Warranties are for a period of one year and many companies offer renewal plans after the end of the first period. Basic/Standard home warranties normally cover 5,000 Sq Ft homes, regardless of age and covering most major built-in systems, customer can purchase additional coverage based on items, condition and age of the major systems in the property. Seller's coverage is provided by some of the companies during the listing and escrow period, which protects from unforeseen repairs and breakdowns till closing.
Home Warranty companies are licensed by the Department of Insurance Warranties normally only cover repairs for items inside the home and includes the following ; Air Conditioning Units, Built-in Dishwashers, Built-in Microwaves, Built-in Trash Compactors, Central Heating Units, Central Vacuums, Doorbells, Ductwork, Electrical Systems, Faucets, Garbage Disposals, Garage Door Openers, Paddle Fans, Plumbing Systems, Range/Oven, Refrigerators, Washers & Dryers, Water Softeners and Water Heaters.
Review and check the warranties carefully - read the contract to see what the plan provides in respect to parts, labor and replacements, what are the items covered and what the per service deductible amount is. Based on the condition of the major systems you may want to take optional coverage for those systems if not already on the basic plan. Most warranty companies do not require inspection, however all covered components must be in proper working condition at the time the coverage goes into effect. Most warranty companies work with a pre-qualified network of contractors and service providers. With most warranties there are no waiting period.
Average Replacement / Repair Costs:
- Furnace
|
$1,250-3,500 |
- Air Conditioning Unit
|
$1,500-2,500 |
- Range/ Oven
|
$700-1,500 |
- Refrigerator
|
$600-1,000 |
- Dishwasher
|
$500-700 |
- Water Heater
|
$375-600 |
- Washer/Dryer
|
$200-600 |
- Broken Water Pipe
|
$100-1,000 |
Home Warranty Companies
Aon Home Warranty (800-747-5152 )
Aon Home Warranty Services, Inc. administers the Century 21 Home Protection Services. Aon has over 30 years experience in the home warranty business and is part of one of the largest insurance holding companies. The Century 21 Home Warranty provides coverage for the sellers during the period of the listing as well buyer's home warranty.
|
Basic Coverage: $245 |
$35 Service Fee |
|
Single Family Dwelling |
Under 5,000 Sq. Ft. |
American Home Shield (order online)
American Home Shield was founded in 1971 and is one of the nation's premier home warranty companies. A member of ServiceMaster a $4.5 Billion, Fortune 500 company, it serves over 6 million customers in over 30 countries. Warranty covers major systems and appliances like plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning and major appliances regardless of age or make.
|
Basic Coverage: $285 |
$35 Service Fee |
|
Single Family Dwelling |
Under 4,000 Sq. Ft. |
Buyers Home Warranty
Buyers Home Warranty Company founded in 1975, brings a wealth of experience in the home warranty business. Buyers Home Warranty Company remains committed to marketing a competitively priced home warranty contract, a contract backed by more than 20 years of experience and a well earned reputation for prompt and fair handling of claims. Provides warranties in the State of California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.
|
Basic Coverage: $240 |
$50 Service Fee |
|
Single Family Dwelling |
|
First American
Home Warranty (order online)
Since 1984 First American has provided hundreds of thousands of homeowners
service in the industry. Provides buyer and seller warranties. First American
Home Warranty coverage is available in most major metropolitan areas in
California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Utah, Georgia, North
Carolina and Texas.
| Basic Coverage:
$245 |
$35 Service Fee |
| Single Family Dwelling |
Under 5,000 Sq.
Ft. |
Fidelity Home Warranty
(order online)
Fidelity Home Warranty is a subsidiary of Fidelity National Title Insurance
Company and is one of the nation's leading real estate service companies
providing title insurance and escrow services in 49 states. Fidelity Home
Warranty provides coverage for the sellers during the period of the listing
as well buyer's home warranty.
| Basic Coverage:
$250 |
$40 Service Fee |
| Single Family Dwelling |
Under 5,000 Sq.
Ft. |
HMS Home Warranty (order
online)
Since 1980 has provided homeowners Home Warranty coverage to protect them
against unforeseen repair bills. Provides buyer and seller warranties.
HMS home warranties are available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and
Canada. Warranty coverage is subject to various state and local regulations.
| Basic Coverage:
$255 |
$45 Service Fee |
| Single Family Dwelling |
|
Hisco Home Warranty (800-831-8200)
Hisco Home Warranty has been providing home warranty since 1977. Hisco
Home Warranty provides coverage for the sellers during the period of the
listing as well buyer's home warranty.
| Basic Coverage:
$220 |
$50 Service Fee |
| Single Family Dwelling |
Under 5,000 Sq.
Ft. |
Old Republic Home Protection
(order online)
Old Republic Home Protection Co., Inc. is a member of Old Republic International
Corporation and is among the nation's 50 largest publicly held insurance
organizations. Representatives are available 24 hours per day, 7 days
per week, 365 days per year. Provides buyer and seller warranties. Warranties
are available in the States of California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and
Washington.
| Basic Coverage:
$255 |
$35 Service Fee |
| Single Family Dwelling |
Under 5,000 Sq.
Ft. |