Knowing what your policy does and doesn't cover is important, so you're not left without sufficient support when something happens.
That's why you need to understand the differences between a home warranty vs. homeowners insurance to make sure your house is protected despite what it says in the fine print.
Here are 10 surprising things your home insurance policy won't cover—that a home warranty will.
» Want to protect your housewares against sudden breaks? Check out our top picks for the best home warranty companies.
1. Major Appliances
Most home insurance policies do not cover major appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines unless they're damaged due to a covered peril (think: fires, theft, windstorm, or lightning).
But with a home warranty, you can get coverage for these items, even if they break down due to normal wear and tear. Which, let's face it, is more likely to happen.
2. Pest Control Services
Even if your house is infested with pests like mice or cockroaches, your insurance policy won't cover the cost of removing them from your home.
A good home warranty plan has add-on coverage for pest control services, so there's one less thing to worry about if an infestation occurs.
3. Plumbing Leaks
If the pipes in your house burst due to age or normal wear and tear, the damage caused by the resultant flood won’t be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
However, a good home warranty plan will provide coverage for pipe repairs and any damages caused by the leaking water—another reason why home warranties are worth it.
4. Swimming Pool Repairs
If you own a swimming pool, you know how expensive it can be to maintain. The average maintenance cost is around $110 to $352 per month. (That's a lot of money.)
And if something breaks, like a blower motor or pool sweep, you're on the hook for those costs yourself with just your standard home insurance plan—unless it broke due to lightning, hail, a windstorm, or some other covered peril.
Many home warranties include add-on coverage for your pool systems, so you're covered if something breaks due to wear and tear.
» Here’s our guide to pool maintenance for beginners.
5. Roof Repairs
Though home insurance policies cover roof repairs due to hail storms or other natural disasters, most do not provide any protection against general wear and tear that may occur over time (or even due to sudden structural failures).
A comprehensive home warranty should include optional coverage specifically designed to protect against these types of eventualities. So, if you're concerned about the cost of a new roof, adding this policy can help provide some peace of mind.
6. Sewer Line Clogs and Backups
Clogged drain lines are usually not covered under homeowners insurance policies. And any associated costs will need to come out of pocket after filing a claim—unless there is an external cause.
Many good quality home warranty plans include coverage for sewer line clogs and backups. So, look into these options if this is something you're worried about.
7. HVAC System Repairs
Your heating or air conditioning system may fail due to old age or normal wear and tear. And unfortunately, this won’t be covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
This is where the best home warranty plans for HVACs come in. Home warranties usually offer coverage for HVAC systems so that you can get repairs completed quickly if your system fails unexpectedly.
8. Septic Tank Malfunctions
Just like sewer line clogs and backups, septic tank malfunctions usually aren’t covered by standard homeowners insurance policies since they're generally not considered emergencies.
Like most other issues related to plumbing, though, many quality home warranty plans offer coverage for septic tank malfunctions resulting from everyday use.
» Try these tips for dealing with water damage to your home.
9. Electrical Problems
Home insurance won’t cover any electrical problems that might occur in your home. These include faulty wiring, outdated outlets and switches, and more.
Fortunately, a home warranty will cover many of these issues. Most warranties include coverage for electrical problems as part of their basic plan. So, you’ll be able to repair or replace defective wiring and related items without paying out of pocket.
10 . Water Heater Replacement
A water heater is a critical part of your home because it provides hot water for cooking, cleaning, and showering. Unfortunately, home insurance won’t cover the cost if your water heater fails.
A home warranty, however, will provide coverage for the repair or replacement of your water heater. This can save you a lot of money if your water heater fails and needs to be replaced.
Protect Yourself from Potential Financial Loss
Knowing what is—and isn’t—covered under your homeowners insurance policy is key in protecting yourself from potential financial losses.
But it's important to remember that there may still be some items that aren't covered by even the best homeowners insurance plan—like appliances, HVAC systems, and plumbing leaks—which could leave you with expensive repair bills if something goes wrong down the line.
That's why having a reliable home warranty provider is essential. They'll help ensure that all aspects of your property remain safe and secure no matter what life throws at it.
» Let Liberty First Guard or First American Home Warranty protect you and your home.
