Warranty Basic
A home warranty is essentially a protection plan for the routine hiccups of homeownership—think of it as a subscription that helps you manage the cost when everyday systems and appliances give out from normal use. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers catastrophic events (fires, storms, theft), a home warranty is designed for the wear-and-tear moments that chip away at your budget one repair at a time.
What’s Included
- Core Systems: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, and water heaters.
- Major Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens and ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers—and often the option to include built-ins like microwaves or garage-door openers.
- Custom Add-Ons: Pools, spas, septic systems, and other specialty items are typically available for an extra charge.
Investment and Fees
- Annual Premium: Generally runs between $300 and $700, depending on your home’s age, location, and the breadth of coverage.
- Per-Visit Service Fee: When a technician arrives, you pay a fixed fee—usually $60 to $125—regardless of the repair cost.
How You’ll Use It
- Report the Breakdown: Call your warranty provider when a covered item malfunctions.
- Technician Dispatch: They send a pre-screened professional to your home.
- Service Fee: You pay the set visit fee.
- Repair or Replacement: The provider handles the rest—up to your plan’s limits.
Important Details
- Exclusions: Issues that existed before coverage began, lack of routine maintenance, and purely cosmetic damage are almost always excluded.
- Coverage Caps: Plans often include maximum payout limits for specific systems or appliances—review these so you’re never surprised.
Who Finds It Valuable
- New Homebuyers: Especially those moving into an older property.
- Sellers: Offering a home warranty can make your listing more attractive.
- Established Homeowners: A great budgeting tool for anticipating repair costs as your systems and appliances age.
Ready to compare leading providers or review sample plans? I can put together a concise side-by-side breakdown so you can choose the coverage that best fits your home and your peace of mind.
Join Our General Membership
Our mission is to foster better understanding of home service contracts through a positive image with consumers, real estate professionals, state regulators and state legislators.
Membership is subject to approval of a vote of 2/3 membership and payment of dues.
Upon Approval
- You will be assigned a user name and password to access the member only section of the website. www.homeservicecontract.org
- Regional & National members will be responsible to pay a one-time contribution of $5000 to the NHSCA Reserve Fund. Local members are exempt from the reserve fund.
- All members must contribute to a state fund assessment, pro-rata, for any NHSCA approved legislative effort.
Upon written acceptance, our company agrees to adhere to the NHSCA bylaws, practices and procedures and to abide with timely payment of dues and assessments.
Join Our General Membership
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