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Home Warranty 101It's important to understand what can void your home warranty so your appliances and systems stay protected. Home warranties cover repairs and replacements from normal wear and tear, but certain actions or inactions by homeowners can lead to denied claims or even a voided warranty. This article will list common mistakes that can void a home warranty or lead to denied claims.
A home warranty is a service contract that offers lower costs for fixing or replacing home systems and appliances. Coverage can vary by provider, but it usually includes plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and major appliances.
Each home warranty provider has specific terms and conditions, so it's important to read your contract carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Coverage varies by provider and plan, but most standard home warranties cover:
Higher-tier plans may also cover refrigerators, washers/dryers, pools, and even roof leaks.
Always check your specific contract for coverage details and exclusions.
It’s important to know the difference between a voided home warranty and a denied claim:
While a fully voided warranty is uncommon, certain actions can lead to complete cancellation of your coverage.
A denied claim is different from a voided warranty, but repeated claim denials can signal that you’re not maintaining your home properly, which can ultimately void your coverage.
Performing repairs without provider approval is one of the easiest ways to cause denied home warranty claims. This includes:
Home warranty providers require approved contractors to ensure repairs meet industry standards. Using unauthorized service providers can invalidate future claims, even if the work was done correctly.
Many home warranties only cover properly installed systems and appliances. If a technician determines that an issue stems from incorrect installation, your claim may be denied. Warranty providers often require that a licensed professional performs the installation to meet safety standards and ensure everything works properly.
Every warranty provider expects you to make repairs right away. The meaning of "right away" can differ based on your contract, so check the terms. If you have a leaky roof and ignore it, don’t be surprised if your claim for a damaged ceiling fan is denied. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger, more expensive issues.
For example, a slow-draining sink may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, if left unaddressed, it could lead to severe plumbing damage, rust, and leaks. In such cases, your warranty provider may deny coverage, arguing that the damage resulted from negligence rather than normal wear and tear.
Using appliances or systems beyond their intended capacity or inappropriately can result in unusual wear and tear, which is typically not covered by warranties. For example, overloading a washing machine or using a residential appliance for commercial purposes can lead to denied claims.
Many warranty providers require proof of purchase, maintenance records, and service documentation before approving a claim. Losing this documentation can make it difficult to prove eligibility for coverage.
A good practice is to scan and store copies of all warranty documents digitally, ensuring they are accessible when needed.
Do you keep your home up to code? Many homeowners do not, without even realizing it. Local building codes often change every year, but homeowners usually only pay attention to these codes when they want to renovate. A city inspector will check your property and only give a permit if it meets the building code.
If you do not stay up to code, your claims may be denied or your warranty could become void. Building codes may seem strict, but they exist to ensure your safety. Most warranty violations relate to safety issues, especially with plumbing and electricity.
Compare top-rated home warranty providers to find the right one for you.
See CompaniesTo maintain your home warranty and prevent claim issues:
A home warranty can be a valuable investment, but it’s important to follow all contractual obligations to maintain coverage. If you don’t follow the terms of your agreement, you risk having claims denied or your warranty completely voided.
By following these steps, you can ensure your home warranty remains valid and continues to provide financial protection for your most important home systems and appliances.
Home Warranty
By Jaiden Hart
March 14th, 2025
Home Warranty
By Best Company Editorial Team
March 13th, 2025
Home Warranty
By Jaiden Hart
March 14th, 2025
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