How Do You Find out If You Have a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. While home insurance can protect a home in the event of a fire, flood, or other disaster, a home warranty can shield homeowners from the high cost of repairing a structure, system, or appliance in the home if and when something breaks.

Many people look into buying a home warranty after closing on the purchase of their new home, but if the seller of a home already has a warranty, it’s possible for the warranty to be transferred to the buyer. This means many new homeowners find themselves asking, how do I know if I have a home warranty?

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service agreement to ensure the continued functionality of major home systems at an affordable price. Should something in the home break, a warranty allows for the item or structure to be repaired or replaced. Homeowners pay the yearly or monthly warranty cost and a small service fee—similar to a deductible—if they need to make a claim, but they can avoid paying the full cost of repairing or replacing something expensive. In short, home warranty plans for homeowners can save a significant amount of money in the long run.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties vary from one plan to the next. An inexpensive agreement may cover only a specific system or structure. More expensive plans could cover many different items or structures in and around a home. Some of the things that can be covered by a home warranty include:

• Plumbing and Septic Systems
• Electrical systems
• HVAC systems
• Roofs and foundations
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water heaters, softeners, and pumps
• Mechanical doors and devices
• Low voltage wiring
• Dishwashers
• Ovens and ranges
• Washers and dryers
• Refrigerators
• Built-in appliances
• Pools

What Are the Benefits of a Home Warranty?

A home warranty has numerous advantages. Here are some of the most important.

• Financial protection. If, for example, a home’s HVAC system fails, a warranty could save the homeowner many thousands of dollars in repairs.
• Many plans provide recommendations for repair service providers. This can save homeowners a substantial amount of time in finding a company to repair or replace an item or structure.
• Attraction for buyers. Because some warranties can be transferred from a home seller to buyer, it can be an attractive selling point to make a home stand out in the market.

Where Can I Find My Home Warranty?

It’s possible for some homeowners to be protected by a home warranty without their knowledge. If you think you may already have a plan, there are a few ways to perform a home warranty check.

• Check your state laws. Many states have laws that require contractors to guarantee the integrity of a house’s structural components for a set amount of time. Read up on the laws in your state to determine if you’re covered.
• Contact your real estate agent. Realtors often have information on warranties for houses they represent. They may also be able to get in touch with the home’s previous occupants to find information related to home warranties.
• Contact appliance manufacturers. To check if a specific appliance is covered under warranty, contact the appliance’s manufacturer or consult the appliance manual.

If you find that you do not have a home warranty, it’s in your interest to purchase one. Liberty Home Guard has a variety of affordable plans—some for as little as a dollar per day. Contact us at (866) 699-4589 or request a free quote to get started.