How to Find Out If You Have a Home Warranty
Discover if you have a home warranty. Our guide provides clear steps to confirm your coverage for major home repairs and appliances.
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. This differs from homeowner’s insurance, which typically covers damage from sudden, unexpected events like fires or storms. Understanding whether you are covered can prevent unexpected expenses when a system or appliance malfunctions.
Reviewing Your Personal Records
Beginning your search for a home warranty often starts with examining your personal records. Reviewing closing documents from your home purchase is a good initial step, as home warranties are frequently included or offered during the sale. Look for terms such as “home warranty,” “service contract,” or “coverage” within these papers. These documents should detail the coverage duration and any specific terms of the warranty.
Checking your financial records can also provide clues about an active home warranty. Review bank statements and credit card statements for recurring payments to home warranty companies. Annual costs for a home warranty typically range from $350 to $900, with monthly payments often between $30 and $90. If premiums are bundled, examining mortgage or escrow statements might reveal a line item for a home warranty payment.
Digital and physical correspondence can also be informative. Search your email inboxes for relevant terms like “home warranty” or “service agreement.” Similarly, check physical mail for welcome packets or annual renewal notices from warranty providers. Some homeowner’s insurance providers also offer home warranties, so reviewing that policy might indicate a combined or associated coverage.
Contacting Parties Involved in Your Home Purchase
If your personal records do not yield clear answers, reaching out to parties involved in your home purchase can be a productive next step. Real estate agents frequently facilitate home warranty purchases, especially for buyers, and may have records or recall if one was included in the transaction. They often recommend or even pay for a home warranty to enhance the appeal of a property or provide peace of mind.
Contacting the home inspector who evaluated your property is another avenue to explore. While home inspections are not warranties, the inspector might have noted the presence of a home warranty or recommended one during their assessment.
The previous homeowner might also hold information regarding a transferred home warranty policy. If direct contact is not feasible, your real estate agent may be able to reach out on your behalf. Additionally, the title company involved in your home’s closing might have records related to a home warranty purchase or transfer.
Reaching Out to Home Warranty Providers
When previous investigative steps have not confirmed coverage, directly contacting home warranty companies becomes necessary. Begin by conducting a general internet search for prominent home warranty providers operating nationwide. Companies like American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and Old Republic Home Protection are well-known in the industry.
Once you have a list of potential providers, initiate contact through their customer service phone lines or website inquiry forms. When inquiring, be prepared to provide key information about your property. This typically includes the property address, and if known, the name of the previous owner and the approximate date of the home purchase.
Upon finding a potential match, confirm the details of the policy. Ask for the policy number, the coverage start and end dates, and a comprehensive list of all covered items, including specific systems and appliances. Inquire about any service call fees and how to access your official policy documents, often available through an online homeowner portal.