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Home warranties and homeowners insurance protect your home in different ways. This guide explains what each covers, how they differ in cost and claims, and when you may need one, the other, or both.
Acquiring a Home Warranty: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to safeguarding your home against unexpected repairs or replacements, a home warranty comes in handy. This detailed guide aims to provide you with the A-Z of home warranties - from their coverage details to how to get a home warranty. So let's dive right in!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding what a home warranty covers is the first step in getting the plan that right for you.
- A whole home warranty cover the unexpected costs of home appliance and system repairs and replacements.
- Covering your home with a Sears Protect plan will allow you to select the plan that best fits your needs to help you easily manage appliance and system repair expenses.
Grasping the Basics of Home Warranties
Simply put, a home warranty is a service contract covering the repair or replacement of essential home systems and appliances. Getting a home warranty brings along several benefits – it:
- Shields you from sudden breakdowns.
- Saves you from high repair costs.
- Simplifies the process of finding expert technicians for your repair needs.
Additionally, purchasing a home warranty can boost your home's resale value.
Is a Home Warranty Suitable For You?
Purchasing a home warranty can be a valuable investment, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether or not you need one depends on several factors such as the age of your home and appliances, your budget, and whether you're buying a new home or a landlord. A home warranty for a new home can offer peace of mind and reassurance to both landlords and tenants.
How Long Does a Home Warranty Last?
Most home warranty providers offer coverage for a year. During this time, you can file claims for repairs or replacements of covered items. Some restrictions apply during the first year of the warranty so refer to the written plan you choose for specific coverage.
If you're wondering how to get a home warranty that lasts longer, you can simply choose to renew your plan after the initial period. Failing to renew means losing your coverage and having to pay for any repairs or replacements out of pocket.
What Does a Home Warranty Cover?
A typical home warranty covers major home systems and appliances such as HVAC systems, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances. Many plans let you choose what to cover in your home.
Don't forget to check the coverage limits and exclusions before purchasing a home warranty. Some providers offer optional coverage for items like swimming pools and spa equipment, which could be the best buy for a warranty if your home has these features.
Pros and Cons of Home Warranties
Purchasing a home warranty can help you save on repair costs and give you peace of mind, but it's also important to understand its limitations. Not all items or conditions may be covered, there might be a limit on the maximum payout or the number of claims you can file, and some plans may require a service call fee for each repair request. To get the best warranty you can buy, make sure to understand your coverage and keep detailed records of warranty documents and repairs.
Selecting the Best Home Warranty
When you're looking for how to get a home warranty that suits your needs, consider factors such as coverage, service network, claims process, and customer reviews. The best warranty provider would offer 24/7 customer service, flexible plans, and additional coverage options.
Our Sear Protect plan is a home warranty that you should consider when looking to cover your home. Our flexible plans allow you to choose the coverage that best fits your needs. When something goes wrong on any covered system or home appliance, just visit us online or call 24/7 to schedule an appointment. Our experts will come to your home and fix what needs fixing (or replace it), while also giving you our industry leading 180-day labor guarantee.
Learn more about our Sears Protect plan on our Home Warranty page. Sign up quickly and easily to begin covering your home appliances and system now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps to get a home warranty?
Research providers, compare plans, and read coverage details thoroughly. Sears Home Services suggests verifying maximum payout limits and network restrictions.
When does coverage begin?
Usually after a waiting period (15–30 days). Sears Home Services warns that any pre-existing or immediate breakdowns aren’t covered unless stated otherwise.
How do I file a claim once I have it?
Contact the warranty provider with your contract info. They’ll assign a service partner or let you choose if the plan permits. Sears Home Services is a partner for many warranties.
Any tips for negotiating plan prices?
Some providers offer discounts or seasonal promos. Sears Home Services advises referencing multiple quotes to get the best deal for your coverage needs.
Protect Kitchen Appliances Resources
Choosing a home warranty doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This complete 2026 guide walks you through coverage options, costs, providers, and key questions to help you make a confident decision.
Learn how to extend appliance warranties with Sears Home Services.
Discover the benefits of a home warranty. Find out why you need one to safeguard your home and its appliances.
Glossary Terms
ENERGY STAR appliances are energy-efficient products that meet the strict energy efficiency specifications set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances are designed to use less energy and water, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W), indicating the rate at which a device consumes energy.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.
A washer screw is a fastening device that combines a screw and a washer, designed to distribute the load of a screwed fastening more evenly and to prevent the screw from loosening under vibration.
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