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About Home Warranty Insurance
By Matt Unangst, 23 Jan 00:34
• Covers repairs for mechanical systems and built-in appliances not covered by homeowner’s insurance
• Benefits sellers: selling point, no hassles after house is sold
• Benefits buyers: provides security for purchase
• Price varies widely based on what is covered
• Buyer usually pays for home warranty insurance
• Shop around to find the best coverage for the best price
• Be sure that the premium has been paid before you take possession of the property
Homeowner’s insurance covers most major problems you will have with your home, but it does not cover mechanical systems or built in appliances, essential items for everyday life. To close this gap in coverage and provide you with security, you can purchase home warranty insurance.
Home warranty insurance is not mandatory, but it can be invaluable should you have problems with your heating, electrical, plumbing, or air conditioning systems. Home warranty insurance not only covers repairs of these mechanical systems, it also covers built-in appliances in your home, saving you a great deal of hassle and quite possibly a good deal of money.
Home warranty insurance rates vary based on the size and age of the property and what is being covered. Generally, you can expect to pay between $175 and $400 dollars for home warranty coverage, depending on how many appliances like air conditioning, spas, and sprinkler systems you have. Even basic policies cover water heaters, refrigerators, dryers, garbage disposals, and built-in microwaves. Most policies have a deductible of $35 to $50.
Although the buyer usually pays for home warranty insurance, both buyer and seller derive benefits. The buyer gets the security of knowing that possible problems with the property are covered; the seller gets a selling point and prevents any future hassles caused by problems after the house has been sold. The new owner will be able to deal with the insurance company instead of coming to you. Home warranty premiums are paid at the closing of escrow.
Before buying home warranty insurance, shop around a little bit. There are differences in coverage from company to company, as well as differences in price. Make sure that the policy you are buying covers everything you need. Some title companies will offer special package deals for customers purchasing multiple services at one time.
Note for buyers: Be certain that the premium has been paid before you close the transaction to avoid any gaps in coverage.
SEE ALSO: About Homeowner, Insuring Home Ownership, Title Insurance, Title Insurance Where Does Your Dollar Go, The History of Title Insurance in California
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