Whole Home Program Product Guide

Maintaining a functional and comfortable home environment hinges on the smooth operation of various essential systems. However, unexpected breakdowns of these systems can be disruptive, stressful, and financially burdensome. The Whole Home Program addresses these concerns by providing comprehensive coverage for a wide range of your home's vital components.

The Whole Home Program eliminates the worry and hassle associated with appliance and system malfunctions. Should a covered component experience a breakdown, simply contact us. We will then promptly connect you with an expert technician to diagnose and repair the issue, ensuring a swift return to normalcy within your home.

Top takeaways

• Whole home warranty coverage offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of essential home systems, including plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, laundry appliances, kitchen appliances, and water heaters.
• In the event of a covered breakdown, the program ensures a hassle-free experience by connecting you with qualified technicians to diagnose and repair the issue.
• The program offers significant cost savings by addressing unexpected repair bills that could be substantial.
• You'll benefit from the convenience of a single point of contact with a home warranty company for all your repair needs, eliminating the need to source technicians yourself.
• A network of qualified service providers guarantees high-quality repairs completed efficiently.
• 24/7 support provides peace of mind, knowing you have access to assistance even during emergencies with zero or low service call fees for each service request filed.
• This program is an investment that safeguards the comfort, functionality, and value of your home.

Does a standard homeowners insurance policy cover the same HVAC systems, service lines, and appliances as a whole home warranty plan?

No, homeowners insurance and a whole home warranty typically cover different things. Here's a breakdown:

• Homeowners insurance: This protects your home itself and your belongings from covered perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of weather damage. It can also cover liability claims if someone gets injured on your property. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear.
• Whole home warranty: This acts like an extended warranty for your home's major systems, service lines, and appliances. It covers repairs or replacements for covered breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. This can include things like a malfunctioning dishwasher, a clogged drain, or a broken furnace. However, it won't cover damage caused by sudden or accidental events (what homeowners insurance is for) or anything outside the covered systems and appliances.

Here's an analogy:

• Think of homeowners insurance as an umbrella protecting your home from major storms.
• Think of a whole home warranty as a maintenance plan for your car, covering breakdowns due to regular use.

In short, you can consider having both:

• Homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection against major threats to your home.
• Whole home warranty for peace of mind and potential cost savings on breakdowns and home repairs due to normal wear and tear.

What does a whole home warranty cover?

A whole home program offers a robust shield for a multitude of your home's core systems, safeguarding you against unforeseen repair costs. Here's a detailed breakdown of covered appliances and other covered items:

• In-home plumbing: Ensure smooth water flow throughout your home with coverage for repairs to essential plumbing components, including:
• Fixture repairs (faucets, toilets, sinks, etc.)
• Drain line stoppages
• Garbage disposal malfunctions
• Shutoff valves
• Leaks inside the foundation (up to a designated access point)
• HVAC systems: Maintain a comfortable temperature year-round with HVAC tune-ups and with coverage encompassing repairs for critical components of both your furnace and air conditioner. This includes:
• Heating systems: Furnaces (gas, electric, oil), boilers, thermostats
• Cooling systems: Central air conditioning units, air handlers, thermostats
• Electrical systems: Our program safeguards the functionality and safety of your home's electrical systems by covering repairs for:
• Interior electrical: Light switch and outlet repairs, ceiling fan repairs, wiring repairs (up to designated access point)
• Exterior electrical (limited coverage): Electrical meter (specific components), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
• Laundry and kitchen appliances: Keep your laundry routine running smoothly and your culinary creations flowing with coverage for repairs to essential home appliances in these vital areas. This includes:
• Laundry room: Washer repairs, dryer repairs
• Kitchen: Refrigerator repairs, dishwasher repairs, oven/range repairs, built-in microwave repairs (varies by plan)
• Water heater: Enjoy uninterrupted access to hot water with coverage for repairs to your water heater. In some program variations, replacement may also be included.

What’s not covered?

• Garage door opener repairs
• Roof leaks
• Pools
• Septic tanks and wells

Beyond basic coverage: the advantages of our program

Our Whole Home Program extends far beyond simply mitigating repair costs. Here are some of the key benefits you'll enjoy with our additional coverage:

• Unparalleled convenience: A single phone call is all it takes to initiate the repair process. We'll handle the coordination with qualified technicians in our service provider network.
• Cost management: Unexpected breakdowns can be financially straining. Our program helps you avoid these out-of-pocket expenses.
• Qualified expertise: Our home services company collaborates with a network of highly trained technicians to ensure your repairs are completed accurately and efficiently.

Investing in your home

Our complete home program offers coverage to help you with protecting the overall well-being of your home. By proactively safeguarding your essential systems, you can not only achieve peace of mind but also ensure the continued comfort, functionality, and value of your property.

Can I purchase a home warranty policy after closing on my house?

Absolutely, you can sign up for a service contract after closing on your house. There's no deadline to enroll, though there can be advantages to getting it sooner rather than later.

Here are some things to consider:

• Benefits of buying after closing: You can assess your home's condition and choose a plan that specifically targets any potential issues.
• Possible drawbacks: You might miss out on any special introductory offers or buyer's warranties available during the closing period. In some cases, the price might be slightly higher.

Overall, it's perfectly fine to wait until after closing to buy a home warranty. Just be sure to shop around and compare different plans to find the best coverage for your needs. Don’t forget, however, that while a home warranty isn’t required, home insurance likely is a must!

Can a whole home warranty cover pre-existing conditions?

In general, whole home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, but there are some exceptions:

• Undetectable issues: If a pre-existing condition couldn't be found during a regular inspection or with routine maintenance, the warranty might cover repairs. For instance, a hidden leak in the plumbing system that surfaces after the warranty starts could be covered.
• Unknown pre-existing conditions: Some warranties cover unknown pre-existing conditions, but only under certain circumstances. These conditions typically have to develop after the warranty goes into effect.

It's important to note that most home protection companies have a waiting period (usually 30 days) before coverage kicks in. This prevents people from buying a warranty after an appliance breaks and then trying to get it fixed for free.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your home warranty regarding pre-existing conditions:

• Get a home inspection: Even if your realtor doesn't require one, a home inspection can help identify existing problems. While the warranty likely won't cover repairs noted in the inspection, having documentation can be helpful in the future.
• Read the fine print: Every warranty contract is different, so carefully review the Terms and Conditions, specifically the pre-existing condition exclusions, as well as coverage limits and deductible information.

Are whole home warranties worth it?

Whether a home warranty is worth it depends on your situation. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• Peace of mind: Home warranties can provide peace of mind knowing you won't be hit with a huge bill for unexpected repairs to covered appliances and systems.
• Cost savings: Replacing a major appliance like a central air conditioning unit can be expensive. If your warranty covers the replacement, it can save you a significant amount of money.
• Convenience: Home warranties often handle scheduling qualified repair technicians, saving you the hassle of finding and vetting them yourself.

Cons:

• Cost: You'll pay a monthly or yearly premium for the warranty, plus (sometimes) a service fee for each repair call.
• Coverage limitations: Warranties typically don't cover everything. Carefully read the fine print to understand what exactly is covered and what exclusions apply, such as pre-existing conditions or catastrophic damage.
• Potential for claim denials: Warranty companies may deny coverage for certain repairs, citing reasons like improper maintenance or pre-existing conditions.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a home warranty is right for you:

• Age and condition of your home: If you have an older home with aging appliances and systems, a warranty may be more valuable.
• Budget: Can you comfortably afford the annual premium and service fees?
• DIY skills: If you're handy and comfortable fixing things yourself, you might be better off saving money and tackling repairs yourself.

Alternatives to home warranties:

• Emergency fund: Building a healthy emergency fund can help cover unexpected repair or replacement costs.
• Repair reserves: Set aside some money each month specifically for appliance and system repairs.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a home warranty is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance.

What is the cost of a whole home warranty?

The cost of a home warranty can vary depending on several factors. Warranty companies typically offer different plans with varying coverage levels. More comprehensive plans will naturally cost more than basic plans.

Who are the best home warranty companies offering coverage?

American Water Resources, Cinch, First American Home Warranty, Select Home Warranty, and American Home Shield all provide coverage for your home systems, service line, and appliance replacement and repair needs. Remember, American Water Resources makes homeownership easy and offers specialized protection for your water lines and sewer system. It's a valuable addition to your home maintenance plan, giving you peace of mind and protection against unexpected woes that go beyond what manufacturer warranties can provide.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about whole home warranties?

While American Water Resources offers various coverage options for everyone from new home buyers to families who have been in their residence for a number of years, including warranties for your home’s major appliances, our Whole Home Program provides a comprehensive solution. This program encompasses a wide range of essential systems within your home, eliminating the need to manage multiple warranties. American Water Resources is a home warranty provider with Better Business Bureau accreditation.

For a streamlined approach to safeguarding your home's plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical appliances, and more, our Whole Home Program is the ideal choice. Contact us today at 855-800-5195 or visit AWRUSA.com for more information. You can also view FAQs for our Whole Home Program on our detailed product page.