Every home warranties question, answered.

Typical home warranty costs $400–$900 per year. Coverage limits, deductibles, location, and claim history drive the spread.

Standard coverage includes dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments to others. Flood, earthquake, mold, and routine wear are excluded.

Excluded by default: flood, earthquake, sinkhole, mold from neglect, gradual leaks, wear-and-tear, pest damage, and most business activity. Add endorsements or separate policies for each.

You pay an annual premium; when a covered loss occurs you file a claim, pay your deductible, and the insurer pays up to your policy limits. Coverage typically starts 30 days after purchase

Steps: document the damage with photos, mitigate further loss, file the claim within the policy's window, meet the adjuster, get an independent estimate, and review the settlement before signing release.

The deductible is what you pay before the insurer pays. Common deductibles: $500–$2,500 flat for most perils, plus a percentage deductible (1–5%) for wind/hail in storm-prone areas.