Home warranty exclusions: What isn’t covered by a home warranty?

Understanding what home warranties cover and exclude is the best way to avoid surprises. Learn about common exclusions and what to look for.

Home warranty coverage can keep you insulated from out-of-pocket costs if you run into issues with your home's systems or appliances, but only if you have the coverage you need. All home warranties have exclusions, and it’s important that you understand what your policy covers and doesn’t cover to avoid surprises.

Every provider and policy is different, but you can start with an understanding of common exclusions and things to look out for in your contract. This can help you choose the right home warranty company for you and also figure out the next steps if you have a policy and run into a problem.

A home warranty is a policy that you pay a monthly or annual premium for that covers repairs and replacements for things in your home that break down. Those can include the following:

Unlike home insurance, a home warranty steps in to cover issues that occur as a result of old age or early breakdowns rather than an unexpected disaster, like a flood, fallen tree or fire.

All home warranty policies have exclusions. Understanding what your policy does and doesn’t cover can help you choose the right provider for your needs and also take appropriate measures to get your appliance or system back up and running in the event of a breakdown.