Texas home warranty options
If you are looking for a home warranty company to cover your Texas home, it is important to understand the nuances of all available plans. Depending on your needs and budget, the top coverage providers have differences that may affect your purchasing decision.
Your warranty company should be able to share a sample home warranty policy with you prior to purchase. This policy should outline the covered items, coverage limitations and exclusions. For instance, if you require solar coverage, you need to ensure you can add it as optional coverage or secure a separate extended warranty from the solar provider.
Read on to learn more about the variability of costs for a service fee and how to choose the best home warranty plan for your family's needs.
What can you — or should you — have covered by your Texas home warranty plan?
Texas home warranty plans generally cover your major household appliances and systems. The home warranty coverage you need largely depends on your specific needs and budget. A majority of warranty plans in Texas go well beyond the basic plan and offer a comprehensive combination of the home appliance and systems coverage.
The Cinch Home Services Complete Home plan provides home warranty coverage for the following items:
- Clothes Dryers
- Clothes Washers
- Cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Food Centers (Built-in)
- Freestanding Ice Makers
- Microwaves (Built-in)
- Ranges
- Range Exhaust Hoods
- Refrigerators
- Trash Compactors (Built-in)
- Wall Ovens
- Air Conditioning (including Ductwork)
- Attic Fans
- Ceiling Fans
- Central Vacuums
- Doorbells
- Electrical System
- Garage Door Opener
- Garbage Disposal
- Heating System (including Ductwork)
- Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers
- Plumbing System
- Smoke Detectors
- Sump Pump
- Toilets
- Water Heater
- Whirlpool/Jetted Tub (Built-in)
Optional home warranty coverage is available for:
- Pool (Heater included)
- Spa (Heater included)
- Pool with Spa (Heater included)
- Septic Tank
- Well Pump
How much, on average, does a home warranty cost in Texas, and why?
On average, a home warranty in Texas costs $420–$745 a year. Home warranties that include coverage for systems, such as air conditioning, heating and plumbing, cost more than basic home appliance plans. Most companies will allow you to pay for your home warranty policy up front or get billed monthly.
Optional coverage can be quoted separately by your home warranty company and can be added to any home warranty plan.
Service fees, also known as deductibles, usually cost $100–$150. You only pay for a service fee when you have a repair request. The lower the service fee, the higher the monthly cost for the plan. If you believe you will use the warranty less than once or twice a year, a plan with a high service fee will give you the lowest annual cost.
What property types can you cover with a Texas home warranty?
A Texas home warranty can be added to a variety of types of real estate. From single-family homes to multi-family homes, your warranty plan helps protect you from unforeseen risks related to the everyday wear and tear of any covered home appliance or system.
How can you determine the best home warranty provider for your needs?
The best home warranty provider for your needs can be determined by first understanding your homeowners insurance policy and, if applicable, your structural warranty for a new home. A homeowners insurance policy differs from a home warranty plan in that it usually covers your home and its contents in the case of fire, theft or extreme weather. A home warranty plan supplements this coverage by insuring you against major home appliance or system breakdowns resulting from normal, everyday use.
A structural warranty is only available to home builders to indemnify them against claims on a new home. Structural warranties generally cover a home for 10 years and can be transferred to new owners during that time period.
The best home warranty provider for you will be able to match a plan to your specific coverage needs and budget. Your warranty company should be able to clearly explain the details of your service contract so you can understand your warranty coverage.
Why are there different types of home warranty plans available in Texas?
As they say, “everything is bigger in Texas,” and this is true about the variety of home warranty coverage available for your Texas home. To make a decision, you can review the top providers to understand which plan is best for you. If you are currently in the market for a new home, your real estate agent may also be a good resource on the best home warranties.
Remember that your home warranty company should be able to easily explain your coverage options. If they cannot, it may be time to move on to a different provider.