Some homeowners insurance policies include a limited home warranty coverage endorsement, but it is not as comprehensive as a standalone home warranty. Also, many homeowners policies offer an equipment breakdown and/or service line endorsement now. These will typically add coverage for:
Direct physical loss or damage both originating within: 1. Boilers, fired or unfired pressure vessels, vacuum vessels, and pressure piping, all normally subject to vacuum or internal pressure other than static pressure of contents, excluding: waste disposal piping; any piping forming part of a fire protective system; and any water piping other than: boiler feed water piping between the feed pump and the boiler; boiler condensate return piping; or water piping forming part of a refrigerating or air conditioning system used for cooling, humidifying or space heating purposes; 2. Any mechanical, electrical, electronic or fiber optic equipment; and caused by, resulting from, or consisting of: mechanical breakdown, electrical breakdown, electronic breakdown, rupture, bursting, bulging, implosion, or steam explosion.
Homeowners insurance typically covers events such as fire, theft, and natural disasters, but it does not cover the normal wear and tear or breakdown of systems and appliances in the home without some kind of endorsement.
A standalone home warranty is a separate contract that provides coverage for the repair or replacement of specified systems and appliances in your home, such as the HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. Home warranty coverage is designed to help protect homeowners from the high cost of repairs or replacements of these items due to normal wear and tear.
If you're interested in home warranty coverage, you can purchase a standalone policy from a home warranty company or consider adding a home warranty endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy if available. It's a good idea to compare the coverage and costs of different home warranty options and to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy before you make a decision.
