Virginia home warranty options
While there are many Virginia home warranty companies, it is fairly easy to break down the standard options available to you.
Most providers offer three out-of-the-box home warranty plans: appliance only, systems only and a combo plan. Appliance plans cover heavily-used items, such as your stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and built-in microwave. If you want coverage for your heating, cooling and plumbing, you'll want to ask for a systems plan. The most popular plan is a combo plan, which brings together the most comprehensive coverage for your home's systems and appliances.
Although most warranty companies list similar items, the details in your home warranty coverage can vary greatly. For instance, some companies have a very limited window for covering the workmanship of a repair. If this is important to you, you'll want to choose a company like Cinch Home Services, where we have an industry-leading 180-day workmanship guarantee.
Whether you have a new home or one that needs work, it is important that you find a home warranty plan that meets your specific coverage needs.
Why are home warranties especially important to have in Virginia?
In Virginia, a home warranty can help your home sell quicker and at a premium price. Once your home inspection has been completed, the warranty plan can help give your buyer added comfort. The service contract will cover the repair cost of the home's major appliances for a period of one year and can be renewed at any time by the buyer. Oftentimes, the homeowner will include a home warranty plan for free with the transaction.
Why do you need a home warranty in tandem with home insurance in Virginia?
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover damages to appliance or home system breakdowns unless it is the result of a specific event. For instance, if a windstorm knocks down that oak tree in your backyard and it lands in your kitchen, your home insurance policy may cover the cost of replacing a damaged appliance, along with any structural damage incurred.
How does a home warranty protect you and save you money in Virginia?
A home warranty protects your home against costly repairs of your home's major appliances and mechanical systems (such as your electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing).
Even if you recently purchased a new home, a home warranty can save you money. Manufacturers’ warranties are a limited warranty in that they can last six months to a year. After this, your home warranty coverage can help you cover a home appliance or home system.
What is usually not covered by a home warranty in Virginia?
Most major appliances and systems will be covered by your home warranty company, but pay attention to any exclusions or limitations of your specific warranty plan. Generally a home warranty plan will cover your home systems, appliances or place all covered items into a single combo plan. The following are items that are not covered by a standard Virginia home warranty:
- Garage doors and tracks
- Windows, walls and doors
- Leaky roofs
- Sprinkler systems
- Pools and hot tubs
- Solar water heaters
- Pre-existing conditions
- Using out-of-network service providers
The specific coverage will be outlined in your home service contract. Your home warranty plan may not cover a water heater or garbage disposal unless you select a home systems plan or a combo plan. Review your home warranty plan details to ensure you understand where you have coverage gaps and whether or not you have coverage from your homeowners insurance. Your home warranty company's customer service should be able to easily answer any warranty coverage questions.
What should you look for in a home warranty policy in Virginia?
The best Virginia home warranty companies will provide comprehensive coverage for major home systems and appliances, offer flexible warranty plan pricing and have stellar customer service. No matter what Virginia home warranty company you choose, be sure to review and understand your service contract. If you believe you will use the warranty two or more times throughout the year, select a lower deductible or service fee.
In general, you can make as many home service requests as necessary for items covered in your home warranty plan, unless you have reached any maximum caps.
How do you file a claim against your home warranty in Virginia?
Your home service contract will explain how to file a warranty claim. This may vary by warranty company.
At Cinch Home Services, you can open your service request online 24/7 in My Account or by calling (844) 324-5688. Cinch offers a variety of coverage plans for Virginia homeowners that can be adjusted to meet your budget and needs. Our customer service team will happily answer any questions you have about your personal coverage needs.
Discover the Cinch difference. Choose a plan, and start protecting your home today!