Owning a home in Missouri comes with its share of surprises, like unexpected repairs. The good news? A dependable home warranty can safeguard your budget by covering the cost of repairs or replacements for essential systems and appliances. Whether you're in Kansas City, St. Louis, or nestled in the Ozarks, a home warranty ensures you’re prepared for life’s "what-ifs."
Key highlights
Can cover common repairs for Missouri Homes
Home warranties in Missouri often cover high-use systems and appliances like HVAC, plumbing, and kitchen/laundry appliances, which are prone to wear due to the state's harsh winters and hot summers.
There are customizable and comprehensive coverage options
Look for plans that offer flexibility—such as adding coverage for swimming pools or septic systems—and comprehensive protection for core systems and appliances.
Can be valuable for both buyers and sellers
Home warranties are optional but beneficial in Missouri. They can make a property more appealing during a sale and protect both buyers and sellers from unexpected repair costs, especially during the listing or move-in period.
Median MS home age
Average MS home maintenance costs
Average MS home warranty costs
Common home repairs in the Show-Me State that can be covered
Household systems face similar wear and tear across Missouri, from bustling cities like Kansas City and St. Louis to rural areas such as the Ozarks. Common repairs include these key systems and appliances:
HVAC systems
Missouri's winters can be harsh, and summers have no picnics either. Your HVAC system works overtime all year, making breakdowns a common occurrence. A home warranty can cover repairs or replacements for heating and cooling systems so you stay comfortable regardless of season.
Plumbing worries
Leaky faucets, clogged drains and worn-out water heaters can disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly repairs. With a home warranty from Cinch Home Services, you’re protected against many of the most common plumbing problems—so you can skip the stress and avoid paying out of pocket for covered repairs.
Kitchen and laundry appliances
Refrigerators keep groceries fresh, and washing machines handle endless piles of laundry. These everyday essentials need to work reliably. A home warranty typically covers breakdowns for key appliances like dishwashers, stoves and dryers.
Home warranty coverage: What should your plan include in Missouri?
Comprehensive coverage
Ensure the plan covers the key items most likely to need repairs in Missouri, like HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems and appliances.
Flexibility
Look for a home warranty company that allows you to tailor plans to cover additional items specific to your needs, such as swimming pool equipment or septic systems if needed.
Quality customer service
Choose a company with a reputation for excellent customer service and a quick claims process. Reliable customer support can make all the difference during an emergency repair.
What to look for in a home warranty company in Missouri
Searching for the right provider? Keep these tips in mind:
Workmanship guarantee
Seek companies offering guarantees for repairs, such as a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which can help assure ongoing quality.
Transparent costs
Review pricing closely, including premiums and service fees, to avoid hidden charges.
Customer reviews: Read reviews from Missouri homeowners who have used the provider to gauge overall satisfaction, reliability and responsiveness.
Frequently asked questions
When can you buy a home warranty in Missouri?
In Missouri, you can buy a home warranty at any time, regardless of the age of your home or how long you've lived there.
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service agreement between a homeowner and a company that states the terms under which the company will help cover the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances for a given period.
How long does a home warranty last in Missouri?
The typical length of a home warranty agreement in Missouri is one year.
Which Missouri home warranty covers the most?
This depends on your specific plan with the home warranty company you select. At Cinch Home Services, our Complete Home Plan provides comprehensive coverage for most household appliances and systems.
Is there a difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty in Missouri?
Yes, here’s an easy way to explain the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty. Homeowners insurance covers catastrophic, unforeseen events such as accidents, fires and natural disasters. Home warranty protection, on the other hand, covers the appliances and systems in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear. When things such as your HVAC or refrigerator stop working due to normal wear and tear, a home warranty plan is probably worth it and may make it easier (and cheaper) to repair or replace them.
Is a home warranty required in Missouri?
No, home warranties are not required in Missouri.
Who pays for the home warranty at closing?
In real estate, a home warranty can be paid for by the buyer or the seller at closing. For the seller, paying for a home warranty can make the property seem more appealing and help reduce the cost of repairs while the home is on the market. From the buyer's perspective, having a home warranty can provide peace of mind when moving in – especially if they purchase an older home.
How does a home warranty work for Missouri real estate sellers?
Missouri real estate sellers can acquire a home warranty plan for coverage for repairs or replacements of major appliances and home systems when they experience mechanical failure due to normal wear and tear during the listing period. Essentially, the home warranty helps protect the seller from unexpected repair costs if a covered item breaks down while the house is on the market.
What happens when a home warranty lapses?
A home warranty lapse happens if you cancel your agreement or if your agreement isn’t set to auto-renew and you forget to renew it. If this happens, you’ll typically have to wait 30 days after you enroll again before your appliances and systems are covered. During this lapsed period, you'll be financially responsible for any repairs you may need to your household appliances or systems.
How can you renew your home warranty in Missouri?
With most home warranty companies in Missouri, you’ll be notified in advance whether you need to renew, or if you’re already on an automatically renewing plan, you’ll also be notified of any rate and/or coverage changes, no less than 30 days before your current agreement expires.
Protecting Missouri homes, one plan at a time
Whether you’re safeguarding your budget or aiming to avoid unexpected repair bills, a home warranty can provide peace of mind. Understanding your specific home needs in Missouri will guide you toward the best coverage.
For personalized coverage options, discover why thousands of homeowners trust Cinch Home Services.
To get a personalized quote from Cinch Home Services, simply click here and enter your ZIP code to explore available plans and pricing in your area.
“The information in this blog is intended to provide general guidance about home warranties and maintaining appliances/systems. Review your home warranty contract to understand exact coverage.”
