What electrical services does a home warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover a home’s entire internal wiring system, from the main breaker panel to the outlets and light switches. Your home’s electrical system is complex, so you’ll want a home warranty plan that offers comprehensive coverage on important built-in components, such as:
- Electrical for heating and cooling units
- Direct current (DC) wiring
- Breaker boxes
- Built-in attic, exhaust and vent fans
- Electrical parts of the pumps and motors of your plumbing system
- Light fixtures
- Electrical connected to sump pumps
- Circuit breakers
- Electrical systems of whirlpools
- Doorbells
When you sign up for a home warranty, check to see if the plan covers both the existing electrical and any you will add in the future. Some plans just cover the home's existing electrical.
Why electrical home warranty coverage matters
Home warranty coverage on electrical issues helps to safeguard you and your budget against unexpected repair costs down the line. Your home’s electrical system is something you use and rely on daily, so a home warranty plan that covers wear and tear and electrical issues can help to protect you financially.
Electrical coverage also provides easier access to electricians and licensed technicians when you need them most. While an unexpected electrical issue could result in a hefty bill without coverage, you’ll likely only need to pay a fixed service fee for necessary repairs or replacements.
Potential exclusions to electrical home warranty coverage
Even with the best home warranty companies, there will always be some stipulations in your contract that may get your claim denied. Oftentimes, the exclusion is based on the cause of the electrical issue rather than the component itself. Here are a few things that your plan may not cover:
- Damage that’s not from normal wear and tear
- Circuit overloads
- Damage from lightning strikes or other “acts of God”
- Power boxes and wiring that’s not connected to your home’s foundation
- Damage from power failure
- Wiring in outbuildings, detached garages, barns, etc.
- Damage from power surges
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover electrical issues
If your home warranty plan doesn’t cover electrical issues, be sure to check with the company. It may have a different package, upgraded tier or additional add-on coverage that does include electrical. You could also consider switching to a company that offers comprehensive electrical coverage, like American Home Shield. If that isn’t an option and you’ve recently moved into a new home, check your builders insurance for electrical coverage.
Paying out of pocket for electrical repairs is another option if your warranty doesn’t provide coverage. Costs can vary depending on the type of repair. For example, replacing an outlet or light switch might cost under $200, while larger projects, such as rewiring or replacing a breaker panel, could run several thousand dollars.
If you decide to pay out of pocket, it’s important to get multiple quotes from licensed electricians so you have a sense of fair pricing. You may also want to set aside a budget for ongoing electrical maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses in the future.
Tips for a successful electrical home warranty claim
You should immediately stop using any circuits, outlets or other electrical components if you suspect they are malfunctioning. Common signs of electrical issues are burning smells and audible crackling sounds. Document any warning signs as this can be useful during the claims process. You should also be prepared to share information about your electrical system’s maintenance history and the model and serial numbers of specific components.
Contact your home warranty provider directly before hiring a private electrician. Your provider will likely have a specific claims process you need to follow or an approved pool of electricians you should use. To lower the chances of your claim being denied, be sure to only hire licensed electricians and report any issues you notice as quickly as possible.
FAQ
What does a home typically warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items, like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
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Is wiring covered under warranty?
Many home warranty companies cover electrical. Be sure to check your contract to see what areas of electrical are covered.
What is not covered by a home warranty?
Typically, any damage caused by anything other than normal wear and tear isn’t covered. A home warranty company may also deny a claim for appliances and systems that aren’t properly maintained.
Does a home warranty cover electrical panels and breaker boxes?
Most home warranty plans that include electrical coverage will cover electrical panels and breaker boxes, though the extent of coverage may depend on your provider.
Does a home warranty cover electrical panel replacement?
Some home warranty companies cover electrical panel replacement if the issue is due to normal wear and tear. Always review your contract to confirm.
Will my home warranty cover code upgrades if my wiring is outdated?
Home warranties typically do not cover the cost of bringing systems up to current code. This is usually considered an exclusion, so check with your provider.
Bottom line
While many home warranty companies do cover electrical, you may not get your claim approved if the situation doesn’t meet certain conditions. Be sure to read the fine print of your contract and contact the company if you have any questions.
