Does a home warranty cover fences?
Check out fence coverage to avoid costly surprises later
+1 more
Home warranties typically don’t cover fences. That’s because homeowners insurance usually covers this particular part of your home. You may be able to get coverage through add-ons to your policy, though. Here’s what you need to know.
Most home warranty companies do not cover fences.
Jump to insightIf your contract covers fences, your home warranty may have limitations and exclusions that could get your claim denied.
Jump to insightYou may be protected in other ways if you don’t have home warranty coverage.
Jump to insightWhat fence services does a home warranty cover?
Home warranties sometimes cover fence repairs and replacements, but the specifics can vary. In the rare case that your home warranty does cover fences, reviewing your contract is key to understanding what your coverage includes. For instance, while some companies may cover wooden fences, they may not cover chain-link fences.
Potential exclusions to fence home warranty coverage
A few limitations and exclusions in your home warranty contract could affect your claim to repair or replace your fence. Here are some common ones to keep in mind:
- Your fence wasn't installed correctly.
- It wasn't properly maintained.
- Your warranty might not cover a specific type of fence (like wood or PVC).
- Your fence’s problem existed before you got your warranty.
- Your homeowners insurance covers your fence.
- The damage wasn't from regular wear and tear.
Also, your policy might have a limit on how much it'll pay for a repair or replacement. For instance, if there's a $2,000 cap on fence repair and your fence needs $3,000 worth of work, you'd need to cover the extra $1,000 yourself.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover fences
If you discover that your home warranty doesn't cover fences, no worries. You've got options. You may be able to upgrade to a package that includes fencing coverage, or you might be able to add it to your current package as an extra feature. Remember, this can add to the cost of your home warranty.
Your homeowners insurance may cover fence repairs if your home warranty doesn’t. The company that installed your fence may also have a warranty or money-back guarantee. It’s worth checking before taking on the cost yourself.
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.
Is my fence covered under warranty?
Your fence may be covered by a warranty from the installer.
What does a home warranty cover vs. insurance?
Home warranties typically cover appliances and systems that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home insurance covers things around your home damaged by catastrophes like floods, fires and theft.
Bottom line
Home warranties usually don’t cover fences. Luckily, your homeowners insurance probably does. Be sure to contact your policy company to see if you’re covered.
