Does a Home Warranty Cover Fences?

Home warranty fence coverage

Home warranties generally do not cover fences, but if a plan does mention fence coverage, what is included can depend on the type of fence material and its condition. Here is a breakdown of common fence materials and how maintenance impacts eligibility for coverage:

• Wood fences: Home warranties rarely cover wood fences. If they do, coverage may exclude issues caused by rot, warping or insect damage, which are often considered maintenance problems. Regular sealing, painting and inspection for termites are usually required to keep eligibility.
• Chain link fences: Coverage for chain link fences is uncommon, but if available, it may only include damage from specific perils like storms. Rust, corrosion and bent posts due to lack of upkeep are generally excluded. Routine cleaning and tightening of connections can be necessary to keep the fence in good standing for any potential claims.
• Vinyl fences: Vinyl fences are low maintenance, but cracks from impact or warping due to exposure may not be covered if caused by neglect. Warranty eligibility may depend on regular cleaning and prompt repairs of minor issues before they worsen.

Regardless of material, any fence coverage in a home warranty typically excludes damage due to neglect, normal wear and tear or lack of proper maintenance. Always review your plan documents to understand specific inclusions and exclusions for fence coverage.

Fence warranty coverage exclusions

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.

Home warranties that do offer fence coverage often have specific coverage limits and deductibles. 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.

• Coverage limit: This is the most the warranty provider will pay to repair or replace a fence. For fences, limits are usually lower than for major systems—sometimes just a few hundred dollars per claim.
• Deductible: This is what you pay out-of-pocket before coverage starts. For fences, deductibles are usually $75 to $150 per claim.

In comparison, homeowners insurance may have higher coverage limits for fences (like up to 10 percent of your home’s value) but also a higher deductible, often $500 or more. Home warranties are designed to cover normal wear and tear, not sudden accidents, so their coverage is more limited in both scope and payout.

Always review your specific contract and compare it to your homeowners insurance to understand what is covered and what your financial responsibility will be.

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.

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.