Does a home warranty cover fireplaces?
Check fireplace coverage to avoid costly surprises later
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Most home warranty companies don’t cover fireplaces as part of your policy. Some problems that are associated with your fireplace may be covered, though. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself and your home.
Most home warranty companies do not cover fireplaces.
Jump to insightYour 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 insightHome warranty fireplace coverage
Home warranties don’t usually cover fireplaces, but you may still have a little coverage in a roundabout way. For example, if your policy covers gas lines, and your fireplace is gas, your home warranty may cover a gas leak in your fireplace. Or, if you have roof coverage and there’s a leak around the roof area of your fireplace, the repair may have coverage in your home warranty contract.
Home warranty coverage for fireplaces can vary depending on the type of fireplace you have. Here’s a breakdown:
- Gas fireplaces: Most home warranty providers are more likely to cover gas fireplaces, especially the mechanical parts like gas lines, ignition systems and controls. Cosmetic issues, such as glass doors or decorative logs, are usually excluded. Venting systems and routine maintenance may also not be covered.
- Wood-burning fireplaces: Coverage for wood-burning fireplaces is less common. Warranties usually exclude brickwork, masonry and chimney parts due to wear, tear and safety concerns.
- Electric fireplaces: Electric fireplaces may be covered like other electrical appliances, which means repairs for electrical failures or faulty switches could be eligible. Coverage rarely includes looks or cosmetic parts, and damage from bad installation is often excluded.
Always check your provider’s contract for details, as some companies offer optional fireplace coverage or have unique exclusions for each fireplace type.
What does a home warranty typically 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.
Fireplace warranty coverage exclusions
If you are able to get coverage for your fireplace, your claim may still be denied or limited. Here are some common exclusions in your home warranty contract that could affect your claim to get your fireplace repaired or replaced:
- It wasn't properly maintained.
- Your fireplace wasn't installed correctly.
- The problem with your fireplace existed before you got your warranty.
- Your warranty might not cover a specific type of fireplace (like wood-burning or gas).
- Your homeowner’s insurance already covers your fireplace.
- The damage wasn't from regular wear and tear.
Coverage caps
Additionally, your policy might limit how much it'll pay for a repair or replacement. For example, your contract may include a $1,000 cap on fireplace repairs. If your fireplace needs $3,000 worth of work, you'd need to cover the extra $2,000 yourself.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover fireplaces
If your home warranty doesn't cover fireplaces, you may still be able to get coverage. You might be able to upgrade to a package that includes it, or you could add fireplace coverage to your current plan as an extra feature.
Another avenue to explore is your homeowner’s insurance, which could cover fireplace repairs if your home is affected by something like foundation problems, a fire or a flood. Additionally, a builder’s warranty may cover your fireplace if your home is relatively new. It's definitely worth checking out before footing the bill for repairs yourself.
FAQ
Is my fireplace covered under warranty?
It may be covered by a builder’s warranty if your home is new.
What does a home warranty cover vs. insurance?
They cover two different types of damage. Home insurance covers damage caused by mishaps like floods, fires and theft, while home warranties cover repairs or replacements from normal wear and tear.
Are electric fireplaces covered by home warranties?
Most home warranty plans focus on built-in systems and appliances. Traditional or wood-burning fireplaces are sometimes included under optional coverage, but electric fireplaces are often considered portable or standalone appliances. Coverage for electric fireplaces varies by provider, so check your contract terms or ask your home warranty company directly.
Bottom line
When it comes to fireplaces, home warranties typically don't have you covered. You have options, though. Your homeowner’s insurance might come to the rescue, or your issue could be linked to another covered system in your home. It's always a good idea to reach out to your policy company to double-check your coverage and explore your options.
