Do Home Warranties Cover Foundation Repair?
Check foundation coverage to avoid costly surprises later
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The foundation can be one of the most expensive things to repair around your home. Your foundation may be covered by a special type of warranty or your home insurance — but likely not by a general home warranty.
Home warranties don’t cover foundation repair.
Jump to insightA builder’s warranty may cover your foundation.
Jump to insightCheck with your home’s insurance company to see what kind of coverage you have for your foundation.
Jump to insightHome warranty foundation coverage
Home warranty companies don’t typically cover the bones of your home, including the foundation. These warranty plans focus on appliances and systems found in your home rather than the home’s structure.
Some home warranty companies may offer add-on options or specialized structural coverage plans that give limited protection for foundation problems.
These specialized plans or add-ons are not common and may come with stricter terms, such as:
- Higher service fees or deductibles for structural claims
- Coverage only for specific types of foundation damage, like those caused by plumbing leaks covered under the plan
- Caps on the maximum payout for foundation-related repairs
- Exclusions for pre-existing issues or damage from settlement, soil movement or natural disasters
If you’re worried about potential foundation repairs, review the home warranty provider’s sample contract and ask about any available structural or foundation add-ons. Coverage for foundation repair is typically very limited, if it is offered at all.
What does a home warranty typically cover?
Although they don't cover structural elements, home warranties do offer protection for other important things around the house. Here's a quick look at what’s usually covered by a home warranty:
- Stand-alone freezers
- Refrigerators
- Washers and dryers
- Garbage disposals
- Central vacuums
- Dishwashers
- Oven, range and cooktops
- Built-in microwaves
- Garage door openers
- Pool and spa pumps
- Trash compactors
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover a foundation
Your foundation may already be covered, even if your home warranty doesn’t include it. If your home is new, it could be covered under a builders warranty.
Your home insurance may also cover damage to your foundation from an accident or natural disaster.
» COMPARE: Home warranty vs. home insurance
FAQ
Are foundation issues covered by a warranty?
Some builders warranties do cover foundation problems. Be sure to check your agreement to learn about your specific warranty terms.
Does house insurance cover foundation cracks?
Home insurance doesn't typically cover cracks in foundation, unless they’re caused by an accident or a natural disaster.
What does a typical home warranty cover for foundation repairs?
Home warranties usually cover foundation repairs only if the damage is caused by specific, covered events such as plumbing leaks. General wear and tear or issues due to soil movement are often excluded.
Bottom line
Even though your home warranty might not cover foundation repairs, don't worry. You may still have some options. It's a good idea to check your home insurance or builders warranty policy to see if foundation issues are covered. These could offer the financial help you need for those tricky foundation fixes.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Trade Commission, “Warranties for New Homes.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
- Nationwide, “Does homeowners insurance cover foundation issues and repair?” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
