Do home warranties cover ovens, ranges and cooktops?

Home warranty oven, range and cooktop coverage

Home warranties almost always cover ovens, ranges, and cooktops, but some plans focus on home systems and may not cover kitchen appliances. Other plans may not cover specific appliances, such as wall ovens, may not be covered under some appliance plans.

Your policy might also only cover specific parts of your oven, range, or cooktop, so it's important to review your contract. For example, warming drawers that aren’t incorporated into the range or oven unit may not be included.

Commonly covered parts:

• Heating elements (bake and broil elements, surface burners)
• Ignition systems and pilot lights
• Thermostats and temperature sensors
• Control boards and electronic controls
• Switches, dials and knobs (when functional, not just cosmetic)
• Timers and clocks
• Door hinges, seals and gaskets

What does a home warranty typically cover?

Home warranties typically cover a wide range of home systems and appliances that break down from normal wear and tear. Coverage varies depending on the plan you choose, but most home warranties include protection for the following items:

• Major kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ovens, ranges and cooktops
• Built-in microwaves and dishwashers
• Laundry appliances such as washers and dryers
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Plumbing systems, including pipes, faucets and water heaters
• Electrical systems
• Ductwork
• Pool and spa equipment
• Garage door openers

Oven, range and cooktop warranty coverage exclusions

Even with home warranty coverage for your oven, range or cooktop, there's still a chance your claim may encounter some obstacles. Some common exclusions that are specific to ovens, ranges and cooktops include:

• Cosmetic components (handles, trim, knobs if only for appearance)
• Racks, shelves and drawers
• Glass doors and panels (unless specifically stated)
• Light bulbs and fuses

Some additional common exclusions in your home warranty contract that could affect your ability to get a repair or replacement:

• The appliance wasn’t taken care of properly.
• Your oven, range or cooktop was installed improperly.
• It has preexisting issues.
• The policy has limited coverage for specific brands and models or old appliances.
• Your homeowners insurance already covers the problem with the appliance (like fire or flood damage).
• The damage didn’t come from regular wear and tear.
• Unauthorized technicians performed the repairs.
• Your policy doesn’t cover professional-grade appliances.

Additionally, your policy might have a cap on how much the home warranty company will pay for a repair or replacement. You'll be responsible for covering the additional costs yourself.

For example, American Home Shield has a coverage cap of $2,000 per appliance on its ShieldGold plan ($4,000 with the ShieldPlatinum plan). This cap covers the diagnosis and repair or replacement of your oven, range or cooktop.

Home warranty claim process for ovens, ranges and cooktops

Most home warranty providers have a waiting period of about 30 days after your contract starts before you can file a claim. When you need service for your oven, range or cooktop:

1. Check your coverage: Make sure your appliance is included in your plan.
2. Gather information: Have your contract number, appliance model and serial number and a description of the problem ready.
3. Submit a claim: File your service request online or call your provider. Some offer mobile apps for claims.
4. Wait for approval: The provider will review your claim and assign a local technician.
5. Schedule a visit: The technician will call you to set up a repair appointment.
6. Pay the service fee: Be ready to pay the required service fee or deductible when the technician arrives.

The technician will inspect your appliance and perform the repair if it’s covered. If more work or parts are needed, your provider will coordinate next steps. Always keep records of your claim and communications.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover ovens, ranges and cooktops

If your home warranty plan doesn't cover ovens, ranges or cooktops, you can make changes to your package. You might have the option to upgrade to a package that includes oven, range and cooktop coverage, or you could add it to your current plan as an extra feature. This will add a little extra to your home warranty costs, though.

Another thing to consider is your homeowners insurance. Your policy could cover oven, range and cooktop repairs in certain situations — like if a fire or flood impacts your home.

Choosing a home warranty for oven, range and cooktop coverage

When selecting a home warranty plan that includes ovens, ranges and cooktops, it’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and budget. Here are some tips for making the right choice:

• Assess your current appliances: Consider the age, condition and brand of your oven, range and cooktop. Older or high-end appliances may need more comprehensive coverage.
• Compare coverage options: Look at different plans to see which ones specifically mention ovens, ranges and cooktops. Pay attention to any exclusions or limitations.
• Check coverage caps: Some plans have limits on how much they will pay for repairs or replacements. Make sure the cap is high enough to cover potential costs.
• Review service fees: Most home warranty plans require you to pay a service call fee for each visit. Compare these fees across different companies.
• Consider add-ons: If the base plan doesn’t include coverage for your appliances, see if you can add it as an extra feature.
• Read customer reviews: Look for feedback on how companies handle claims and repairs, especially for kitchen appliances.

Taking the time to research and compare plans can help you find a warranty that provides reliable protection for your essential cooking appliances.

Bottom line

Home warranty companies typically cover ovens, ranges and cooktops as part of their appliance coverage. However, protection may vary depending on the specific terms of your home warranty package’s contract. Be sure to review your policy to understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply to your appliances.