Do I Have a Home Warranty?

How to verify home warranty coverage

If you’re unsure whether your home is protected by a warranty, there are several reliable ways to confirm coverage. The steps below walk through the most common verification methods.

Check your closing documents

Review your Closing Disclosure or HUD-1 Settlement Statement, focusing on sections labeled “Home Warranty,” “Warranties,” “Additional Terms” or line items showing seller-paid fees. A home warranty may also appear in a purchase agreement addendum or repair rider. On a Closing Disclosure, look for warranty fees listed under “Other Costs” or “Services You Can Shop For.” If you see a warranty provider name or fee, that’s a strong indicator that coverage was purchased. If documents are unclear, note any references and use them when contacting agents or providers.

Gather key information

Having the right details ready can speed up verification. Collect the following:

• Property address
• Home purchase date
• Seller and real estate agent names
• Possible warranty provider
• Policy or contract number (if available)
• Your ID or proof of ownership

Each item helps confirm whether a policy exists, whether it transferred to you, and whether it’s still active.

Review service and repair records

Past repair invoices can provide clues about warranty coverage. Look for notes such as “home warranty claim,” “service fee,” or a warranty company name. Some contractors list the warranty provider directly on invoices. If you see this information, contact the service company and ask which warranty company authorized the work and when the claim was filed. This can help identify the provider even if you no longer have the policy paperwork.

Check for payments or recurring charges

Review bank and credit card statements for payments to home warranty companies. Look for annual charges, renewal fees, or service call payments under company names such as American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, or similar providers. Even a single annual payment can confirm prior coverage. Note the payment date and merchant name, as this information can help a warranty company locate your policy or confirm whether coverage has expired.

Contact your real estate agent or seller

Reach out to your real estate agent or the seller and ask directly whether a home warranty was purchased at closing. Request the provider name, policy number, and whether the warranty was transferred or renewed. If possible, ask for copies of the warranty contract or confirmation emails. Follow up in writing if details are unclear, as agents and sellers may have records even if you don’t.

Contact major home warranty providers

If you suspect coverage but don’t know the provider, contact major home warranty companies directly and ask them to search by address. When calling, provide your address, purchase date and seller’s name. Ask whether a policy exists and if it’s active or expired.

» COMPARE: Best home warranty companies

Check with title companies and public records

Title companies sometimes retain records showing whether a home warranty was included at closing. Contact the title or escrow company listed on your closing documents and request confirmation. You can also review public real estate records or archived transaction summaries, which may reference warranty addenda or seller concessions tied to a warranty purchase.

Types of home warranties

Home warranties generally fall into three main categories, each offering different types of coverage and protections. Below is a breakdown of the most common home warranty types and what they cover.

Builder’s warranties

A builder’s warranty is provided by the homebuilder for newly constructed homes. It typically covers workmanship, materials and major structural components. Coverage periods vary but often include one year for workmanship, two years for systems, and up to 10 years for structural elements. To check if you have a builder’s warranty, review your closing documents, new home purchase agreement, or warranty booklet provided at move-in. You can also contact the builder directly or check state builder registration records if available. These warranties usually apply only to the original owner and may have strict claim deadlines.

Manufacturer’s warranties

Manufacturer’s warranties cover individual appliances or systems, such as HVAC units, water heaters and kitchen appliances. These warranties protect against defects in materials or workmanship for a set period, often ranging from one to 10 years. Documentation is typically included with the product manual or registration. To verify coverage, locate the model and serial number and contact the manufacturer or check their website. Keeping receipts and registration confirmations can help avoid delays when filing a claim.

Third-party home warranties

Third-party home warranties are service contracts purchased separately or included in a real estate transaction. They cover repairs or replacement of major systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear, usually for one year at a time. To confirm coverage, review your closing disclosure, renewal notices or policy documents, or contact the warranty company directly using your property address. These warranties require annual renewal and a service fee per claim, so checking expiration dates and coverage limits is essential.

» READ MORE: Home warranty coverage

Why does a home warranty matter?

Depending on your property type, home warranties can definitely be worth it. They help offset the repair or replacement costs of major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. Instead of paying for large, unexpected repairs, a home warranty typically limits your costs to a set service fee, helping make expenses more predictable.

That said, home warranty coverage has important limitations. Most home warranties exclude known or preexisting conditions, as well as issues caused by improper maintenance or code violations. Purchasing a warranty after a problem has already appeared usually won’t result in coverage for that issue. However, if your home already has an active warranty and a covered item fails unexpectedly, you should be able to file a claim. Understanding both the benefits and exclusions can help you decide whether a home warranty is worth it for your situation.

Bottom line

Understanding whether you have a home warranty is the first step in safeguarding your home and finances against unexpected maintenance costs. Whether you're a new homeowner or considering adding home warranty coverage to your existing property, it's always smart to take proactive steps to assess your coverage status.