A complete guide to home warranties

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Home warranties by Cinch

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty1 is an annual service agreement that provides coverage for unexpected system and appliance breakdowns.

 

You might not think you need a home warranty plan (often known as a home protection plan or home service plan). After all, why spend money if you don't have to?

 

Unfortunately, many people find out too late that home warranties are an essential way to protect your home, your family and your bank account. Once your major appliances start to fail or a whole system goes down, you may find yourself regretting the decision to skip this important form of home protection. Don’t let this happen to you.

 

Machines break down over time. Sometimes, they even fail right away — through no fault of your own. Without home warranty protection, you could end up facing a costly repair bill for an appliance like a washing machine or refrigerator, or even a whole system like your HVAC or electrical system.

 

Don’t let home appliance or system breakdowns become a major — and very — expensive headache. A home warranty gives you the assurance that problems will be taken care of with convenience and ease by reputable technicians. It also helps you plan your budget better, so there are no surprise expenses in your bank account.

How does a home warranty work?

Step 1

Choose the best plan for you

Select the home warranty plan that fits your budget and coverage needs. You can either pay in full upfront or choose to pay a modest monthly fee.

mother+and+daughter+folding+laundry
mother+and+daughter+folding+laundry
Step 2

Request service anytime you need it

When a covered appliance or system breaks down, you can request service anytime online or by phone. 

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woman+on+laptop
Step 3

We'll send out the experts

We match your repair request with one of our thousands of vetted service providers.

lady-with-repairman-looking-at-nest-unit
lady-with-repairman-looking-at-nest-unit
Step 4

You'll be back up and running in no time

And, you can rest easy because your covered home repair is backed by our 180-day Workmanship Guarantee!

Couple cuddling on couch smiling at each other
Couple cuddling on couch smiling at each other

Why do you need a home warranty?

Without a home warranty, you could be paying too much for home repairs or replacements.2 

Refrigerator

Repairs can cost up to $650

Air Conditioner

Replacements can cost up to $5,900

Clothes Washer and Dryer

Replacements can cost up to $1,000

Water Heater

Repairs can cost up to $600

What's covered by a home warranty?

Cinch Home Services warranty plans cover home systems and appliances — like your refrigerator or HVAC — when they break down due to normal wear and tear. This affordable coverage comes with award-winning customer service and helps you control the cost of covered repairs — all backed by our 180-day Workmanship Guarantee. No home inspection is necessary.

Prices starting at just $27.99/month!3

  

Cinch

Repair Only

Cinch_Icon_Repair_a 1

Covers repairs to 37 essential appliances and components of major systems you rely on every day.


 

  • Heating and air conditioning systems
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Kitchen and laundry appliances
  • Up to $1,000 per covered repair
  • 2 units per appliance covered

  

Cinch

Repair + Replace

Appliances 1

For just dollars more per month, this plan goes beyond repairs with coverage for replacements, too.


 

  • Heating and air conditioning systems
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Kitchen and laundry appliances
  • Up to $2,000 per covered appliance
  • 2 units per appliance covered
  • $500 homeowners deductible reimbursement4

  

Cinch

Repair + Replace Premier

Plan icons

From your refrigerator to your outside water line, to electrical permits and more — this plan gives you the most coverage and control.

 

  • Heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems
  • Kitchen and laundry appliances
  • Up to $2,000 per covered appliance
  • 2 units per appliance covered
  • $500 homeowners deductible reimbursement4
  • Outside water, sewer and gas lines
  • Additional $2,000 for expenses like electrical permits, equipment disposal and more5

Why choose a Cinch Home Services warranty?

Rave reviews

Highly rated on ConsumerAffairs with thousands of 5-star reviews

 

45 years of experience

Protecting millions of homeowners nationwide since 1978

 

Award-winning customer service

Recognized for outstanding customer service and innovation

 

Affordable plans

Flexible home warranty plans for your budget and coverage needs

 

About our company

At Cinch Home Services, protecting homes and keeping them running isn't just our business — it's what we love to do!

 

When it comes to homeownership, the last thing you want to worry about is an appliance or system failure. Our home warranty plans provide peace of mind, knowing that your home essentials and your budget are protected. 

 

Customers nationwide have trusted us for over 45 years because we have the experience needed to deliver high-quality service. Simply put, we make home repairs easier and more affordable.


Frequently asked questions

Visit the home warranty FAQ library for more information.

When should I buy a home warranty?

No matter how new or old your home is, it's always a good time to protect your wallet from unexpected repairs. Even a new home can present problems in the first year, and finding a trusted service provider can be a hit or miss.

If you're buying or selling a home, you can purchase a home warranty at any time —  no prior home inspection required.

Should I buy a home warranty when purchasing a home?

Because it may be difficult to assess the condition of every home system or appliance — even with a home inspection — a home warranty can really come in handy. 

For example, an HVAC repair or replacement could be a major financial setback. The last thing a new homeowner wants to deal with is an unexpected and costly repair. A home warranty can give you peace of mind, knowing you're protected.

Purchasing a home warranty when buying a home can help protect you from the cost of unforeseen breakdowns.

Who typically pays for a home warranty?

Both home buyers and home sellers can pay for a home warranty. Many home sellers include a warranty in the sale of a home to help protect the transaction and reduce the risk of future liability.

If a home warranty isn't included in the sale, the home buyer can purchase one at any time.

What is not covered by a home warranty?

Other non-mechanical items in your home, like the roof, windows, walls and doors, are typically not included in home warranty coverage. Also, if a covered item was improperly installed or repaired, your home warranty plan will likely not cover it. It's important to read the details included in the "General Exclusions and Limitations" section of the terms and conditions. Before you buy a plan, check out the sample terms and conditions after requesting a quote. Existing customers can access their plan in My Account anytime.

What is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?

Required by mortgage lenders, homeowners insurance protects your home from weather and theft, as well as covering your liability if someone is injured while on your property. Only sometimes will it also cover some or all of your home’s systems and appliances. If, like many homeowners, you look into your coverage and discover that these systems and appliances are exempt, a home warranty is a great way to fill that coverage gap and get peace of mind. Still unsure about the difference? Read our article discussing home warranties vs. home insurance.

Whether your home is new or old, or you’re a home buyer or a home seller, pairing homeowners insurance with home warranty coverage will provide you with protection for both catastrophic events and unexpected repairs.

*Get your first month of coverage free when you choose the monthly billing option on your purchase of a new annual Repair Only Plan, Repair + Replace Plan or Repair + Replace Premier Plan. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not available in all states.

1The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.

2Repair and replacement costs above are national averages based on actual project costs as reported by unaffiliated third-party home project websites.

3Pricing varies by location and plan type; sales tax may apply.

4Reimburses you up to $500 when you must pay a deductible on a covered homeowners insurance claim. Only one claim, per member per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which will be included in your plan materials you receive after enrollment. Benefits are provided by an unaffiliated insurer under an insurance policy issued to Cinch Home Services, Inc., (an affiliate of California Cinch Home Services, Inc., HomeSure Services, Inc., HomeSure of America, Inc. and HomeSure of Virginia, Inc.) with benefits for customers of these affiliates, respectively.

5Provides up to $2,000 of coverage per year (two claims of up to $1,000 each) when there are non-covered charges associated with a covered claim, such as permits and equipment disposal.