Frequently asked questions
What is a home protection plan?
A home protection plan provides repair or replacement coverage for mechanical failures of major appliances and systems, such as air conditioners, heaters, electrical, plumbing, refrigerators, washers, dryers and more. A Cinch home protection plan provides peace of mind for you and your clients before, during and after the sale of a home. For more information, click here.
How do the Cinch home protection plans work?
When a covered appliance or system fails, your client can request service in My Account, or they can call Cinch anytime — day or night. If the item is covered, your client will be assigned a service partner in their area to schedule an appointment time that is convenient for them. If the item is beyond repair, our service partner may recommend a replacement. This is a cost typically paid by Cinch. For more information, click here.
How would my sellers benefit from a Cinch home protection plan?
• Preferred-home status – Homes with a Cinch protection plan are considered preferred homes. According to Gallup, 8 out of 10 buyers prefer to buy a home protected with a home warranty.
• Valuable savings – A Cinch home protection plan can protect the seller from costly repairs while the home is listed for sale, and in most states, money is not due until closing.
• Reliable service – Our service center is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Plus, we have over 18,000 licensed contractors in our service provider network.
• Closing delays avoided – A Cinch home protection plan minimizes the risk of a closing delay due to a system or appliance failure.
• 180-day workmanship guarantee – This states that covered repairs are guaranteed for 180 days. This is the longest in the industry.
How would my buyers benefit from a Cinch home protection plan?
• Valuable savings – Homeowners are protected against costly breakdowns of their covered appliances and systems.
• Reliable service – Our service center is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Plus, we have over 18,000 licensed contractors in our service provider network.
• Exclusive, patent-pending Claim-No-Claim Warranty®* – Even if nothing breaks, buyers can receive up to $100 on HVAC maintenance (with no claim up to month 9).
• Appliance discounts – Whether renovating or upgrading, plan holders are eligible for deep discounts on new appliances through our Appliance Buyline® service.
• Coverage for lockouts – Plan holders receive up to $50 per year on locksmith services.
• 180-day workmanship guarantee –This states that covered repairs are guaranteed for 180 days. This is the longest in the industry.
* Not available in all states. See terms and conditions and limitations of the contract.
How does a Cinch home protection plan benefit real estate professionals?
A Cinch home protection plan minimizes the risk of a closing delay due to a system or appliance failure. Your clients will appreciate the protection and peace of mind from the valuable service you are recommending.
When a covered appliance or system fails, your clients will contact Cinch, not you. Cinch informs you when a client requests service, presenting you another opportunity to keep in touch with your client. When your clients are satisfied, you gain repeat business and referrals. Your clients will enjoy exclusive benefits like our Claim-No Claim Warranty®*, 180-day workmanship guarantee, locksmith services, Appliance Buyline discounts and more.
* Not available in all states. See terms and conditions and limitations of the contract.
How do I market a Cinch home protection plan to my clients?
Start by presenting your client with a Cinch benefits flyer. You can then follow up with the more-detailed Cinch brochure. Download a brochure.
Who can I call for questions or additional information on a Cinch home protection plan?
You can contact your local account executive or our customer care center if you need assistance.
What's my risk without a home protection plan?
The cost of system and appliance breakdowns can be substantial, especially if a replacement is needed. Use this calculator to assess your risk based on the age of your appliances.
How are home protection plans like health insurance?
Some home protection plan companies offer a "choose your own contractor" option when your covered appliances and systems need repair or replacement. While it can seem beneficial, there are some things to consider when using a warranty company that offers this type of coverage. Think of it like in-network versus out-of-network doctors in health care.
Just like with health care, there are typically more benefits to using in-network providers than those out of network when it comes to home protection plans. Learn more about how Cinch's in-network plans compare to out-of-network options.
Are condominiums and townhouses eligible for coverage?
Yes, Cinch’s protection plans cover all types of single-family residences, including condominiums, townhomes, modular homes and manufactured homes anchored to a permanent foundation. However, shared appliances or systems are not covered.
Are rented properties eligible for coverage?
Coverage is available on single-family homes occupied by a tenant. The homeowner is responsible for requesting service and paying the deductible.
Are multi-family homes eligible for coverage?
Yes, multi-family (duplex) properties are eligible for coverage under the Cinch seller protection plan. However, coverage is restricted to the owner-occupied unit only. Tenant-occupied units are not eligible for coverage under the seller protection plan.
Do my clients need a home inspection to qualify for coverage?
No, a home inspection is not needed to qualify for a Cinch home protection plan.
When does coverage begin and how long does it last? When is payment required?
For the seller: Coverage begins when the plan application is received and continues through the listing agreement period, which is up to 180 days. Extensions are available for up to 360 days if the listing agreement is still in effect. In most states, payment is not required until closing.
For the buyer: Coverage begins at closing, when the title is transferred and payment is received.
For existing homeowners (no real estate transaction): Coverage is effective 30 days after receipt of payment.
Does a Cinch home protection plan cover everything in my client's home?
Cinch covers most major appliances and systems. However, some items, conditions and services are not covered, such as non-mechanical items, including lines, hoses, pipes, windows, walls, doors and maintenance service. Please reference your region's contract for coverage details, or speak with your local account executive.
How much does a Cinch home protection plan cost?
Plans, coverage and pricing vary by state. For details on coverage in your state, please download your brochure or contact your account executive.
Is there a deductible or service fee?
A standard deductible or service fee applies for each service call per trade (appliance, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.). Once the deductible is paid, any covered repairs or replacements are paid for by Cinch.*
* See terms and conditions. Some repairs and replacements may have non-covered charges.
How do I order a Cinch home protection plan for my clients?
Start by creating an account for the Agent Resource Center to enroll and manage your warranties. You can also call, fax or mail in a completed application form from the brochure.
Can I purchase a Cinch home protection plan as a gift for my clients?
Yes, many real estate professionals utilize Cinch home protection plans as gifts for their clients. In the Agent Resource Center, you can order a plan with a personalized gift certificate to give to your client.
How do I edit or cancel a listing or order?
Contact your local account executive or our customer care center to make any changes to your listing or order.
How should my clients request service?
Your clients can request service anytime — day or night — in My Account. If they prefer to call, they can also use our automated phone system to request service, or they can speak to a representative directly.
Can I trust the Cinch service partner network to properly service my clients?
At Cinch, we have more than 18,000 service pros in our network. Every technician that we refer has undergone an extensive screening and selection process, which includes, but is not limited to, license checks and verification of active liability insurance. We also have a continuous process of monitoring our technicians and scoring them based on customer feedback.
What is My Account?
My Account is an online portal where you or your clients can conveniently manage a home protection plan anytime — day or night. Whether it’s requesting service, checking a status on a claim, or updating a contract and billing information, now you and your clients can do it all in one place. It's easy, fast, secure and mobile friendly.
What is the difference between My Account and the Agent Resource Center?
My Account is an online portal where you and your clients can manage a home protection plan on an owner's home.
The Agent Resource Center is an online portal for real estate professionals to enroll, convert and manage clients' home protection plans during the sales process as well as get instant access to customizable materials to promote the sale of the home.
Where can I find My Account?
Log in or create an account at my.cinchhomeservices.com.