{"id":10966,"date":"2024-05-12T21:50:49","date_gmt":"2024-05-12T21:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=10966"},"modified":"2024-05-12T21:50:49","modified_gmt":"2024-05-12T21:50:49","slug":"home-warranty-claim-denied-heres-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=10966","title":{"rendered":"Home Warranty Claim Denied? Here\u2019s What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"


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When major home systems and appliances break down or need maintenance due to normal wear and tear, the repair or replacement costs can be staggering. Home warranty coverage provides priceless peace of mind by alleviating potential financial burdens and making sure your systems are up and running quickly.<\/p>\n

Experiencing a denied home warranty claim is frustrating and leaves homeowners confused. In this article I\u2019ll review the most common reasons warranty claims are denied and what steps homeowners can take to increase their chances of claim approval.<\/p>\n

Top Reasons Why Your Home Warranty Claim Might Be Denied<\/h2>\n
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  1. The appliance or system isn\u2019t covered\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This might seem obvious, but many homeowners overlook the exclusions of their protection plan and expect all items to be covered. Carefully read the fine print of your\u00a0residential service contract<\/a>\u00a0before signing on the dotted line. Fortunately, most home warranty companies have sample contracts available on their websites under their frequently asked questions (faqs) or labeled in the website footer as \u201cTerms and Conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    1. The item was improperly installed or faces safety code violations\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Improper installation of a system or appliance, which is a common occurrence, will cause it to work improperly. Unfortunately, improper installation cases typically result in a claim denial. First American Home Warranty<\/a>\u00a0stands out as one of the few home warranty companies that covers improper installation, modification, or maintenance of items.<\/p>\n

      Claim denials may also happen if systems or appliances aren\u2019t up to code. Consider getting a home inspection before warranty coverage kicks in to make sure your items don\u2019t have any code violations.<\/p>\n

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      1. The affected parts or components aren\u2019t covered<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        It\u2019s possible your home warranty company doesn\u2019t cover all of the parts in your system or appliance. For instance, your provider might exclude coverage for non-mechanical parts such as knobs or handles on washers or dryers, or the doors of dishwashers.<\/p>\n

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        1. The broken system or appliance has a pre-existing condition<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Pre-existing conditions are defects or mechanical failures that may not have been detected by a simple visual exam or mechanical test. These issues pre-date the purchase of your warranty coverage. Most home warranty companies only cover items purchased after the start of coverage. I recommend\u00a0American Home Shield<\/a>\u00a0for warranty coverage as it does\u00a0<\/em>cover pre-existing conditions.<\/p>\n

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          1. The item did not receive routine maintenance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Systems and appliances experiencing breakdowns from normal wear and tear are typically covered. If a major system or appliance appears to have issues due to the homeowner\u2019s neglect or mishandling, the home warranty company has the right to deny that claim. Likewise, the owner\u2019s lack of maintenance on a particular system or appliance can warrant a claim denial.<\/p>\n

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            1. The coverage cap has been exceeded<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Home warranty plans have caps that limit the amount they will pay on major systems and appliances in your home. If your coverage limit has been reached during the current term, your claim may be denied.\u00a0<\/p>\n

              7. The damage is caused by pets or insects\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Regrettably, home warranty companies don\u2019t provide leniency if pets cause damage by climbing on or interfering with items. Damage caused by vermin or insect also infiltration isn\u2019t covered. It\u2019s crucial to take preventative measures and keep pets and pests away from your systems and appliances.<\/p>\n

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