Home warranties are often marketed as a homeowner’s safety net. While they do provide coverage for certain repairs and replacements, they’re not as comprehensive as you might think. Read on to discover the surprising gaps in your home warranty coverage and how you can better protect your investment.

A glance through a home warranty policy might lead you to believe that your home is fully protected. However, hidden in the fine print are notable exclusions that could leave homeowners like Carol Byrd scrambling. Most policies outline a list of covered appliances, but they also include specifics on what aspects are not covered. Understanding these details is crucial to prevent unwelcome surprises.

Unlike a homeowners insurance policy, a home warranty won’t cover any structural damage to your home. This includes foundations, walls, and roofs. For example, when Gary Hansen discovered a crack in the foundation of his newly purchased home, he was shocked to find out that his warranty offered no solutions, leaving him with a hefty repair bill.

It’s a common belief that home warranties cover all of your appliances, but this is not always the case. Items like televisions, stereo systems, and exterior light fixtures are generally excluded from coverage. Linda Moore found this out the hard way when her outdoor lighting system needed substantial repairs.

Any pre-existing conditions, whether they were known at the time of the purchase or not, are usually not covered. Mark, who recently moved into a historical home, was blindsided when he discovered ancient plumbing issues were not the responsibility of his home warranty provider.

Improper installation and unauthorized repairs can void a warranty. Sandy Taylor found herself in a predicament when an unauthorized repair by a previous homeowner meant that her central heating system was not covered when it failed.

Home warranties require that homeowners perform regular maintenance on covered items. Failure to do so can result in denied claims. A homeowner like Jerry Nelson, who didn’t adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule for his water heater, found his claim denied when it malfunctioned.

Home warranties do not typically cover the costs of hiring licensed professionals for assessments or permits, which Mary Clark realized when she needed to verify an electrical issue before warranty-approved work could begin.

Natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes, fall outside a home warranty’s scope. When Katherine Lopez’s region faced unexpected flooding, she learned that despite having a home warranty, the damages incurred were not covered.

Items considered luxury or specialty such as a built-in sauna or a wine cooler are often not covered under a standard home warranty policy. This was a revelation to Peter Young, who installed a top-of-the-line spa system only to find that it was excluded from his coverage.

Outdoor structures and equipment such as pools, sprinkler systems, and garden lighting often require separate add-ons for coverage. Pauline Evans was taken by surprise when major repairs were needed for her backyard pool equipment, which was not covered by her policy.

With the continued evolution of technology and home systems, home warranties must adapt. However, until they do, it’s important for homeowners to scrutinize the terms of their warranty agreements carefully. By educating themselves about what is and isn’t covered, homeowners can avoid unexpected expenses and better safeguard their homes.