A Comparison: Choice Home Warranty vs Select Home Warranty
By Ben Carter
The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore: 7 Home Warranty Exclusions
If you’ve ever skimmed a home warranty and felt oddly nervous, you’re not alone. The glossy coverage list is the hook. The exclusions are where reality lives. Here’s the thing: once you know the common carve‑outs, you can shop smarter, push back when it matters, and pick from the best-home-warranty-policies without guessing. I write for Consumer's Best, but I’m talking to you like a friend who hates gotchas as much as you do.
1) Pre‑existing or “known” issues
Believe it or not, this is the big one. If a problem existed before your policy start date—or should’ve been reasonably detected—many plans won’t touch it. Some require proof of prior maintenance or a clean inspection. If you’re comparing best-home-warranty-policies, ask point‑blank: how do you define “pre‑existing,” and what evidence resets the clock?
2) Improper installation, lack of maintenance, or misuse
If the system wasn’t installed to code, maintained per the manufacturer, or was used outside normal conditions, expect a denial. Warranties love maintenance logs—filters changed, coils cleaned, annual tune‑ups. No paper trail? It’s easy for them to say no. Keep simple records. A few phone photos and dates go a long way when a tech is on the porch.
3) Cosmetic damage and non‑functional parts
Dents, dings, faded finishes, and broken knobs that don’t impact performance usually aren’t covered. Same with trim, shelving, or door seals that are more “annoying” than essential. Some best-home-warranty-policies include limited cosmetic allowances, but they’re capped and picky. If appearance matters, verify in writing before you pay.
4) Code violations, permits, and access costs
This one sneaks up. The plan might cover the failing component but not the added work to bring your system up to current code, pull permits, or open walls to reach the unit. Access, haul‑away, disposal, and crane fees? Often excluded or tightly limited. Ask for specifics on “code upgrades” and “access to covered items” before you sign anything.
5) Secondary damage and “consequential” losses
If a covered part fails and causes a ceiling leak or floor damage, many policies only replace the part, not the mess it made. Mold, mildew, warped floors, food spoilage—commonly excluded or token‑limited. The better best-home-warranty-policies spell out allowances for secondary damage. If they dodge the question, that’s your answer.
6) Coverage caps, per‑claim limits, and depreciation
Limits matter more than the marketing. You’ll see annual caps, category caps (like HVAC), and per‑item limits. Some policies depreciate older systems and pay only “fair value” instead of full replacement. That’s how a $2,800 fix becomes a $900 check. Always read the limits table and ask how replacement vs. cash‑out is calculated.
7) Disasters, pests, and “unusual conditions”
Home warranties generally exclude flood, fire, lightning, earthquakes, or anything your homeowners insurance should handle. Rodent or termite damage? Usually no. Same for sludge, rust beyond “normal,” or contamination. If your area is storm‑prone, lean on homeowners insurance and buy add‑ons for surge protection or sump coverage where available.
How to read the fine print without going cross‑eyed
Start with the exclusions page, then hop to the limits table, then the definitions. Wild, I know—but that order reveals the real coverage. Screenshot key lines. Ask the rep to confirm sticky items by email: pre‑existing rules, maintenance proof, access costs, cash‑out policies, and caps. The best-home-warranty-policies won’t squirm when you ask direct questions.
Quick reality checks before you buy
Service fee size quietly changes the math, especially if you’ll make multiple calls. Network‑only technicians can be convenient, but ask how long weekend or peak‑season waits run. And if you care about brand‑new replacements over cash‑outs, get that preference in writing. Small details now prevent big headaches later.
Want a shortcut?
If you’re busy (who isn’t?), I pulled together my current shortlist of 2025’s best-home-warranty-policies over at Consumer's Best. No fluff—just where coverage, limits, and claim experience actually line up. If you’d rather not memorize exclusions, that’s your faster path to a plan you won’t regret.
