The Truth About 2025’s Most Common Home Warranty Claims

What’s breaking most in 2025

HVAC still tops the list. Compressors, blower motors, and heat pump components are the frequent fliers, especially after heat waves or cold snaps. Water heaters follow close behind—igniters, thermostats, and tanks that finally give up. Then come plumbing stoppages (think main line clogs or slow drains that suddenly aren’t slow—they’re stopped). Refrigerators and built-in dishwashers are next, and basic electrical issues—tripped breakers, failed GFCIs—round out the pack.

Typical ranges I see: HVAC repairs can run a few hundred bucks, while full replacements land in the thousands. Water heater swaps are usually in the low thousands. Plumbing stoppages might be a couple hundred if it’s straightforward, more if lines need deeper work. Your service fee still applies, of course. Big picture, this is why common-home-warranty-claims cluster around comfort systems and water-related headaches—they’re the workhorses and they wear out.

Why claims get denied (and how to avoid it)

Believe it or not, most denials aren’t drama—they’re paperwork. Lack of maintenance is the big one. If the AC hasn’t seen a filter change or a tune-up in years, that can flag “neglect.” Improper installation pops up too—mismatched coils, code issues, or DIY fixes that void coverage. Pre-existing problems matter, especially within the waiting period. Cosmetic damage? Not covered. Smart move: keep a simple folder with service receipts and model/serial numbers. Snap a photo of the unit tag and the last invoice. If you do that, your common-home-warranty-claims have a much smoother runway.

How to speed up your claim without losing your weekend

When something fails, take a breath. Power the unit off if it’s hissing, buzzing, or leaking. Then gather the basics you’ll be asked for: brand, model, serial, and a clear description of the symptom—“no cool air, outside fan runs, ice on line set” is better than “AC broken.” Add 2–3 photos. Submit the claim right away, then keep your phone close so you don’t miss the scheduler’s call. Don’t start repairs yourself—authorization matters. A little prep trims days off many common-home-warranty-claims because the tech shows up knowing what part to bring.

Coverage fine print that actually matters in 2025

Two things to watch: caps and exclusions. Many plans cap systems (like HVAC) per claim or per term. If your repair or replacement goes above that cap, you’ll pay the difference. Parts like refrigerant, haul-away, code upgrades, and modifications can be limited or excluded. There’s usually a 30-day waiting period, and you’ll pay a service fee each time a tech comes out. Optional add-ons (pool equipment, septic, limited roof leak patching) can be worth it if you actually use them. Reading this stuff once—seriously, just once—makes common-home-warranty-claims feel a lot more predictable.

Who should consider a plan (and who can skip it)

If your home’s HVAC or water heater is past the halfway mark of its expected life, a plan can be a stress reducer. Same goes for first-time homeowners and busy landlords who just want a single number to call. If your place is new (builder warranties, manufacturer warranties) or you keep a healthy repair fund and enjoy picking your own contractor, you might skip it. No shame either way. Just line up your reality with the kinds of common-home-warranty-claims that fit your house and your tolerance for surprise bills.

Next step: plans that handle claims well

I track response times, caps, and real claim experiences so you don’t have to. If you’re ready to compare, head to Consumer's Best and open my Home Warranty Reviews for 2025. I’ll show you which providers are strongest on HVAC, who treats water heaters fairly, and where the service fees and caps actually land. If you want less hassle on future common-home-warranty-claims, that short list is your shortcut.