National Home Warranty Day
National Home Warranty Day is an important reminder for homeowners to appreciate and consider the benefits of home warranties.
Celebrating this day brings attention to the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected from costly repairs.
It also encourages people to review their existing warranties and ensure they have adequate coverage for their homes.
National Home Warranty Day Timeline
1889
First U.S. State-Level Home Warranty Statute
New York enacts one of the earliest state laws addressing “warranty deeds” and seller obligations in real estate transactions, laying groundwork for later concepts of guaranteeing aspects of a home’s condition.
1950s–1960s
Modern Homeowners Insurance Becomes Standardized
U.S. insurers introduce package homeowners policies combining fire, theft, and liability coverages, setting up a clear distinction between peril-based insurance and later service-style “home warranty” contracts for systems and appliances.
1975
Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act Regulates Consumer Warranties
Congress passes the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act, requiring clear, easy-to-understand written warranties on consumer products, which include many home appliances and systems, and strengthening homeowners’ ability to enforce warranty rights.
1984
NAIC Issues Model Service Contracts Act
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopts a model law for service contracts, influencing how states regulate home warranty and appliance service agreement providers, including licensing, financial backing, and disclosure requirements.
1990s
Home Warranties Become Common in U.S. Real Estate Deals
By the 1990s, home warranty service contracts are widely marketed in U.S. home sales, with sellers and agents often offering a one-year plan to reassure buyers about potential failures of major systems and appliances after closing.
2004
FHA Updates Ten‑Year Protection Plan Guidance
The Federal Housing Administration reiterates requirements that many new homes with high loan‑to‑value FHA‑insured mortgages carry a ten‑year protection plan from an approved warranty company, reinforcing the role of structural home warranties in new construction.
2010s
State Oversight of Home Warranty Firms Expands
States including Texas and California refine or adopt service contract laws that specifically govern residential service and home warranty companies, imposing licensing, reserve, and consumer-disclosure rules to address rising complaint levels and protect homeowners.
How to Celebrate National Home Warranty Day
Sharing experiences and tips about home maintenance on this day also helps create a community of knowledgeable homeowners who can support each other.
Dive into Home Warranty Wisdom
Celebrate National Home Warranty Day by diving deep into the details of your home warranty. Grab a coffee, sit down with your warranty documents, and ensure you understand all the fine print.
You might find some surprising coverage perks! This is also a great time to check the expiration dates and see if any renewals are coming up soon.
These service agreements help cover the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances, which can save families from unexpected expenses.
In addition, these warranties may cover common household items like refrigerators, dishwashers, and heating systems, shielding owners from high repair costs.
Host a Home Maintenance Party
Why not throw a home maintenance party? Invite friends and family over for a fun afternoon of DIY repairs and maintenance checks.
Make a game out of checking smoke detectors, changing air filters, and tightening loose cabinet knobs. Whoever finds the most maintenance tasks gets a prize! It’s a productive way to spend time with loved ones.
Share Your Warranty Stories
Get social and share your warranty stories online. Post about a time when your home warranty saved the day or share tips on choosing the best plans.
Encourage others to share their experiences too. This can help build a community of informed homeowners who support each other in maintaining their homes.
Plan a Warranty Workshop
Organize a small workshop in your community or online where you discuss the benefits of home warranties.
Invite a local home warranty provider to explain different plans and answer questions. Participants can leave with a better understanding of how to protect their homes and possibly even some new coverage options.
Schedule a Home Checkup
Book a professional home inspection to coincide with National Home Warranty Day. A thorough checkup can reveal issues you might need to notice yourself.
Addressing these problems early can save you money and prevent future headaches. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your warranty covers everything it should.
History of National Home Warranty Day
National Home Warranty Day was founded in 2016 by 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, a prominent company in the home warranty industry.
The event was started to raise awareness about the benefits of home warranties, reminding homeowners of the importance of protecting their home’s vital systems and appliances.
Celebrating on this day highlights the financial security that home warranties offer, safeguarding against the high costs of unexpected repairs and replacements.
The company wanted homeowners to understand the value of having a plan that covers repairs for everyday household items. These warranties are different from home insurance, as they cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, not catastrophic events.
Since its inception, National Home Warranty Day has gained popularity. Many homeowners take the opportunity to review their coverage and ensure their homes are protected.
The day encourages people to learn more about different warranty options and how they can save money and avoid stress when something goes wrong in their homes.
Facts About National Home Warranty Day
Hidden Legal Difference Between “Home Warranties” and Insurance
How Federal Warranty Law Still Affects Your Appliances
State “Free-Look” Periods and Refund Rules
Many states require home service-contract providers to offer a “free‑look” period—often 10–30 days—during which a homeowner can cancel for a full or nearly full refund.
After that, laws often mandate prorated refunds minus claims paid and modest administrative fees, and may require providers to maintain reserves, surety bonds, or reimbursement insurance so they can pay valid claims even if the company runs into financial trouble.
Common Reasons Home Warranty Claims Get Denied
Regulators and consumer advocates report that denials often hinge on fine print, including exclusions for pre‑existing conditions, lack of “proper” maintenance, improper installation, or code violations. Government and watchdog reviews show that many consumer complaints involve disagreements over these exclusions and delays in service, rather than outright lack of coverage for a system or appliance.
Why Government Agencies Urge Caution With Warranty Mailers
The Federal Trade Commission warns that some home warranty and “extended warranty” solicitations are designed to look like urgent notices from a lender, utility, or government office.
These mailers and robocalls may falsely imply existing coverage is expiring or that immediate action is required, which the FTC considers potentially deceptive under the FTC Act and has targeted in enforcement actions and consumer alerts.
Typical Lifespans of Major Home Systems
Professional inspector data and federal energy guidance show that many major systems fail well before the house itself wears out: central air conditioners often last about 10–15 years, gas furnaces roughly 15–20 years, standard storage water heaters around 10–15 years, and many dishwashers under a decade.
That staggered aging means homeowners can face multiple large repair or replacement bills across a home’s life cycle, even with good maintenance.
The Real Cost of a “Sudden” Major Breakdown
Cost guides compiled from thousands of real jobs show that a single failure can easily rival a month or more of mortgage payments.
Typical ranges put central air conditioning repairs in the mid‑hundreds of dollars and full replacement in the several‑thousand‑dollar range, with furnaces and water heaters showing similar patterns. These large, unplanned expenses are a major reason consumer‑finance agencies find many households struggle to handle even a few hundred dollars in emergency costs.
National Home Warranty Day FAQs
What is the practical difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
A home warranty is a service contract that helps pay to repair or replace specified home systems and appliances when they fail from normal wear and tear, while homeowners insurance is an insurance policy that helps pay for damage to the structure, belongings, and liability losses caused by covered events such as fire, wind, theft, or certain types of water damage.
Homeowners insurance generally excludes wear-and-tear or mechanical breakdowns, and a home warranty generally excludes damage from sudden perils like fire or storms, so they are complementary rather than interchangeable.
What kinds of things do home warranties typically not cover, even if a system or appliance is listed in the contract?
Consumer regulators note that many home warranties exclude pre-existing conditions, improper installation, code violations, cosmetic issues, and damage from lack of maintenance or misuse, and they may exclude particular components (like certain coils, lines, or accessories) even on listed systems.
Contracts also often contain dollar caps per item or per term, waiting periods before coverage begins, and limits on paying for building-code upgrades, access work, permits, or haul-away, leaving those costs to the homeowner.
How do regulators suggest a homeowner evaluate whether a home warranty is worth the cost?
Agencies such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advise homeowners to compare the total cost of a home warranty (premiums plus service fees and other charges) with the likely repair or replacement costs based on the age and condition of their systems and appliances.
They recommend reading the full contract in advance, checking coverage limits and exclusions, considering existing manufacturer or builder warranties, and comparing these factors against alternatives such as setting aside savings for future repairs.
Why do so many home warranty disputes involve “lack of maintenance” or “pre-existing conditions”?
According to the Federal Trade Commission and state consumer agencies, many home warranty contracts explicitly exclude failures caused by insufficient maintenance or problems that existed before the contract started, and companies may rely on these clauses to deny claims.
If a system has no service history or a defect shows signs of long-term deterioration, the provider may classify it as poorly maintained or pre-existing, so regulators urge homeowners to understand these terms and keep records of inspections and routine servicing.
What should homeowners look for in the fine print before choosing a home warranty company?
Consumer regulators and advocacy groups recommend checking which items and parts are covered, specific exclusions, waiting periods, per-claim and annual dollar limits, and whether the company chooses between repair, replacement, or a cash payment—and if refurbished parts may be used.
They also advise reviewing service-call fees, cancellation and refund rules, automatic-renewal provisions, claim procedures, and the company’s complaint history and licensing or registration status with relevant state agencies.
How can a homeowner effectively handle a denied home warranty claim?
The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general recommend asking the company for a written explanation that cites the exact contract clause used to deny the claim, then comparing that language with the facts, photos, and maintenance records.
If the dispute is not resolved through the company’s internal process, they suggest filing complaints with state consumer protection or insurance agencies, the Better Business Bureau, and, in cases involving deceptive marketing or unfair practices, with the FTC or appropriate federal bodies.
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Umbrella Day
Be prepared for any weather with this must-have accessory! It's lightweight, colorful, and functional. Say goodbye to getting soaked and hello to style.
World Pulses Day
These plant-based protein sources offer nutrition, sustainability, and versatility, enriching meals and promoting health and wellness.
Plimsoll Day
The man who made sure ships stayed afloat, revolutionizing safety at sea with his ingenious mark, ensuring journeys were safer for all.
We think you may also like...
White Cane Safety Day
The blind and near-blind use a long white cane to feel objects, and to signal to others that they are visually impaired. Help raise safety awareness for them.
