Garage doors are typically excluded from home warranty coverage, although coverage varies by provider and policy. Many home warranty policies do, however, cover garage door openers. To learn about your specific coverage options, you will need to consult with your warranty provider.
According to Garage Living, garage doors can take up as much as one-third of your home’s exterior, and they play a vital role in securing your home as well as allowing access. Unfortunately, garage doors don’t last forever, and they will likely need to be replaced at some point due to wear or damage. This has homeowners questioning whether home warranty programs cover garage doors.
Home Warranties vs. Homeowners Insurance
Before taking a look at whether home warranties cover garage doors, it’s important to make a distinction between home warranties and homeowners insurance. While your home’s builder will typically warranty their labor, a home warranty offered through a private company is different. According to Nerd Wallet, this type of home warranty is a third-party product intended to protect major systems and appliances in the case of malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners insurance is a separate product that covers losses from incidents that damage your home. Unlike a home warranty, insurance generally does not cover normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance may also have greater or fewer coverage options compared to a home warranty product.
What is Typically Covered by Home Warranties?
Home warranties cover major home systems, their components and household appliances listed in your policy. Every warranty is different, however, so you will need to review the terms of your agreement to know specifically what is included and excluded from the warranty.
Major Home Systems
In general, major home systems like electrical and plumbing are covered under a home warranty. Components of these systems may be individually covered as well. Your garage door is typically not considered a major home system, and therefore, most warranty companies do not include coverage for garage doors. You garage door opener may be covered separately.
Household Appliances
Household appliances may also be included in a home warranty. Appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves and ovens typically receive warranty coverage. Keep in mind that the manufacturer’s warranty is separate from your home warranty. This means you may have coverage from the manufacturer for defects and coverage from your home warranty provider for wear and tear.
Conditions That May Void Coverage on Garage Doors
If garage doors are covered under your home warranty, you may void this coverage. Review your agreement for specifics, but attempting major DIY repairs, adding aftermarket components or changing the operation or engineering of your garage doors can void coverage. In a nutshell, most home warranties will be void when a homeowner makes major changes to the way a system operates and causes the system to become damaged or fail.
Common Exclusions Under Home Warranty Plans
According to Consumer Affairs, common exclusions include pre-existing damage, misuse and items not listed in your policy. Once again, each warranty policy is different, so you will need to read the terms of your agreement. What is excluded under one provider’s policy may not be excluded under another.
How to File a Claim for Garage Door Coverage
You can file a claim for garage door coverage under your home warranty by contacting your warranty provider. You will want to document any damage to your garage door and keep receipts of all expenses related to repairing or replacing your garage door. If a home warranty does not outright pay for repair or replacement, you may be reimbursed for your expenses if your policy allows it.
What to Expect During the Claims Process
During the claims process, you will be asked about the condition of your garage door, what problems you have experienced and the circumstances that led up to any problems. You will also need to provide personal identifying information. Be prepared to provide documentation regarding the condition of your garage door, but your home warranty company may also send a representative to your home to inspect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a home warranty cover a garage door?
A home warranty may cover garage doors, but you will need to read your warranty’s terms or speak with the warranty underwriter for specific information as it pertains to your coverage.
Will homeowners insurance replace a garage door?
Homeowners insurance may replace a garage door as long as the door is covered under the policy and losses suffered meet the terms of the policy.
What is excluded from home warranty?
A home warranty may exclude damage from misuse, pre-existing conditions and items not listed in the policy.
What Might Void My Garage Door Warranty?
You may void coverage by making unauthorized repairs or modifications or intentionally misusing your garage door.
Can I Add Garage Door Coverage to an Existing Warranty?
You may be able to add a garage door to an existing warranty, but this will be up to your warranty underwriter’s terms.
How to Choose the Right Home Warranty Provider?
Choosing the right home warranty provider typically requires some research. A good home warranty provider will be able to offer fair coverage at a reasonable price based on your individual needs.
Do Home Warranties Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Home warranties may cover garage door opener repairs if included in the policy, but the door itself is usually excluded.
