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Home Warranty Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Two plans that look alike can read very differently once you open the contract. These questions help you compare them on equal terms.
About Silver Creek. Silver Creek Hub offers home protection plans through a network of plan administrators. Silver Creek Hub is operated by Silver Creek Solutions LLC and is not affiliated with any other company that uses a similar name. Companies mentioned in this article are included for information only.
Start with matching inputs
Use the same home details, the same plan level and the same service fee on every quote. If one quote is much lower than the rest, find out which item below changed.
The twelve questions
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who administers the plan? | The administrator decides and pays claims. Ask for the name and where it appears in the contract. |
| What is covered, by name? | Ask for the covered-items list, not a brochure summary. |
| What is excluded? | Look for pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, code upgrades and rust or corrosion. |
| What is the service fee? | Ask whether it applies per visit or per item. |
| What are the caps? | Ask for per-item, per-category and annual limits in writing. |
| Who chooses the technician? | Some plans assign one; others allow your own in certain cases. |
| How are claims filed and how fast are they answered? | Ask for the steps and response times. |
| What is the waiting period? | Ask when coverage starts after you buy. |
| Is the labor guaranteed? | Published guarantees range from about 30 days to 180 days. |
| What happens if an item cannot be repaired? | Ask how a replacement is decided and valued. |
| What does renewal cost? | Ask what changes in price and terms at renewal. |
| Can I cancel, and what is refunded? | Read the refund rules and any fees. |
Put the answers in one table
Write each seller's answers side by side. A seller that avoids a question or will not put the answer in writing is telling you something. Check that the contract matches what you were told.
See what home warranties cost, how claims work and how to read a contract, or request a quote.