The answer depends on the plan. Many home plans have a waiting period before you can file a claim, and some plans bought during a home sale start on a different schedule. Your quote and contract state the exact date.
Some home plans are ordered as part of a closing. When that is the case, the contract may begin on closing day. Whether there is a waiting period, and whether an inspection is required, depends on the plan.
Where it can get stuck: a plan that is mentioned in the paperwork but never actually ordered. Ask who orders it and get the confirmation in writing.
If you already live in the home, many contracts make you wait before the first claim. The length varies by plan and is stated in your contract.
Where it can get stuck: a breakdown during the wait is usually not covered, and a problem that was already there is generally excluded.
A service plan works because many customers share the cost of repairs that happen later. A waiting period keeps someone from buying only after something fails. It is also how contracts draw the line on problems that were already there before coverage began.
In advertising it can mean the contract is active for billing right away while claims still wait. Ask: on what date can I file my first claim, and is anything limited during the first weeks?
Tell us what you want covered and a specialist will give you the waiting period and start date for each plan before you decide.
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