HOME WARRANTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is InsurancePoliciesOnline.com?
How does the InsurancePoliciesOnline.com system work?
What is a Home Warranty?
Does a home warranty cover routine maintenance?
What is the benefit of a home warranty?
Who may purchase a home warranty?
What kinds of homes are eligible for a home warranty?
Does my homeowner’s insurance policy provide the same coverage?
Is a home warranty plan renewable?
If I sell my home, can the home warranty be transferred to the new owner?
My home is 20 years old. Can it still be covered?
How long does it take for a contractor to get to my home when I have a claim?
What is the service call fee?
When does coverage begin and how long does it last?
How can the premium be paid?
What do I do when something breaks down?

Who is InsurancePoliciesOnline.com?
InsurancePoliciesOnline.com is an independent insurance agent. We have been actively selling warranty plans online since 2000. We operate as a unit of the Charles L. Crane Agency from St. Louis, MO. Crane has been in business as a traditional insurance broker since 1885 and has grown to be among the top 100 largest independent insurance brokers in the country.

How does the InsurancePoliciesOnline.com system work?
The InsurancePoliciesOnline.com system allows a homeowner to obtain an instant online quote for an Assurant Home Warranty. The plan description and premium will be shown. There will also be a link to the complete sample policy. Once selecting the plan to meet your needs, an application may be completed online. After completing your application and submitting payment, our processing department will order your home warranty. The warranty contract will be printed and mailed to your home. The full contract should arrive within 10 business days. While your warranty is in force, you may view the summary and claim reporting information online. Renewal notices are sent via email starting 90 days in advance of the renewal date. Renewals may be completed online each year.

What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a mechanical breakdown contract covering the major systems and appliances in your home against sudden and accidental breakdown. In the event of the failure of a covered item, the warranty company will pay for the repair or replacement per the terms of the contract.

Does a home warranty cover routine maintenance?
No, a warranty does not provide coverage for regular maintenance. Coverage is provided for the breakdown of a covered item. Regular maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.

What is the benefit of a home warranty?
A home warranty gives you peace of mind. It is the best way to protect yourself from the unexpected high costs of equipment repair. With a warranty, you also can be sure that repair work is done by a reputable contractor.

Who may purchase a home warranty?
Home warranty plans may be purchased by the owner at any time. It is not required that the home be involved in a real estate transaction. A home seller may purchase a policy for the new owner prior to, or after, the close of a home sale. Similarly, a homebuyer may purchase coverage on a home upon closing. Landlords may also purchase coverage on a home held for rent.

What kinds of homes are eligible for a home warranty?
Home warranty plans are available for owner occupied and rental single-family homes, town homes and condominiums. Landlords may purchase coverage on two-family, three-family and four-family structures. Homes of any age are eligible for a home warranty plan. Individual apartments, mobile homes and any structure used for commercial purposes is not eligible.

Does my homeowner’s insurance policy provide the same coverage?
No. A typical homeowners insurance policy will specifically exclude coverage for damage due to the mechanical break down or wear and tear of systems and appliances.

Is a home warranty plan renewable?
Yes. Each year you may elect to renew your policy. A renewal notice will be sent via email 90 days in advance of the policy renewal date. InsurancePoliciesOnline.com can only process renewals for policies that were originally purchased through this system.

If I sell my home, can the home warranty be transferred to the new owner?
Yes. The remaining term of the warranty may be transferred to the new owner. A home warranty can be an important incentive to a new buyer. A small transfer fee may apply; consult your policy for details.

My home is 20 years old. Can it still be covered?
Yes. There is no limit on the age of homes that may be covered. As long as the systems and appliances are in good working order when the coverage begins, regardless of age, they can be covered.

How long does it take for a contractor to get to my home when I have a claim?
Often this depends on your schedule and the schedule of the contractor. In the case of an emergency, service is provided as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. (Keep in mind that the contractor's are independent business owners, not a part of the warranty company. While every effort is made to ensure that priority service is provided to their warranty customers, contractors set their own schedules.)

What is the service call fee?
This is a deductible that you will pay at the time of service. The deductible only applies one time per occurrence/per item. If you have a breakdown to your A/C and refrigerator at the same time, the deductible applies separately to each item. If your A/C breaks down on Monday and the same problem occurs next week, you do not have to pay the deductible again. The service call fee is payable to the contractor at the time of service.

When does coverage begin and how long does it last?
There is a standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins on a new home warranty. The plan will become effective 30 days after receipt of a paid application. The coverage lasts for one full year from the effective date. The plan may be renewed each year.

How can the premium be paid?
For a new home warranty plan, there are two options. The most common is paying the premium using our secure online system. The alternative is to complete the application online and print an invoice to mail in the payment. If you choose to mail your payment, please be aware that the policy effective date will be 30 days from the date your payment is received. Making the payment online will ensure you get the earliest effective date. Renewal payments must be made online with a credit card to ensure the plan is renewed without a gap in coverage.

What do I do when something breaks down?
If a covered item fails, the first thing you must do is report the claim to the warranty company. Your contract will provide the phone number for the claim department. The warranty company will provide a contractor to inspect and repair the item.