Home Warranty Options for Florida Seniors

Service Providers Coming Soon

We’re currently expanding the Senior Planning Advisor network of service providers for this category. Please check back soon, or contact me and I’ll be happy to help you locate a professional who may be able to assist.

Recommend a Service Provider:  Email: GidgetJackson@gmail.com

Ask Gidget about Home Warranty coverage, costs and protections.

Home Warranty Companies

CRES Home Warranty

• Maximum Seller Protection: CRES E&O policies include the Sellers Protection Plan. CRES Home Warranties include up to $50,000 in Seller's E&O coverage for potential sellers -- and you will attract more listings*

• Optional Structural Coverage or Waiver: Sometimes the hidden damages can cost the most to repair. CRES warranties offer optional structural coverage (unless prohibited by law), which gives home buyers up to $10,000 for the most expensive part of their home, the structure.

• Up to a $5,000 Retention Reduction* (out-of-pocket claims expense) on your CRES E&O Policy.

Seller Protection Plan - Ask Gidget about this coverage.

Your CRES E&O policy may include Sellers E&O* -- up to $25,000 in E&O coverage per seller just in case a disgruntled buyer comes back after the close. It is a value-added benefit that will help you stand out from the competition and get more listings and referrals!

Download flyers, a SPP certificate, and more to help you incorporate this valuable benefit into your listing presentation.

Show you care about your clients before and after the sale by keeping their equity intact and giving them peace of mind. View our SPP video to learn more about the benefits of Sellers E&O for you and your clients

Building Permit History Reports - Ask Gidget to run this report for you

About 1 in 5 claims are related to permit issues. Whether you represent the buyer or seller, you have potential liability. Showing buyers the presence or absence of permits can help reduce your liability and E&O claims.

You have FREE Building Permit History Reports to use during this policy year, as well as discounted pricing on additional reports.

Our Building Permit History Reports include:

• Up to a $2,500 retention (out-of-pocket claims expense) reduction for CRES policyholders when a report is given to the homebuyer before the close of the sale

• Over 90 million records obtained by direct, onsite inspection sources

• Full data: Incomplete permits, contractor name (if any), description of work including roof, pool, water/fire repairs, septic/sewer, etc

• Available for both residential and commercial properties

Home Warranty Options for Florida Seniors

Help Protect Your Home, Comfort and Monthly Budget

An unexpected air-conditioning, plumbing or appliance repair can place stress on any household budget. For Florida seniors living on retirement income, a home warranty may provide another way to prepare for certain covered repairs.

A home warranty is a service contract that may help pay to repair or replace covered household systems and appliances when they stop working because of normal wear and tear. Coverage varies by company and plan, so it is important to understand the contract before enrolling.

What May Be Covered?

Depending on the plan you select, coverage may be available for:

• Air-conditioning and heating systems

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing systems and stoppages

• Water heaters

• Refrigerators

• Ranges, ovens and cooktops

• Dishwashers

• Washers and dryers

• Garage-door openers

• Built-in microwaves

Optional coverage may also be available for pools, spas, septic systems, well pumps, additional refrigerators and other household equipment.

Why Florida Seniors May Consider a Home Warranty

Help With Unexpected Repair Costs

A covered repair may require only the plan’s service-call fee instead of the full cost of the repair. Coverage limits and other charges may still apply.

Added Protection for Older Systems

Older homes may contain air-conditioning, plumbing or electrical systems that are more likely to need attention. A home warranty may help with eligible breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.

One Number to Call

The warranty company generally coordinates the service appointment with a contractor in its network. This may be helpful for homeowners who do not already have trusted repair professionals.

Support for Aging in Place

Reliable air conditioning, plumbing and appliances are important for remaining safely and comfortably at home. A warranty plan may become one part of a broader home-maintenance and aging-in-place plan.

What Is Usually Not Covered?

A home warranty does not cover every repair. Common exclusions may include:

• Problems that existed before coverage began

• Improper installation or previous repairs

• Damage caused by poor maintenance

• Cosmetic defects

• Structural components of the home

• Items still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty

• Repairs that exceed the contract’s coverage limit

• Hurricane, flood, fire or other casualty damage

Some contracts may also limit coverage based on the age, condition, brand or accessibility of the equipment.

Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance

A home warranty and homeowners insurance serve different purposes.

A home warranty may cover specified systems and appliances that break down because of normal wear and tear.

Homeowners insurance generally addresses covered losses involving events such as fire, wind, theft or liability.

A home warranty does not replace homeowners, condominium, windstorm or flood insurance.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Plan

Before enrolling, request a complete sample contract and ask:

• Is the air-conditioning system included?

• Are both parts and labor covered?

• What is the service-call fee?

• Are there separate coverage limits for each system or appliance?

• Are older systems eligible?

• Does the company cover refrigerant and code-related upgrades?

• Can I select my own contractor?

• What happens if an item cannot be repaired?

• Is there a waiting period before coverage begins?

• How do I cancel or renew the plan?

• What is the company’s procedure for urgent air-conditioning failures?

• Is the company authorized to offer service contracts in Florida?

Promises made by a salesperson should appear in the written contract.

When You Need Service

Contact the warranty company before hiring your own contractor unless the contract specifically allows you to obtain outside service.

Keep copies of:

• Your contract

• Payment records

• Claim numbers

• Service reports

• Contractor invoices

• Emails and written correspondence

Take notes during telephone calls, including the date, representative’s name and information provided.

Is a Home Warranty Right for You?

A home warranty may be helpful when you prefer predictable service fees and want assistance locating repair professionals. Setting aside money in a dedicated home-repair fund may be a better option when your systems are newer or the plan’s exclusions and limits provide little value.

The right choice depends on the age and condition of your home, the systems you want protected, your available savings and the actual terms of the contract.

Need Help Reviewing Your Options?

Senior Planning Advisor can help you organize information, compare plans and identify questions to ask before making a decision. The goal is to help you choose an option that supports your home, budget and plans for the future.

Call or text: 305-900-8217
Email: GidgetJackson@gmail.com
Website: SeniorPlanningAdvisor.com

Important Information

Senior Planning Advisor does not provide legal, insurance or home-warranty advice and does not guarantee coverage or claim approval. Home-warranty contracts contain limitations, exclusions, service fees and coverage caps. Review the complete contract and verify the company’s Florida authorization before purchasing coverage.

Open House & Showing Coverage

Your policy may include Contingent Liability or Open House and Showings coverage. This coverage protects you should property damage or injuries occur to your clients during open houses, showings or other selling activities.

We have developed a helpful checklist of the top open house risks -- to help you avoid potential claims before they happen. Print your clients a copy of the checklist to run through before opening their home for showings or an open house.

[Risk-Free Open House Checklist]