Why do many homeowners decide to invest in a mobile home warranty? Because, unfortunately, home systems and appliances are not built to last as long as your home. A mobile home warranty can help cover the replacement and repair costs of those appliances and systems, ensuring that you don’t get stuck with an overwhelming bill when something goes wrong.
Related: Mobile Home Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
What Is a Mobile Home Warranty?
Mobile home warranties often provide the same protections as warranties purchased for traditional stick-built homes. A typical mobile home warranty provides coverage for appliances and home systems.
Here’s how they typically work:
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When there’s a problem, you call your mobile home warranty company
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Then, they’ll connect you with a repair company that they partner with
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The repair company will send a technician to your home to assess and repair the problem
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Instead of paying for the entire repair or replacement, you’ll pay a small service fee similar to an insurance copay
What Do Mobile Home Warranties Cover?
Like most warranties or insurance plans, you’ll likely find warranties that have varying amounts of coverage. Most basic mobile home warranties will cover appliances and home systems like:
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Heating systems
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Electrical systems
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Plumbing systems
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Plumbing stoppage
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Water heater
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Bathtub & shower
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Oven, range, and stove
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Cooktop
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Dishwasher
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Built-in microwaves
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Garbage disposal
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Ductwork
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Garage door openers
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Exhaust and ceiling fans
Upgraded mobile home warranties will typically cover (along with the appliances and systems listed above) additional parts of your home, like:
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Air conditioning systems
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Refrigerator and freezer
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Clothes washer and dryer
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Ductwork
Many mobile home warranty companies also offer additional coverages that you can purchase, like:
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Pool & spa
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Well pump
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Sump pump
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Central vacuum systems
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Roof leaks
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Septic systems
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Second refrigerators
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Stand-alone freezers
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Septic tank pumping
What Do Mobile Home Warranties Not Cover?
Typically, mobile home warranties do not cover items like:
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Appliances located outside of your home—with the exception of well pumps, septic tanks, air conditioners, and pools or spas.
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Pre-existing damages (known or unknown)—Appliances or systems that fail because of a pre-existing damage rather than general wear and tear aren’t typically covered by a mobile home warranty.
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Business—If you run a business out of your mobile home, mobile home warranties won’t usually cover failing systems or appliances.
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Routine maintenance or cosmetic issues—Mobile home warranties won’t help pay for routine maintenance on your appliances and systems. They also will not cover any defects that are purely cosmetic.
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Inadequacy repairs—If you have a failing appliance or home system, and the issue stems from something like improper installation or a manufacturer’s defect, a mobile home warranty will likely not cover the repair costs.
Related: Mobile Home Myths
Top Mobile Home Warranty Companies
If you think a mobile home warranty is the right choice for you, your next step is to choose a provider. There are many to choose from, and it’s important to perform your own research when deciding on which company to go with, but we’ll help get you started with these great mobile home warranty providers:
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: “Basic” and “Total”. The company also offers optional coverage so that you can ensure the most important parts of your mobile home get covered by the warranty. Choice has 24/7 customer service and operates every day of the year. Their repair response time is under 48 hours.
One of the best things about AHS is that they are completely transparent about what their warranties do and do not cover. The company also covers some things that many competitors don’t, including rust and plumbing stoppages. They cover 21 appliances and home systems, including items like smoke detectors. They are more expensive than many other mobile home warranties, but it’s because they cover so much more.
Select Home Warranty is perhaps the most budget-friendly mobile home warranty on our list. They typically pay out less per claim, but the company also has lower premiums and service fees than many others. For a little extra, they offer a “Platinum Care” program that puts them on par with the coverages of most other providers. While they aren’t the top choice, they are an affordable option.
Liberty Home Guard is a newer mobile home warranty provider, and the company offers highly customizable plans. Their basic plans start at around $50 per month. The best part about Liberty Home Guard is that you can choose any contractor you want to perform the repairs, but they will not help cover the service fee in those cases.
Is a Mobile Home Warranty Worth It?
Let’s look at some benefits that homeowners can get from purchasing a mobile home warranty:
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Peace of mind—Owning a mobile home can come with some built-in stressors. Unlike renting a property, when something goes wrong, it’s up to you to address the replacement or repair. A mobile home warranty can help take off some of that pressure. If an expensive home system or appliance starts having issues due to wear and tear, a mobile home warranty can help protect you from unforeseeable and unpredictable replacement or repair costs.
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Fast, convenient service—One significant benefit of a mobile home warranty is that you’ll only have to talk with your warranty company. You don’t have to deal with contractors or getting repair quotes. Your mobile home warranty provider will take care of the details and send out a professional to perform the repair or replacement.
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More affordable than constant repairs—Many mobile home warranties, especially if you choose a basic plan, can cost less than $500 per year. That yearly cost is often less than a single major repair to something like your plumbing or electrical system. A mobile home warranty typically pays itself off each year if you have to make even a single repair.
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They’re transferable—If you’re worried about moving or selling before your warranty is up, there’s good news: most mobile home warranties are transferable. Another upside of having a mobile home warranty is that you can typically sell your home for more than if you didn’t have one.
Thinking about selling your mobile home? Get in touch with Home Nation today and see why we are one of the top mobile home retailers in the nation!
