Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home warranty?

The standard home warranty is a one-year service contract that protects a resale home buyer against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and use. Coverage is also available to home sellers during the listing and escrow period to help them keep unforeseen breakdowns from potentially delaying the close of sale.

Do you need to be buying or selling a home to get a home warranty?

Typically, yes. We provide home warranties during a real estate transaction. Talk to your real estate agent and tell them you’d like to purchase home warranty coverage from Old Republic Home Protection.

How does a home warranty help me?

Old Republic Home Protection customers enjoy peace of mind, convenience, budget protection, and dependable service. No more searching the internet for a reputable repairman, no more hassles over the cost of repairs, no more budget-busting repair bills.

Does Old Republic Home Protection require an inspection?

No. Inspections are required by some home warranty companies, but not with Old Republic Home Protection.

What if I need service?

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Requesting service is easy! Use your Homeowner Central account to request service online or call our Customer Service Department toll-free at 800.972.5985.

Who handles the repairs?

Old Republic Home Protection maintains a network of qualified independent service providers in most areas. Request service and we will send a service provider to perform your covered repair or replacement.

Do home warranty plans cover appliance or system replacement?

Yes. Under most circumstances, when a covered item cannot be repaired, it will be replaced. Please review the home warranty plan for complete coverage terms and conditions.

What is the difference between my homeowners insurance policy and a home warranty plan?

A homeowners insurance policy undertakes to indemnify (compensate or reimburse) the homeowner against damage or liability which might arise from some unknown or contingent event. A home warranty plan is a residential service contract, and residential service contracts do not indemnify against losses; they repair or replace specified items in the home that fail due to normal wear and use. Old Republic Home Protection's one-year home warranty covers items not covered under a standard homeowner insurance policy, filling a critical gap in the protection of your home. For example, if your dishwasher leaks and water damages the floor, a homeowners insurance policy may cover the damage to the floor, but not the repair or replacement of the dishwasher. With an Old Republic Home Warranty, your dishwasher is covered!

What is a Trade Call Fee?

A trade call fee (TCF) is a co-pay that is due when we dispatch a service provider to your home. A TCF is due for each dispatched service request per trade, whether service is covered or denied. For example, if you request service for your dishwasher, you would pay one TCF at the time of your request. If you request service for your heater at the same time, you would pay two TCFs—one for the appliance trade request and one for the heating trade request. However, if you request service for two appliances at the same time (e.g., your dishwasher and your oven), only one TCF is due because we dispatch one appliance technician to repair both appliances. The TCF amount varies by state and/or selected home warranty plan. See your home warranty plan for more details.

How long does my warranty last?

Our home warranty plan is usually effective for 12 full months, effective at close of sale, and upon receipt of payment. Your effective and expiration dates are listed on your Declaration of Coverage.

Can I renew each year?

Yes! In most cases, your plan is renewable. We will send an offer of renewal approximately eight weeks prior to expiration. The renewal notice will confirm the plan fee, trade call fee, and terms of renewal. Plans can also be renewed online quickly and easily using your Homeowner Central account!

Will the cost of my home warranty stay the same every year?

ORHP offers special reduced pricing on a first-year home warranty plan for recently-purchased homes. Renewal rates increase after the first year of homeownership.

A service provider was out and made repairs to a system in my home, and now it is not working. Will I have to pay another service fee when he or she returns?

Fortunately, no! Service work is guaranteed for 30 days.

When will the service provider call me to schedule an appointment?

When you place a service request, we will notify an Independent Network Service Provider who will contact you directly to schedule a mutually convenient appointment during normal business hours. Under normal circumstances, our service effort will be initiated within 48 hours, although our goal is to dispatch all service requests within four hours of the service request.

If my service claim is denied, why should I have to pay the trade call fee?

Similar to a co-pay, the service provider charges us whether service is covered or denied. If the service provider charges us for service, you are responsible for the trade call fee.

Will you reimburse me for services that I had done outside the contract?

No, we will not reimburse you for services performed without our prior authorization. Always contact us first. Simply place a service request and we'll find a technician for you!

I have an older home. Will I have to pay more?

Our home warranty covers homes of any age. We do require that home systems and appliances be in proper working order on the date the home warranty plan goes into effect.

What is Optional Coverage and how do I know if I have it?

Optional Coverage is additional coverage beyond what’s included in the chosen home warranty plan. Optional Coverage may be added at any time prior to close of sale and most options may be added up to 60 days after close of sale. For homes not going through a real estate transaction, Optional Coverage cannot be added after the effective date of coverage. Optional Coverage not selected is unavailable at time of renewal. Check your Declaration of Coverage to confirm whether you purchased Optional Coverage.

What does my home warranty cover?

See your Declaration of Coverage for details about your specific coverage.

Where can I find home warranty pricing?

View a current home warranty brochure for pricing details.

Need to request service?

Log in to Homeowner Central