What Is a 2 10 Home Warranty? Complete Guide for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner or homebuyer looking for extra peace of mind, you’ve likely come across the term 2 10 home warranty. This popular home warranty plan helps protect homeowners from costly repairs on systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. Whether you’re building a new house or maintaining an older one, a 2 10 home warranty can save thousands in repair costs and provide essential support when unexpected issues arise.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the 2 10 home warranty covers, how it works, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth it. If you’re considering home protection plans or researching coverage options, this article will help you make an informed decision.
What Is a 2-10 Home Warranty?
A Brief Overview
The 2 10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) is one of the leading home warranty providers in the U.S. The name “2-10” refers to its original structure for new homes:
- 2 years of coverage for systems (electrical, HVAC, plumbing)
- 10 years of structural coverage (foundation, load-bearing walls)
Today, 2-10 offers a wide range of warranty plans for both new construction and resale homes, including appliance and system breakdowns due to normal wear and tear.
Types of 2-10 Home Warranty Plans
1. Structural Warranty (New Construction)
Provides builders and buyers with:
- 1 year of workmanship coverage
- 2 years of distribution system coverage
- 10 years of structural defect coverage
Ideal for: New construction homes, offering protection for major structural issues that arise during the first decade of ownership.
2. Home Service Plans (Resale Homes)
Plans for homeowners or sellers include:
- Appliance Plan – Covers common household appliances
- Systems Plan – Covers HVAC, plumbing, electrical
- Complete Home Plan – Covers both appliances and systems
Optional add-ons may include:
- Roof leak coverage
- Pool/spa equipment
- Additional refrigerators or washers/dryers
- Septic and well pump systems
What Does a 2-10 Home Warranty Cover?
Covered Items (Common Examples)
Systems Coverage:
- Heating and cooling systems (furnace, central AC)
- Plumbing system and stoppages
- Electrical wiring and panels
- Water heater
Appliance Coverage:
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Oven, stove, cooktop
- Washer and dryer
- Built-in microwave
Optional Coverage (varies by plan):
- Roof leaks
- Garage door openers
- Pool and spa components
- Water softeners
- Septic systems
What’s Not Covered?
It’s important to note that home warranties do not cover everything. Here are some common exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic defects
- Routine maintenance
- Improper installation or code violations
- Structural changes not covered by the policy
Always read your service agreement carefully to understand inclusions, exclusions, and service limitations.
How Does the 2-10 Home Warranty Work?
- Breakdown Occurs: An appliance or system fails due to wear and tear.
- File a Claim: Submit a claim online or via phone 24/7.
- Service Dispatch: 2-10 sends a local, approved service contractor.
- Pay Service Fee: A flat-rate service call fee (typically $85-$125) is paid by the homeowner.
- Repair or Replace: Covered items are repaired or replaced under the plan guidelines.
Cost of a 2-10 Home Warranty
What’s the Average Price?
- Annual Premium: $300 – $650, depending on plan and location
- Service Call Fee: $85 – $125 per claim
- Add-Ons: $50 – $150+ annually, depending on item
Bundle options and promotions can reduce costs. Real estate professionals may offer discounted rates as part of closing incentives.
Pros and Cons of a 2-10 Home Warranty
✅ Pros
- Predictable repair costs
- 24/7 claim support
- Helps manage aging systems in older homes
- Transferable when selling the home
- Offers peace of mind for buyers and sellers
❌ Cons
- Limited to covered events and systems
- Service fee required for each claim
- Exclusions may apply to major systems
- Some customer complaints about contractor delays
2-10 Home Warranty vs. Other Providers
| Feature | 2-10 Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 40+ | 50+ | 15+ |
| 24/7 Claims? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Structural Warranty | Yes | No | No |
| Appliance + System Plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service Call Fee | $85–$125 | $75–$125 | $85 |
| Optional Add-ons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
While 2-10 stands out for its builder warranties, other companies may offer broader coverage or more customizable plans for resale homes. It’s worth comparing quotes before committing.
FAQs About 2-10 Home Warranty
Is the 2-10 home warranty worth it?
For many homeowners, especially those with aging systems or budget concerns, it can be worth it. It protects against surprise costs and simplifies repairs.
How do I cancel my plan?
You can cancel at any time by contacting customer service. Fees may apply, and partial refunds are often available.
Can I renew my 2-10 warranty?
Yes. Most plans are renewable annually, and 2-10 offers multiyear discounts for long-term customers.
What’s the difference between home insurance and a home warranty?
Home insurance covers damage from disasters (fire, storms, theft), while a home warranty covers appliance/system failures due to wear and tear.
Conclusion
A 2 10 home warranty can be a valuable safeguard against unexpected home repair expenses. Whether you’re protecting a newly built home or want peace of mind with an older property, 2-10 offers flexible and trusted coverage plans. Just make sure you review the contract details and understand what’s included—and what’s not.
