Home warranties only cover failures caused by normal wear and tear.
This phrase appears in nearly every service contract, yet many homeowners misunderstand what it actually means.
Understanding how “normal wear and tear” is defined can determine whether a claim is approved or denied.
Instead of just reading definitions, you can get a real home warranty quote in about a minute on our Get a Home Warranty Quote in 60 Seconds page.
What Does Normal Wear and Tear Mean?
Normal wear and tear refers to gradual deterioration that occurs over time through standard use.
Examples include:
• Motors wearing out after years of operation
• Electrical components failing due to age
• Mechanical parts breaking down from repeated use
These failures are generally eligible for coverage if the system was properly maintained.
What Is Not Considered Normal Wear and Tear?
Home warranty providers typically exclude:
• Pre-existing conditions
• Improper installation
• Lack of maintenance
• Rust or corrosion caused by neglect
• Code violations
If damage results from one of these issues, the claim may be denied.
For a deeper breakdown of exclusions, review What Does a Home Warranty Not Cover? (Common Exclusions Explained).
Why Maintenance Records Matter
If a system fails shortly after enrollment, the provider may request proof of maintenance.
Without documentation, the company may argue that the issue existed before coverage began.
This is especially common with HVAC claims.
Understanding how to file a home warranty claim properly can reduce approval friction.
Wear and Tear vs. Coverage Limits
Even when a failure qualifies as normal wear and tear, coverage limits still apply.
For example, an HVAC motor may fail legitimately, but replacement cost may exceed the contract’s payout cap.
Reviewing Home Warranty Coverage Limits Explained before enrolling helps set realistic financial expectations.
How Providers Evaluate Claims
When a contractor inspects a failed system, they determine:
• Cause of failure
• Estimated timeline of deterioration
• Whether maintenance appears consistent
If the breakdown appears sudden and consistent with age-related wear, it is more likely to be approved.
If it appears long-standing or improperly maintained, denial risk increases.
The Bottom Line
Normal wear and tear is not unlimited coverage.
It applies only to age-related mechanical failure under properly maintained conditions.
Before purchasing coverage, review maintenance requirements, exclusions, and payout caps carefully.
If you are comparing options, reviewing the service agreement of a home warranty provider in advance can help prevent misunderstandings later.