What 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Is

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is a home warranty company that sells service contracts covering major home systems and appliances. When something covered breaks down, you call 2-10, pay a service fee (usually $55 to $100 per visit), and they send a contractor to repair or replace it. The company does not sell homeowners insurance — it covers the cost of repairs after something fails, not damage from events like storms or theft.

2-10 operates in all 50 states and has been in business since 1993. You can buy a plan when you purchase a home, or later as a standalone contract. The company is owned by ServiceMaster Global Holdings, a publicly traded company that also owns Terminix and other service brands.

Key Takeaways

  • 2-10 covers repairs to major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus kitchen and laundry appliances, depending on which plan you choose.
  • You pay an annual premium (typically $400 to $1,200) plus a service fee ($55 to $100) each time you call for a repair.
  • Coverage excludes pre-existing problems, items already broken when the contract starts, and damage from lack of maintenance.
  • 2-10 contracts are usually one year long and renew automatically unless you cancel, so check your renewal terms to avoid unexpected charges.
  • The company has a network of local contractors, but you cannot always choose your own — 2-10 dispatches based on availability.

What 2-10 Plans Cover

2-10 offers several plan levels. The most common are the Home Buyers Plan (covers major systems like heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical), the Home Buyers Plus Plan (adds kitchen and laundry appliances), and the Home Buyers Premium Plan (the broadest coverage). Each plan has a list of covered items and exclusions.

Covered items typically include the furnace or heat pump, air conditioning unit, water heater, plumbing system, electrical system, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and oven or cooktop. The exact list depends on your plan. Pre-existing conditions — problems that existed before your contract started — are never covered, even if you did not know about them.

2-10 also excludes damage from lack of maintenance, cosmetic damage, and items that fail because of improper installation or use. If your furnace breaks because you never changed the filter, 2-10 may deny the claim. If a pipe bursts because of freezing and you live in a cold climate, that is typically covered, but if it bursts because you failed to winterize, it may not be.

How Much 2-10 Costs

The annual premium for a 2-10 plan ranges from roughly $400 to $1,200, depending on the plan level and your location. When you call for a repair, you pay a service fee of $55 to $100 per visit. Some plans offer a higher annual premium in exchange for a lower service fee, or vice versa — you choose the trade-off that fits your budget.

2-10 contracts renew automatically each year unless you cancel. Your renewal notice will show the new premium, which may be higher than the previous year. Read the renewal notice carefully; if you do not cancel by the important date, you will be charged for another year. Some people set a calendar reminder to review the renewal terms before the important date.

The company also offers plans with higher service fees ($0 to $150) and lower annual premiums, or lower service fees with higher annual premiums. There is no single "best" plan — it depends on whether you expect to use the warranty often (lower service fee makes sense) or rarely (lower annual premium makes sense).

How to File a Claim with 2-10

When something covered breaks, call 2-10's customer service line (the number is on your contract). You will provide your policy number, describe the problem, and confirm that the item is covered under your plan. 2-10 will dispatch a contractor from their network to your home, usually within a few days.

The contractor will diagnose the problem and either repair the item or replace it if repair is not practical. You pay the service fee at the time of the visit. The contractor bills 2-10 directly for the repair cost (up to the limit in your contract). If the repair cost exceeds the limit, you may owe the difference, so ask the contractor about the cost before they start work.

2-10 does not always let you choose your contractor — they dispatch based on who is available in your area. If you are unhappy with the contractor's work, contact 2-10 to request a second opinion or a different contractor. Some customers report long wait times for dispatch, especially during peak seasons like summer or winter.

What 2-10 Does Not Cover

2-10 excludes pre-existing conditions, meaning any problem that existed before your contract started. If your air conditioner was already failing when you bought the home, 2-10 will not cover it, even if it breaks down after you sign up. Some plans include a brief inspection period (usually 30 days) where you can report pre-existing problems and have them added to coverage, but this varies.

The warranty also excludes damage from lack of maintenance, misuse, or improper installation. If your water heater fails because you never flushed the sediment, or your dishwasher breaks because you overloaded it, 2-10 may deny the claim. Cosmetic damage — dents, scratches, discoloration — is never covered. Items that fail because of normal wear and tear are covered, but items that fail because you neglected them are not.

2-10 also does not cover items that are not on your plan's list. If your plan covers the refrigerator but not the microwave, the microwave is not covered. Read your plan documents carefully to see exactly what is and is not included.

2-10 vs. Other Home Warranty Companies

2-10 is one of several large home warranty providers. Other major companies include American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and First American Home Warranty. All of them work roughly the same way: you pay an annual premium, call when something breaks, pay a service fee, and they send a contractor.

The differences are in price, coverage limits, service fees, and the quality of their contractor networks. Some companies have higher premiums but lower service fees. Others have broader coverage or higher repair limits. Customer reviews vary widely — some people report fast, reliable service, while others report long wait times or disputes over coverage.

If you are comparing home warranty companies, get quotes from at least two or three, read the plan documents (not just the marketing materials), and check what contractors are available in your area. A cheap plan is not a good deal if the contractor network is weak or the service fee is so high that you avoid calling.

When 2-10 Makes Sense

A 2-10 warranty may be worth buying if you own an older home with aging systems and appliances, or if you cannot afford a large repair bill if something breaks. If your furnace is 15 years old and your water heater is 12, a warranty can protect you from a $3,000 to $5,000 emergency repair.

A warranty is less useful if your home is new, your systems are relatively young, or you have money set aside for repairs. If your furnace is five years old and you have $10,000 in savings, you may be better off skipping the warranty and self-insuring.

Some home sellers offer a 2-10 warranty as part of the sale to reassure the buyer. If the seller is paying for the first year, it may be worth keeping. If you have to pay for renewal, decide based on your home's age and your financial situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a 2-10 warranty after I already own the home?

Yes. You do not have to buy it at closing. You can purchase a 2-10 plan at any time during your ownership. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered, so anything that was already broken or failing when you sign up will be excluded. Some plans offer a brief inspection window to report known problems.

What happens if 2-10 says something is not covered?

You can request a second opinion or escalate the claim to 2-10's customer service. If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or the Better Business Bureau. Keep all documentation — photos, repair estimates, your contract — to support your case.

Do I have to use 2-10's contractor, or can I hire my own?

You must use a contractor from 2-10's network for the repair to be covered. You cannot hire your own contractor and ask 2-10 to reimburse you. If you are unhappy with the available contractors in your area, that is a good reason to reconsider buying the warranty.

Will my premium go up every year?

Yes, renewal premiums typically increase each year. The amount varies, but 5% to 10% annual increases are common. When you receive your renewal notice, you have the option to cancel if the new price is too high. Set a reminder to review the renewal terms before the important date so you do not get charged by accident.

Is a 2-10 warranty the same as homeowners insurance?

No. Homeowners insurance covers damage from events like fire, theft, or weather. A 2-10 warranty covers the cost of repairs when appliances and systems fail on their own. You need both: insurance for sudden damage, and a warranty (if you choose) for mechanical breakdowns.