Home Warranty Companies Cite Record Claims

Home warranty companies in the United Stated handled a record 466,800 service calls for repairs and replacements of home systems and major, built-in appliances, according to the National Home Warranty Assn. (NHWA).

The number of 1991 service calls was a 21% increase the number handled in 1990, while the number of home warranty service contracts sold last year was virtually unchanged from the 535,000 sold in 1990.

In 1991, the more than 466,800 service calls represented 87 claims for service for each 100 home warranty service contracts issued, according to the NHWA.

The most common service calls covered by a home warranty service contract in 1991 included heating/air conditioning systems, plumbing, dishwashers, water heaters, ovens/ranges/cooktops, electrical systems, and pool and spa equipment.