“What are the most important home services that should be covered by house insurance for home buyers, and how can insurers improve those offerings?”
Here is what 7 thought leaders had to say.
Emergency Repairs Must Be Covered By Insurance
I’d say the most important home service that should be covered by house insurance is emergency repairs–like plumbing, electrical issues, or roof leaks. These are the types of problems that can’t wait and often come with high, unexpected costs.
To improve these offerings, insurers should make sure:
Coverage is clearly explained, so homeowners know exactly what’s included.
There’s 24/7 access to trusted repair professionals, not just a claim form.
Claims for these emergencies are fast-tracked–because no one wants to wait days for a plumber when their bathroom is flooding.
At the end of the day, insurance should feel like support, not stress.
Ofir Sahar, CEO & Founder of Insuranks, Insuranks
HVAC Coverage Essential In Home Insurance
After seeing hundreds of homeowners struggle with unexpected HVAC failures, I’ve learned that system replacement coverage and emergency repair services are absolute must-haves in any home insurance policy. I recommend insurers start offering preventive maintenance packages that include annual HVAC inspections and filter replacements, which could save both homeowners and insurance companies from major headaches down the road.
Carl Fanaro, President, NOLA Buys Houses
Pool Coverage Matters
House insurance should cover plumbing, electrical work, HVAC systems, roofing, pool systems, and major appliances. Pools especially should not be treated as optional since they are a major part of the home’s value and comfort. Insurers can improve their offerings by making pool equipment and maintenance part of their standard policies, offering faster claim processes, and partnering with experienced service companies to deliver real support when homeowners need it most.
Ross Wilbur, CEO,
Liability And Disaster Coverage Are Vital
The truth is, going through the trouble of paying for house insurance, should come with certain benefits and protection because let’s face it, while the home is probably one of your most valuable assets, which makes protecting it crucial, the truth is that insuring a home isn’t exactly cheap. So it only makes sense that homebuyers receive the right amount of coverage from their insurance providers to make the funds used on this investment worth its opportunity cost. That said, here are some of the most important home services that should be covered by house insurance for home buyers and how insurers can improve these offerings:
Frankly, house insurance that doesn’t include liability coverage, isn’t only incomplete, but also leaves homeowners vulnerable to financial risks. What makes this coverage essential, is the fact that it protects homebuyers from the financial implications that could follow if the property is damaged, or they are held responsible for someone’s injuries, and without this coverage, homebuyers will be losing out on the safeguard against these risks. To improve these offerings, insurers will have to offer homebuyers flexible policy options. Such as that allows them the opportunity to tailor their liability coverage to their specific needs and circumstances.
Two other crucial home services that should be covered by house insurance are natural disaster and emergency repair coverage. With these coverages, homebuyers can enjoy peace of mind from knowing that they are insured and protected against unexpected natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, sudden system failures, and other emergencies that can cause costly damage to their property. One way insurers can improve this service is by including rapid claims processing and dedicated emergency response teams in their policies. This way, homeowners will be able to quickly report claims and receive the assistance they need promptly minimizing further damage and disruption to their lives.
Grace Chisom, Real Estate Expert, Designer, Stager, Alberta Property Buyers
Appliance Breakdown Coverage Needed In Policies
I believe one of the most important home services that should be covered by house insurance for homebuyers is coverage for appliance breakdowns. Major appliances like the HVAC system, water heaters, and refrigerators are essential to daily living, yet they often aren’t covered under standard home insurance policies. Adding coverage for these systems can save homeowners from unexpected and expensive repair or replacement costs.
Insurers could improve this offering by providing an option to add an “appliance breakdown” rider to their policies, which would give buyers peace of mind knowing these crucial systems are protected without needing separate warranties or service contracts.
Jonathan Ayala, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Founder, Hudson Condos
Safety And Livability Coverage Are Key
I believe the most important home services that should be covered by house insurance are the ones that directly impact safety, livability, and long-term value. That includes coverage for plumbing issues, electrical system failures, HVAC repairs, roof damage, and foundation problems. These are not just minor inconveniences–they’re core to keeping a home safe and functional for the long haul.
Insurers can improve their offerings by making policies more tailored to the age and condition of the home. Too often, buyers end up with cookie-cutter policies that don’t reflect real risks. Offering transparent, flexible options that adapt as the home ages would go a long way. Adding preventive maintenance services or discounts for regular inspections would also help protect homeowners before issues turn into costly repairs. It’s about being proactive, not just reactive.
Johell Aponte, Founder, Sell my House Fast El Paso
Structural And System Coverage Are Essential
The most important home services to be covered should include structural damage from natural disasters, plumbing and electrical repairs, HVAC system failures, and pest-related damage. These aren’t just technical issues–they’re the heartbeat of a livable, safe home.
Insurers have an opportunity to do more than protect–they can empower. By offering on-demand access to vetted local contractors, bundling preventive maintenance visits, and integrating smart home diagnostics to catch issues early, they can shift from reactive to proactive care. The future of insurance lies not just in payouts, but in prevention, personalization, and peace of mind.