What is a Home Warranty Plan?
A home warranty is a contract between the home warranty company and the homeowner. The home warranty coverage plan can include discounted repairs or replacement services on the major components of the house like the plumbing, HVAC, furnace, and electrical system. The plan could also cover other major appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, or even swimming pools.
How does Home Warranty Work?
If you have home warranty coverage, and a covered system or appliance breaks down, you are able to file a claim with the company, who will schedule the repair with an approved service provider. Typically, there is a service fee to be paid by the homeowner, depending on the warranty plan. The warranty company then covers the remaining repair costs. However, there might be certain limits in place when it comes to the repairing or replacement expense that the company will cover.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost
Plans for a home warranty costs a few hundred dollars per year, customers will either be required to pay upfront or in several installments, depending on the company. This will vary according to the property type and the plan chosen by the homeowner. The price does not usually vary according to the property’s age, unless it is brand-new, which can increase the home warranty cost.
The homeowner also sometime may have to support a $75 – $125 service fee if something is damaged, which is determined by the brand.
Are Home Warranties Worth It?
Similar to any other type of insurance, a home warranty aims to protect the owner against expensive repair bills and offer coverage for normal wear and tear. A home warranty is especially important if the owner does not have any emergency funds or reserves, as it provides a cushion against unforeseen damages that can be extremely costly.
Furthermore, a warranty is extremely useful for people who do not want to spend their time tracking down contractors when repairs are needed, this task will be handled solely by the warranty company. Furthermore, these warranties are helpful for homeowners with a lavish taste in appliances and other home items.
Types of Home Warranties
Systems & Appliance Home Warranty
This type of home warranty aims to help homeowners repair or replace unexpected breakdowns of items that are not new construction. Some examples include plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, but also other appliances inside the home.
Structural Warranty
A structural warranty aims to offer coverage for the first year on material defects and workmanship, and major defects, but it does not include any equipment or appliances. It protects against damages on piping, wiring, ductwork, and other structural elements.
Tips for Choosing a Home Warranty Plan
Costs
First, it is important to choose a plan that suits your personal needs and budget. Warranty plans usually cover appliances and electrical, plumbing, and other systems. While each plan has its own set cost attached to it, the area of residence can also impact the price. Furthermore, in addition to a home warranty plan, homeowners are required to pay a fee for repairs or replacements, depending on the type of work that needs to be done.
Limitations
Each home warranty plan comes with its limitations. It is important to understand clearly what the plan offers, what are its limitations, and other fees that need to be paid. For example, a plan might cover 5 home appliances and systems with a limitation of $500 for each, while others could insure dozens of them with a coverage limit of $5,000 per item.
Requirements
Homeowners need to have a vast understanding on what should be covered in their plan, no more and no less. For example, some appliances might already be covered if they are new, therefore a home warranty plan for appliances will not be necessary. This is essential to be aware of when considering your best home warranty plan.
Please refer to the table above for an objective review of the best rated home warranty services. Each brand is rated out of ten on the following aspects: pricing, professional contractor network, claims process, repair and replacement policies, and customer support and benefits. This will help you to choose the ideal warranty plan for your home.
Home Warranty FAQ
How is a home warranty different from homeowner’s insurance?
Homeowner’s insurance is different from a home warranty for several reasons. The homeowner’s insurance covers potential thefts, fires, or any natural disaster. On the other hand, a home warranty offers coverage of your budget when components of your home, such as appliances or home systems, break down due to normal wear and tear.
What is a premium coverage?
Typical home warranty plans often cover regular equipment. For instance, it might include the dishwater, but not the baskets, racks or door seals. Premium coverage completes this by also covering these components. As a result, the premium coverage is an option that can be purchased in addition to the basic home warranty plan to protect other goods and systems that are not included.
What are the exclusions to home warranties?
Each contractor might have their own limitations or exclusions. However, a home warranty is designed to cover wear and tear. For instance, if the dishwasher breaks because of wear and tear, it can be replaced by the contractor. On the other hand, if a child breaks the door, this damage is not covered by the company, because it is not a result of normal usage.
Is there a limited number of repairs?
There are no limits to the number of repairs permitted on the duration of the plans, however most of them might have dollar amount caps.
How long does it take to fix the items?
Time can be subjected to various factors, taking into consideration the type of item that needs to be fixed, the availability of spare parts, scheduling, etc. This depends on each circumstance and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
