Purchasing a home warranty is a great way for homeowners to protect their families’ budgets against expensive appliance and equipment failures. There are plenty of options out there, from home warranty appliances coverage to whole-home plans that include not just appliances but also plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Deciding which plan to use can be tough, but this article will make it a little easier by introducing some key things to look for in a home warranty.
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The Right Coverage Options
Every home warranty company offers a range of plans. The most basic of them typically cover only major kitchen appliances, while the most extensive options are designed to protect major home systems as well. Depending on the plan provider, it may be possible for homeowners to customize plans to include only those appliances or systems that are no longer covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
It’s also important to find out what’s not covered. Some companies won’t provide warranties for older appliances, for example, and few, if any, cover small countertop appliances like toasters and blenders. When in doubt about what a specific plan has to offer, reach out to the home warranty provider with questions before signing on the dotted line.
Competitive Pricing
While it’s true that people get what they pay for, that doesn’t mean homeowners can assume that every home warranty plan offers the same value for their money. Try to get an idea of what range of prices most companies charge. While it’s not a good idea to choose a warranty plan provider based on low cost alone, it’s always best to know what kind of value a product offers before buying it.
Homeowners should also take note of things like service fees and payout caps. A plan that’s only $10 a month but has a payout cap that won’t even cover replacing one major appliance isn’t worth the money. One that costs a little more each month but will pay for any repairs or unit replacements required throughout the year offers a greater value.
Ease of Contact
When something goes wrong, homeowners don’t want to be sitting around for days waiting to hear back from their home warranty companies before even getting an appointment with a repair technician. Make sure the warranty plan provider is easy to contact and responds quickly to concerns. It’s also worth finding out how emergency situations such as furnace failures that occur in the dead of winter are handled under the terms of the service contract. It’s not worth paying for a home warranty plan that will leave the family out in the cold.
Start the Search Now
Don’t put off looking for a home warranty plan until appliances are already on their last legs. There are certain preexisting conditions that will preclude equipment from coverage no matter what company and plan homeowners choose. Instead, start the search for the right home warranty plan now, take the time to gather plenty of information, and make an informed decision about how to protect the home’s appliances and systems.
