What Does Home Warranty Offer to a Homeowner?
You just purchased your dream house along with the all the perfect décor that turns your dream house into your dream home. It's been a few months and everything is unpacked and placed in its designated spot within your new home. So you turn your attention to rebuilding your savings account since it was depleted from the biggest and most important purchase of your life. However, within a few months of living in your dream home, you experience a costly unexpected expense when your heater blows out during the winter.
With a new mortgage payment and a limited amount in savings, you're looking at numerous financial options on how to pay for this unexpected expense. Fortunately, you purchased a home protection plan that will cover this expense as well as any major systems and appliances that may need repair or replacement in your home.
What Does a Home Warranty Include?
Home warranties typically include coverage the following major appliances and systems:
- Central air conditioning systems
- Central heating systems
- Humidifiers
- Interior electrical systems
- Refrigerators
- Ranges, ovens, and cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwaves
- Water heaters
- Plumbing systems
- Garbage disposals
- Washers and dryers
- Garage door openers
- Roof leaks
When Do You Need a Home Warranty?
Home warranties are offered to all homeowners whether they are new or existing. Typically, home warranty plans are offered to the home-buyer when they are purchasing a new home. However, if the buyer decides not to purchase home warranty insurance simultaneously with their home purchase, then they can secure a home protection plan at a later date. There is no time restriction as to when a homeowner can decide to purchase a warranty plan.
The Cost Involved With a Warranty for Your Home
Typically, a home warranty costs a couple hundred dollars, which can be paid in a lump sum amount during the purchase of a new home. This lump sum payment would be collected at the time closing costs are due for the newly purchased home. However, the seller, real estate agent or a family member or friend can purchase home warranties on behalf of a home-buyer. If a home appliance insurance claim is filed then the homeowner may be responsible for paying a service fee or deductible that typically ranges from $50 to $100. Please note, home warranty companies have different contract agreements therefore, fee amounts may vary.
Home Warranty Process
Filing a claim is a very simple process. Prior to filing your claim, review your insurance contract to verify the item that you need to repair or replace is covered under your plan. Once you verify this information, you'll complete the following steps:
- Contact your home warranty insurance company to file a claim.
- The warranty company will review their home warranty plans to verify that you have a plan that covers the item in question.
- The warranty company will schedule an appointment for you with a local contractor.
- The contractor will diagnosis the situation and makes a recommendation to repair or replace the item in question.
- Repairs and replacements will be carried out.
- You will pay a cost in the form of a service fee to the warranty company.
- Process is complete.
Conclusion
As there are many providers to choose from that have a variety of plan options; the best home warranty companies depend on how they can meet the needs of your home. The best way to select the right home protection plan for you is by doing your research on what each company has to offer with their plans. For instance, if you have a home with older appliances then you may be interested in locating a plan that has home appliance insurance. Want to learn more before choosing? Here are some tips and tricks to get you up-to-date.
Convinced? Check out our expert written reviews for information on the top providers for home warranty. Once you've selected the plan that best fits your needs, you'll join the many homeowners that have peace of mind because they are protected by one of the top home warranty companies.
