Home warranties have become quite popular in the US, with many property owners taking them up for their residences. The warranty covers them from costs associated with sudden breakdown of appliances as well as home systems. Majority of the warranties guarantee to repair or replacement of agreed items by a professional contractor. Thankfully, many companies offer home warranties in the US, making it possible to select the best one for your property.
What you should consider when buying a home warranty
Although the popularity of home warranties seems to be increasing, it is essential to understand the service being offered to make an informed decision. It does not matter whether you are buying it for the first time or thinking about renewing your current one, it is important to know its pros and cons. Some of the things to keep in mind when thinking of buying home warranties include:
Existing home protection
It is essential for you to confirm whether the appliances in the home are already covered. Some of the ways in which you may have been covered are through the manufacturer’s warranty or credit card warranty. Majority of appliance manufacturer’s give at least a one year warranty for the products sold in physical and online stores. Also, some credit card companies offer warranties for appliances bought using their cards, which saves you money that would have been spent on home warranties.
Cost of warranty
Home warranties are provided as per your budget or amount of coverage needed. Most companies offer their services through plans which often cover one appliance, all appliances in the home or a combination of appliances plus electrical and plumbing. It is essential to pick a plan that focuses on providing maximum value at a reasonable price such as the one offered by liberty home guard.
Details of the coverage
It is crucial for homeowners to understand the type of coverage that the home warranty covers within the plans offered. Most companies are willing to walk you through the details of the plan and clarify areas that might be a bit technical for a layman. It is essential to choose a plan that gives you the most coverage at an affordable price. Ensure that you read through the terms and conditions carefully before signing for the home warranty.
Duration of warranty
Majority of home warranties last for one year and need to be renewed for them to be enforced in case of an appliance breakdown. It is important to mark the dates for renewal because your insurance company may not inform you in time leaving your appliances without protection. If possible, renew your home warranty on time to have peace of mind that in case anything happens, you are covered.
Level of input in repair work
In case of breakdown of an appliance, the company offering the warranty have the sole discretion of choosing a contractor to repair it. Most times, homeowners have no say on the amount of time the repair work will take and even the final workmanship. It is therefore essential to know if a company will consider your suggestions on repair or not before signing up with them.
How to spend less on your home warranty
The need for a home warranty cannot be underestimated by homeowners seeking to have their appliances protected in case of breakdown. There are many warranties available from diverse companies with a majority of them offering great deals to property owners. Even so, buying a home warranty can be expensive resulting in many looking for ways to spend less but still get adequate coverage. Some of the ways you can save money on home warranties are listed below.
Buy what you need
Before starting to look for a home warranty provider, it is important to know what you need coverage for in your property. Most company representatives will push you to buy the most expensive plans even when you do not need them. If you are keen on saving money, it is advisable to seek coverage for specific appliances so that you can spend less on home warranty.
Find the cheapest plan
Although home warranty plans are meant to protect property owners from going into their pocket when an appliance malfunctions, they do not have to be expensive. Thankfully, many companies offer affordable plans that offer value to customers regardless of their needs. It is essential to go beyond the price and scrutinize the details of the coverage offered so that you get the best they have to offer. In most cases, the cheapest plan is not necessarily the worst home warranty plan.
Read the fine print
When signing up for a home warranty, customers are provided with contracts that outline the engagement between them and the service provider. It is essential to read through the document and pick out any extra services that you might not necessarily need but are part of home warranty and add to the overall fees. For example, some warranty providers expect a customer to pay an extra amount when an appliance that has broken down needs to be replaced, essentially negating the need for coverage. To save cash, consider signing up with a provider that only charges a flat rate for the contractors’ service fee.
Seek professional advice
If you are having a hard time deciding on the best home warranty plan, you may need to work with a professional. You can visit a home warranty plan expert to help you decide on the best plan for you within your budget. Also, consider looking through reviews and articles online advising on warranties to help you make an informed decision.
Overall, getting a home warranty is important for home owners that want to have peace of mind when at home or away from their residences. The warranty is ideal for both first time home owners as well as those that have been owning properties for an extended period and want their appliances protected.
