(Newswire.net — January 22, 2019) — Peace of mind – this is the one thing that all of us want! While there are many ways to have it, one of the best ones would be through having a home warranty. Basically, the latter will cover the repair and replacement of household appliances and systems. It should not be confused with home insurance, although both will be great in shielding you from the uncertainties that the future holds.
In the U.S., there are tons of providers of home warranty, making it challenging to make the right decision. With this, if you need a helping hand to select a home warranty that can provide the best bang for the buck, then check out the reviews from This Old House to find the best home warranty. Also, keep on reading and we’ll let you know some of the most important considerations.
Find One That Suits Your Budget
One of the main reasons why many people ditch the idea of having a home warranty is the fact that it can be expensive. Nonetheless, this should not be seen as an unnecessary expense but as an investment that will prevent a huge financial burden in the future.
As you compare home warranty companies in the U.S., look at the rates that they are offering. Do not immediately decide after checking only one company. The best practice is to create a list of three to five companies. Ask for their rates and compare which one is suitable for your budget.
When comparing your options, however, you should go beyond the price. One company may offer the warranty at a cheap price, but the coverage can be limited and there might be some heavy restrictions in place.
Read Reviews From Other People
When choosing a home warranty, it is also important to have the time to read reviews from other people. All that you have to do is to go online and search for the name of the company you are eyeing. You can use the real-life experiences of other people to compare the possibilities that will confront you.
When you are reading reviews, however, you should be careful. There are many who are paid to publish reviews to push for one company. Learn how to spot fake reviews. If it is too good to be true, you have the reason to be doubtful. A legitimate review will sound sincere without overselling the company. It should highlight not only the pros but also the cons.
As you read reviews, there are a couple of things that should be looked at. For instance, look at how quick the company responds in case there is a problem. The best choice is a company that will send a technician as soon as possible. It can be frustrating to not have a heating system that works in the middle of winter, so it is important to ensure that the service will be quick.
Analyze the Coverage of the Warranty
The prices offered by one company will differ from the other in terms of the specifics that are covered. At first look, one company might seem expensive, but in the long run, this can prove to be worth your money because of the comprehensive coverage that is offered.
Often, appliance, heating and cooling systems, plumbing systems, and electrical systems will be covered. Think of what you have in your home to determine the coverage that you will need. You should also compare the age and condition of your home systems to the lifespan of the coverage.
In the case of some home warranties, especially those that are expensive, they often come with preventive maintenance. The cheaper ones will most probably not cover this. To make things worse, you might even be penalized if you do not have proper maintenance of the appliances or systems. This might render the policy void.
Also, there are some home warranties that cover even cosmetic damage, although they are often the more expensive ones. Generally, the coverage will be limited to problems with the internal components that can cause the appliance or the system to malfunction.
Pay Attention to the Terms and Conditions
It is also critical that you look at specific terms and conditions before affixing your signature. Remember, a contract is a legally binding agreement, so be sure that you understand everything that is written before you have it signed.
It is common for a home warranty company to have a limit on the cost of the repair that will be shouldered. Once the limit has been reached, you will have to pay for the additional expenses that will be incurred to accomplish the repair job that is needed.
The home warranty coverage also comes with a predetermined duration, usually one year. This means that after one year, you will have to pay to renew the policy.
Most companies will also impose limits on the age of the appliances and systems that are covered. Often, when it is too old, these will no longer be covered because it is prone to issues. Meaning, the company expects that they will incur high costs in its repair and maintenance.
Consider the Support
The best home warranty company will offer unrivaled customer support. Meaning, when you call them, someone must be already available to extend a helping hand. It is frustrating to be left waiting for a long time before a response is available, especially if the repair is needed to live comfortably, such as for your heating and cooling system.
You must be able to reach the company through multiple platforms, such as email, phone, and chat. The customer service representatives should be knowledgeable about their jobs. The best way to do this is to read reviews and use the experiences of other people to weigh your options.
Wrap Up
In sum, while a home warranty is indeed a must-have, they are not all the same. Companies will try to push for their service and resort to aggressive marketing services. Some might even make baseless claims. With this, pay attention to the things that have been briefly mentioned above to compare the possibilities and arrive at the right choice.