Not all home warranty companies are the same. In fact, the differences can be quite significant. Some offer more coverage than others, some offer different levels of service, others offer different programs, different options and different pricing. Some only cater to the buyer and leave the real estate agent out in the cold. Research is the key to finding the best provider.

There are many necessary questions to ask a home warranty provider. First and foremost, ask about coverage. What does your home warranty specifically cover? You should thoroughly understand what the warranty covers and what it does not. A home warranty is a great asset as it protects you against the high costs of repairing and replacing a covered item.

Typically, home warranty contracts are one-year or 13-month contracts that cover a home?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s mechanical systems and appliances. The mechanical systems often include the plumbing, heating/furnace, electrical, water heater, and cooling system, just to name a few. Appliances may include washer and dryer, refrigerator, and built-in microwave. There may also be optional coverage to purchase if the client has a pool/spa, well pump, or septic tank.

Premium coverage can also be purchased. Premium coverage includes additional items that the basic contract would not cover. Items such as code violations/permits, garage door system hinges and springs and oven racks. The home warranty company should offer clients a couple different programs to choose from along with optional additional items to cover.

Note that a covered system or appliance must be listed as a covered item in the contract; it must be located within the confines of the main foundation of the home or garage and it will be covered only if it breaks down from normal wear and tear. Home warranty companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is a defect that is obvious or known before the warranty becomes effective. Most home warranty companies cover almost any age, make or model of covered systems or appliances designed by the original manufacturer for residential use.

After you read carefully over the contract and fully understand which items are covered and which require premium coverage, you should then ask about service call fees. When a claim is made by you–homeowner–a repairman will come to your home to inspect the broken system or appliance. At that time, you will be required to pay a service call fee to the technician. Typically, this fee ranges from $50-$100, depending upon what program was selected. The service call fee is non-negotiable fee that goes directly to the repair company and not the home warranty company.

Next, you should ask questions to make certain that the program you select is compatible with the type of home being purchased. Be aware that some home warranty companies offer programs designed specifically for condos, townhouses, mobile homes and even new construction housing.

It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s also important to ask questions regarding the level of customer service that the home warranty company provides. ?¢‚Ǩ?ìWill I have a single point of contact to go to??¢‚Ǩ¬ù ?¢‚Ǩ?ìWill the warranty company?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s sales rep come to my office and give presentations on the programs??¢‚Ǩ¬ù ?¢‚Ǩ?ìIs the company accessible 24 hours a day on the web and by phone??¢‚Ǩ¬ù ?¢‚Ǩ?ìCan I order policies through the web site and can I receive immediate confirmations and invoicing??¢‚Ǩ¬ù ?¢‚Ǩ?ìCan I make changes to the policies as they arise??¢‚Ǩ¬ù

To learn more about Home Warranties, please contact our office today.