Buying a home is perhaps the biggest investment of our life, so any warranties and insurances related to the new house are just as important as the mortgage. Appliances comprise a great portion of the total value of the house. So whether your new house comes with appliances, or you’re planning to buy some, getting a home warranty will ensure safe and steady repair and replacement through the years.
But how do you find out the best home warranty service provider for your appliances? Well, we have listed five common steps to comb through the available companies and find the best one for your home.
Research Company Reputation and Reviews
Begin your hunt for the perfect home warranty service provider by researching their terms, pricing, and services thoroughly. Compare them with other companies to find your best fit.
If the warranty provider doesn’t hire licensed technicians, it’s simply not worth the investment. Having trained and licensed professionals doesn’t only ensure quality service and reduces the risk of mishaps, but it also protects your rights as a customer. Before signing a contract, ask the company to show their license and check with your state’s regulations. Check local forums for reviews on the company and cross-check its credibility, or ask them to show previous testimonials and customer reviews. These can also appear on the company website, such as those on the Cinch warranty reviews page on the company’s website. If the company has a positive reputation, you can begin working with them. Don’t take the risk of signing up with a mediocre company when it comes to protecting your sensitive appliances and home systems. If they don’t have a satisfactory reputation, move on to the next one.
Understand the Coverage
Coverage is one of the most important aspects of a home warranty contract. To start, make a list of appliances that might need repairing or replacing soon and include them in the requirements, along with any expensive systems. This will ensure that you get the best value for your money. Reading through the terms and conditions of the contract will also help you understand exclusions and limitations on coverage. It’s not uncommon for home warranty companies to exclude some parts of appliances from coverage. Appliances damaged due to mishandling or unintended use that are not covered in the contract won’t be replaced. So, put additional efforts into understanding the coverage to avoid surprises during the claim. If their coverage doesn’t match your requirements, move on to the next company.
Check the Cost
The cost of a home warranty is usually a few hundred dollars, payable upfront or in monthly installments. It largely depends on the type of property. Newer homes usually have higher coverage costs. Any changes to the structure, such as adding pools or a spa, can bump up the cost significantly.
In addition to the initial cost, service requests will also have a fee ranging from $60 to $100 for repair or maintenance. If multiple services are needed, the homeowner will have to pay for each service separately.
Checking the cost to select the perfect warranty provider is important because the cost and coverage vary from company to company. It helps you to find the best rate for home or appliance repairs. Calculate the coverage against the cost to determine whether the investment is worth it. If not, find another provider.
Go Through All Contract Terms
Apart from the essentials such as costs and coverage, the home warranty contract will have other terms. You must go through all of them to uncover hidden charges, or conditions that might come as a surprise later on. Pre-existing conditions and cancellation policies are two sensitive terms, and understanding them can prevent unexpected repair costs or penalties. Some companies add service call fees – an amount you must pay every time you request a repair. You might also get a waiting period, which is the gap in time between signing up and the time the coverage becomes effective.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand any part of the contract. These terms, if unnoticed, can put you at a great disadvantage in times of emergency. So, it’s better to be prepared before signing the contract.
Ask about Customer Service
Quality of customer service is another great determinant of a good home warranty provider company. Their customer service representative should be available 24/7. You should be able to file a claim without much hassle, and the company should be responsive to general or emergency inquiries. A company with poor customer service can cause frustration and delay in getting your appliances or systems repaired. Therefore, always aim to choose a company that values its customers and offers prompt and efficient customer service.
Online forums that document the company details might also have information on their customer service. You can go through the reviews and ratings to get an idea of their customer service reputation. If they fail to meet your expectations, drop them and go for the next one.
Your home appliances will receive regular maintenance and reduce your worries if you pick the right home warranty service provider. But selecting the wrong company can cause more harm than good. While we can’t deny the presence of fraudulent companies in the market, you have more risks of hiring a company that’s not committed to its service or has poor staff. So, research well and understand their costs and coverage before signing a contract. There are many capable companies, and a little dedication will help you find the best one out there.
