Home Sweet Home: Shopping for a Home Warranty

Buying a home warranty can be an intimidating process. It is important to understand exactly what you are getting in terms of coverage, and it can be difficult to know where to start. REALTOR® Kathy Maguire shares some tips that will help you shop for the best home warranty for your needs.

Assess Your Home’s Needs

Before you begin shopping for a home warranty, it is important to assess your home’s needs. Think about the types of appliances or systems that need protection and make sure you know how often they are used. This will help determine how much coverage you need and also give you an idea of which companies may offer the best coverage at the best price.

Research Different Companies

Once you know what type of coverage you need, it is time to research different companies. Look online for reviews and ask friends and family who have purchased a home warranty before what their experience has been like with different companies so that you can make an informed decision. Make sure to read through all the details carefully before signing anything so that there are no surprises later on.

Digitize Home Warranty Documents

When signing up for a home warranty, most companies provide digital paperwork as well as physical copies. Request digital documents so that you can easily convert them into PDFs for easy editing if necessary. This may work if you need help making those conversions. Having digital documentation also makes filing claims easier as everything is stored electronically in one place, which eliminates any potential confusion or delays when filing or tracking claims with multiple providers.

Ask Questions

Get to know what you’re signing up for. Before committing to a home warranty, make sure you understand the coverage limits, deductibles and contractor selection processes. Research cancellation policies just in case life throws an unexpected curveball that requires canceling your policy early – it’ll help keep your finances safe from danger. Ask questions now so sound decisions can be made later.

Determine if Contractors Are Screened by Company

Choosing a contract provider for your home repairs can be an important decision. Before signing with any provider, make sure to check if they properly screen their contractors. Not all providers do this; however, warranty policies from those who take extra measures provide the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to the care and safety of what matters most – your home!

Make Policy Renewals Effortless and Worry-free

Ensure that you understand the length of coverage periods for any home warranty policies. Additionally, find out about any fees associated with renewing a policy and what options are available for additional coverage. Research different companies to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. Read reviews from past customers to get a better idea of their customer service ratings and the experience they’ve had with the company.

Choose Which Appliances to Cover

Apart from major systems such as HVAC units within the home – look specifically at warranties covering smaller appliances. When looking for appliance insurance, it is important to ensure the warranty you seek covers appliances such as your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washing machine. Generally, a warranty will not cover items that are considered high-risk or beyond normal wear and tear, but give this a view to see some different policy options. Ask about any exclusions before signing on for an appliance warranty plan.

Compare Offers Side-By-Side   

Before signing a contract, look at various plans and understand exactly what they cover and don’t cover. Read customer reviews to get a better understanding of the company’s service level and customer satisfaction ratings. Ask questions about how quickly you will be able to get an appointment for service if needed and any additional fees that may not be included in the price of the plan.

Invest in the Right Warranty for Your Home

Purchasing a home warranty can be overwhelming but armed with the right knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. By assessing your needs, determining if contractors are screened by the company, seeking warranties that cover appliances, and comparing offers side-by-side, you can feel confident that you’ll choose the right coverage for you and your family.

Whether you’re looking to buy or list a home, REALTOR® Kathy Maguire offers exceptional real estate services. Schedule an appointment today!