6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Bensenville, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Bensenville homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems are typically heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. Bensenville homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are multiple home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:

• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on appliances, roof leaks, air conditioning units, and similar repairs.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like well pumps, septic, and pools, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.

If you remember these terms and key factors, it’ll help you choose a home warranty that's tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to companies about the specifics of coverage when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically cover plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for delivering quality service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Bensenville and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

Home warranty companies sometimes include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Bensenville?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Bensenville’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet technicians on your own, home warranty providers do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One major drawback of a home warranty is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and sign up for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.

Another thing to consider is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.