6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Boulder Hill, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Boulder Hill homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include washers, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and even roof leaks. Boulder Hill homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are several home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:

• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Coverage limits: The maximum dollar amount that your warranty provider will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check your contract's limits on repairs for things like air conditioning units, appliances, and roof leaks.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like septic, well pumps, and pools, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Contract rate: A pre-negotiated rate that your home warranty provider has worked out with contractors. This rate is typically less than what you would pay retail.

If you remember these important factors, it’ll help you understand costs and select a home warranty tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to companies about coverage specifics 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 warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances. More robust coverage options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.

Reputation

A home warranty company's track record gives insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies keep networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Boulder Hill to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty providers include bonuses such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Boulder Hill?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Boulder Hill can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working suddenly.

In addition, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research technicians — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some drawbacks to getting a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.

Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.