6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Glen Ellyn, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Glen Ellyn homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or replace 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 repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Protected systems include heating, electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans offer extra coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Glen Ellyn homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover 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. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure 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:

• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket 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.
• Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like well pumps, septic, pools, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to 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 appliances, air conditioning units, and roof leaks.

With these important considerations in mind, you'll be able to understand pricing and choose the right home warranty to protect your most essential home systems. When getting a quote, review coverage details with potential providers to help avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover AC, plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your 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 is paid per repair request filed. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Glen Ellyn to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Glen Ellyn?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranty plans are an affordable way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Glen Ellyn hitting an average high of 57℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.

Not only does a home warranty offer some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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

Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.