6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Morton Grove, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Morton Grove homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, washers, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Morton Grove homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Here are some essential home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:

• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on air conditioning units, roof leaks, appliances, and similar repairs.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like well pumps, pools, septic, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.

If you remember these important factors, it’ll help you choose a home warranty that's tailored to protecting your most essential home systems. Make sure to talk to companies about the specifics of coverage during the quote process, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More robust coverage options also cover other items such as well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per service call made. 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 firms also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies keep networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Morton Grove and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

Home warranty providers sometimes offer perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These extras add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Morton Grove?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Morton Grove reaching an average high of 57℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.

Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of vetting contractors yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another benefit of having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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

Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.