4 Best Home Warranty Companies in Watertown, WI

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

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

When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind 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 cover your home's systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are dishwashers, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer extra coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. It's important for Watertown homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing a contract, such as:

• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• 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 roof leaks, appliances, and air conditioning units.
• 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.
• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, septic, pools and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.

If you remember these terms and key 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 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 important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover heating, AC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Watertown and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Watertown?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Watertown’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will 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 needed repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may come across. Another added benefit of having a home warranty policy is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you purchased your home warranty through.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some drawbacks to buying a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home 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 home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.