Is a Home Warranty a Good Idea?

Is a home warranty a good idea? This is a question that many homeowners ask themselves, and the answer can vary depending on the situation. In this blog post, we will discuss what home warranties are, how they work, when to use them, and how to find a good one.

We will also talk about the potential downsides of home warranties so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of coverage is right for you. At the end of the post, we will recap some of the key points and provide takeaways for readers who are still undecided about whether or not to get a home warranty.

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. These contracts are typically purchased by homeowners when they first move into a new house, but they can also be bought at any time during ownership. The most common type of home warranty is a one-year policy, but there are also multi-year and lifetime policies available.

Home warranties typically cost between $250 and $600 per year, and they can be purchased from a variety of companies. Most home warranty companies will have a list of covered items on their website, so it is important to read through the list carefully before purchasing a policy.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

Home warranties work by covering the cost of repairs or replacements for items that break down due to normal wear and tear. To use the coverage, homeowners must contact their home warranty company whenever something needs to be fixed.

The company will then send out a technician to assess the problem and determine if it is covered under the policy. If it is, the company will pay for the repair or replacement. If not, the homeowner is responsible for paying the bill.

The wait time for repairs through a home warranty company can be longer than if you were to hire your own contractor, but the benefit is that you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for the repairs.

When to Use a Home Warranty

Home warranties can be used anytime something in your home needs to be repaired or replaced. However, they are most commonly used during the first year of ownership when many of the home’s systems and appliances are still under warranty from the manufacturer.

Some of the most common items included in home warranties are HVAC systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances, and washers/dryers. Some policies will also cover items like pools, spas, and garage door openers. Additionally, many claims made across the country include structural items such as the roof, foundation, garage door, etc.

If you have a newer home, you may not need a home warranty. That's because most of the items in your home will still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. However, if you have an older home or live in an area with severe weather conditions, a home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that you will not be stuck with a large repair bill if something breaks down.

Getting a Home Warranty for an Older Home

If you’re buying an older home that doesn’t have any existing warranty coverage, a home warranty can be a good way to protect yourself from the cost of unexpected repairs. In an older home, it’s not uncommon for something to break down soon after you move in. Having a home warranty in place can help you avoid having to pay out of pocket for these repairs.

Pros and Cons of a Home Warranty

There are both pros and cons to having a home warranty. Some of the benefits include peace of mind, protection from unexpected repair bills, and convenience. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider, such as the cost of the policy, coverage limits, and exclusions.

Pros:

• You can hire a professional instead of trying to DIY home repairs.
• You have protection from expensive, unexpected repairs.
• It’s one less thing to worry about when something breaks in your home.

Cons:

• Your home warranty may impose a dollar limit per year.
• You may have to pay a deductible when you use your home warranty.
• Not everything in your home will be covered by a home warranty

How to Find a Good Home Warranty

There are many different home warranty companies to choose from, so it is important to do your research before selecting one. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have purchased a policy in the past, or you can read online reviews. Be sure to compare several different companies before making a decision.

You can also read reviews online or utilize a website like TrustDALE, where you know the certified companies have been rigorously vetted.

Potential Downsides to Home Warranties

One potential downside of home warranties is that they may not cover everything in your home. For example, most policies exclude coverage for items that are considered “pre-existing conditions” such as preexisting damage or appliances that are already broken when you purchase the policy.

Another thing to keep in mind is that home warranty companies typically have a list of preferred service providers who they work with to provide repairs or replacements. This means that you may not be able to choose your own repairman if you have a problem. On the other hand, this can be helpful since you won't be responsible for sourcing and vetting individual contractors for various types of repairs.

Takeaways

In conclusion, whether or not a home warranty is a good idea depends on your individual situation. If you are buying a new home, it may be a good idea to purchase a policy to cover the cost of repairs for items that are still under warranty from the manufacturer.

If you are already living in your home and all of your appliances and systems are working properly, you may not need a home warranty. However, if you have an older home or one with multiple repair issues, a home warranty could save you money in the long run. Be sure to do your research before purchasing a policy so that you know what is and is not covered.

Ready to safeguard your home’s interior and exterior? A comprehensive home warranty could be the right way to go. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for a trusted home warranty company in your area today!