7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Dunwoody, GA

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Dunwoody homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds 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 policy gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, washers, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, septic systems, and central vacuums. Dunwoody homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Before signing a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:

• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like air conditioning units, appliances, and roof leaks.
• 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.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like septic, pools, and well pumps, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.

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

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover extra things such as spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.

Service Fees

Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also eliminate deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Dunwoody to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Dunwoody?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Dunwoody can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Dunwoody, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.

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 providers do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s property 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 have your home warranty with.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One disadvantage of signing up for a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.

In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.