7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Sandy Springs, GA

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Sandy Springs homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.

Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners peace of mind and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing 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 require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dishwashers, dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems are typically plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. It's important for Sandy Springs homeowners to 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 that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

• 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.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like septic, well pumps, pools, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• 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.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.

With these terms and key factors in mind, you'll be able to better understand pricing and choose the right home warranty to protect your most essential home systems. During the quoting process, make sure you review coverage details with potential companies to help avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically include AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for 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 claim you submit. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.

Reputation

A home warranty company's track record provides insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Sandy Springs. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty companies include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Sandy Springs?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranty policies are a great way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Sandy Springs hitting an average high of 70℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.

Not only can a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One disadvantage of purchasing a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.

Another thing to take into consideration is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.