6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Rockton, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Rockton homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced 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 working appliances might not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, washers, and more. Covered systems are typically air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Rockton homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Here are some key home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:

• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on roof leaks, appliances, air conditioning units, and similar repairs.
• 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.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like pools, septic, and well pumps, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.

Keeping these terms and key points in mind will help you understand pricing and pick a home warranty designed to protect your most important home systems. Discuss coverage details with potential companies when getting a quote, so you can avoid surprise 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 plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More robust plans also extend protection to other items such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and 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 costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Rockton to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty providers offer extras such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can add value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Rockton?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Rockton’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

Not only does a home warranty offer some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also offer value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty.

Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.