7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Kettering, MD

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Kettering homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind and 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 appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, and more. Included systems are usually heating, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Kettering homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are multiple home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:

• Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
• Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like septic, pools, well pumps, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on appliances, roof leaks, air conditioning units, and similar repairs.
• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.

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 coverage specifics when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for a company that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific needs.

Service Fees

Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also remove deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

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

Added Benefits

Certain home warranty providers offer extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Kettering?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Kettering hitting an average high of 63℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system break down.

Not only can a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been getting.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair person who does the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to select their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies let you select a contractor.

Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.