6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Rehoboth, MA

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

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

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider 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 gives peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Rehoboth homeowners to wait 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, 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

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

• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Contract rate: A pre-negotiated rate that your home warranty provider has worked out with contractors. This rate is typically less than what you would pay retail.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like well pumps, pools, and septic, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
• 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.
• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.

Keeping these terms and key factors in mind will help you understand a home warranty contract and select a plan that's tailored to protect your home. Make sure you discuss specifics of coverage with potential providers during the quote process to avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers keep networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Rehoboth to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Rehoboth?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Rehoboth can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down all of a sudden.

Not only does a home warranty offer some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, 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 give value in other ways. For example, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One downside of signing up for 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 not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read over any contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.

Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.