6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Mendota Heights, MN

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Mendota Heights homeowners lower the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance by helping avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include washers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, and more. Covered systems are usually plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Mendota Heights homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, 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

Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:

• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor 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 appliances, roof leaks, and air conditioning units.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as pools, well pumps, septic and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.

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 companies about coverage specifics during the quote process, so you can 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 warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically include AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for providers with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your 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, you may want to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also eliminate deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies keep networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Mendota Heights and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Mendota Heights?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Mendota Heights can drop to the negatives in the winter, which means your heating system is likely to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Mendota Heights, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have 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 service technicians by 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 increase your home’s real estate 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 purchased your home warranty through.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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

Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those due to natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.