7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Hattiesburg, MS

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Hattiesburg 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 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 since it 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 modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Hattiesburg homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• 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: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on appliances, air conditioning units, roof leaks, 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: 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: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like pools, septic, well pumps, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.

If you remember these terms and key factors, it’ll help you choose a home warranty that's tailored to protecting your most essential home systems. Make sure to talk to companies 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 warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.

Reputation

A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, 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 ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Wider networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Hattiesburg to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Hattiesburg?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Hattiesburg can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Hattiesburg, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only does 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 contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair technician who carries out the repair for you, some may not like this, and they may want to select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty companies allow you to select a contractor.

Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as 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.