7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Independence, MO

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

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

Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company 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 exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Independence should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
• 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.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like septic, well pumps, and pools, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.

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

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also offer coverage on other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers keep networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Independence and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

Home warranty companies may include extras such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Independence?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Independence’s relatively mild winters and hot summers 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, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.

Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of vetting contractors on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Plus, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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

Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your claims being rejected, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.