7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Omaha, NE

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Omaha homeowners reduce the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the repair 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 reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, dryers, washers, and more. Protected systems include plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Omaha homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing, such as:

• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, septic, pools and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on air conditioning units, roof leaks, appliances, and similar repairs.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access 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.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• 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.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.

If you remember these important 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 choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also provide protection for extra things such as pools, spas, roof leaks, and well pumps. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per service call made. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies have networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Wider networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Omaha to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Omaha?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Omaha’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 is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if 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 needed repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.

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 takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another good thing about having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.

Another possible 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 make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.