6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Durham, NH

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Durham homeowners reduce the costs 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 exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and more. Included systems are normally electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Durham 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 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. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Before signing a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:

• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
• 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.
• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, septic, pools and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.

Keeping these important details in mind will help you understand a home warranty contract and select a plan that's tailored to protect your most important home systems. Make sure you discuss specifics of coverage with potential providers during the quote process, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans include protection for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also include protection for other items such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Look for providers with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to 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 more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some companies also eliminate deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to your home quickly. Reach out to possible providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Durham. This helps you understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Durham?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranties are an inexpensive way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Durham hitting an average high of 54℃F, you may find that certain appliances, like your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.

Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may experience. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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

Another consideration is that home warranties usually 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, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.