7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Mount Airy, NC

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Mount Airy homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.

Homeowners submit 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 cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and roof leaks. It's important for Mount Airy homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to 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.
• Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like roof leaks, appliances, and air conditioning units.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like septic, pools, and well pumps, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.

With these important considerations in mind, you'll be able to understand pricing and choose the right home warranty to protect your most essential home systems. During the quoting process, take care to review coverage details with potential providers to help avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically provide protection for plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for quality service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Mount Airy and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks improve the chances of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.

Added Benefits

Home warranty companies might include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Mount Airy?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Mount Airy’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 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 repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. In addition, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

As for the negatives of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.

Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.