7 Best Home Warranty Companies in New Bern, NC

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps New Bern homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

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

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are a number of home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:

• 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.
• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket 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.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like pools, septic, and well pumps, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• 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, air conditioning units, and appliances.

If you remember these important factors, it’ll help you choose a home warranty that's tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to providers about coverage specifics when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover AC, plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Look for companies 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 standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising more affordable 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 provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting skilled contractors to your home quickly. Contact possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in New Bern to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

Certain home warranty providers include extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in New Bern?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in New Bern can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks all of a sudden.

Not only can a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, 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 help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One disadvantage of buying a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.

Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those needed because of 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.