7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Moorefield, OH

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Moorefield homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides security for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with working appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are washers, dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Included systems are normally electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. It's important for Moorefield homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. 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 learn key terms like:

• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.
• 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 air conditioning units, appliances, and roof leaks.
• 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 added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like pools, well pumps, and septic, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• 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.

Keeping these terms and key points in mind will help you understand pricing and pick a home warranty designed to protect your most important home systems. Be sure to discuss coverage details with potential companies when getting a quote, so you can avoid surprise fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans provide coverage for heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also include protection for other items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per repair request filed. 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 providers also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Larger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Moorefield to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Moorefield?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Moorefield can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working suddenly.

A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and choosing 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. Plus, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One of the main drawbacks of home warranties is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to compare the different policies and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.

Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those due to 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.