7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Shawnee, OH

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Shawnee homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only 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 and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, washers, dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, microwaves, and more. Protected systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer extra coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Shawnee homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

• Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.
• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, pools, septic and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.
• Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like air conditioning units, roof leaks, and appliances.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• 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.

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 the specifics of coverage during the quote process, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically provide protection for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.

Service Fees

With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable 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 gives insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer service. Use review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Shawnee and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty plans offer extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Shawnee?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Shawnee can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks suddenly.

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 handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another benefit of having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some negatives to purchasing a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.

In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.