7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Duncan, OK

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Duncan homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer builds with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and even roof leaks. It's important for Duncan 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 due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee 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:

• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty 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 roof leaks, air conditioning units, and appliances.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• 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-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like pools, septic, well pumps, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access 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.

With these terms and key factors 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, make sure you review coverage details with potential providers, so you don't encounter any unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

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

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include other things such as well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for providers with an assortment 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 repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $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 firms also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Duncan and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.

Added Benefits

Home warranty providers might offer bonuses such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Duncan?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Duncan’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

Not only does a home warranty give you some financial relief, 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. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One major drawback of a home warranty is not everything 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.

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