6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Bristol, RI

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Bristol homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that malfunction 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 fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer builds with modern appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include washers, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Bristol homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:

• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like septic, pools, 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.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on roof leaks, air conditioning units, appliances, and similar repairs.
• 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.

Keeping these important details in mind will help you understand a home warranty contract and select a plan that's tailored to protect your home. Make sure you discuss specifics of coverage with potential providers 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 choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

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

Service Fees

Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers keep networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Bristol to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Bristol?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Bristol can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Bristol, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only can a home warranty provide 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 takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some drawbacks to getting a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.

Also, 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.