6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Tiverton, RI

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Tiverton homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair 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 plan gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive 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 need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dryers, washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and locksmiths. Tiverton homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only address 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. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:

• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as pools, well pumps, septic and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Contract rate: A pre-negotiated rate that your home warranty provider has worked out with contractors. This rate is typically less than what you would pay retail.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.
• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on appliances, roof leaks, air conditioning units, and similar repairs.

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

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover heating, electrical, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also cover other items such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and 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 lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also do away with deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation provides 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 provider known for great service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Contact possible providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Tiverton to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Tiverton?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

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

Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of having to vet technicians yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. 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 downsides to getting a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, 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.