4 Best Home Warranty Companies in Milwaukee, WI

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Milwaukee homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider 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 gives peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include garbage disposals, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Milwaukee 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 natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing 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

Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:

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

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 coverage specifics 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 key things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans include protection for plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as spas, roof leaks, pools, and well pumps. Focus on providers with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your needs.

Service Fees

Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies have networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair contractors they have in Milwaukee and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.

Added Benefits

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

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Milwaukee?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Milwaukee’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.

Not only does a home warranty offer some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person 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 while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One disadvantage of signing up for a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.

Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.