The cost of appliances is rising quickly, and many homeowners don’t prepare for the expense involved in repairing or replacing refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and other home appliances. At the same time, heating and air conditions, electrical, and plumbing systems routinely need work to keep them functioning correctly. Again, that work is costly and can destroy a budget quickly. That’s where residential warranty plans come into play. They provide the added protection property owners need.
What is a Home Warranty?
Home warranties provide protection from the high bills created when home systems fail. The plans are not homeowners’ insurance, as those policies are designed to pay for repairs and replacement of a home or its contents due to a listed event. Home warranties, on the other hand, provide coverage that goes beyond the protection provided by insurance. The warranties cover failures due to wear and tear, such as a refrigerator failing to cool its contents. The two types of coverage are complementary, as one typically covers events the other one doesn’t.
Home Warranty Plans Vary, So Read the Fine Print
Basic home warranty plans generally cover a limited number of appliances. Look for the coverage to include kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cooktops, and built-in microwave ovens. These are some of the home appliances that routinely need repairs or replacements. The plans pay for repairs once homeowners pay a small copayment. Owners of newer homes frequently purchase this plan as the listed appliances are the most likely to fail during normal use.
Beyond the Basics
The next type of plan expands the home warranty coverage to include the basics plus additional components like heating and cooling appliances as well as the home’s plumbing and electrical systems. This type of plan is generally favored by owners of older homes, as those homes are more likely to experience issues with larger systems. Homeowners are encouraged to evaluate the age and condition of covered components to determine if the extra expense for this coverage is worth the investment or if a basic plan would suffice.
The Top Tier of Protection
The most extensive plans cover additional features not already covered. That will include appliances like the washer and dryer in addition to the items covered in the lesser plans. This plan level is preferred by property owners who would rather avoid having to deal with repairs on their own. Owners want the plan to cover the majority of home systems.
Customize Your Options
Because today’s homes include more components than ever before, owners often elect to pay for additional coverage to protect items like alarm systems, garage door openers, a second heating and cooling system, and other items. Plans are also available to increase the coverage limits for some covered components. That’s important when more expensive appliances are installed.
The plans can also include services like pre-season heating and cooling system tune-ups. Numerous other items can be added to plans, so take the time to explore all the options and ensure everything possible is included. That level of protection provides peace of mind for homeowners and their families.
Getting Started is Easy
Property owners everywhere are checking out the advantages of adding a home warranty as a means to protect their budget and make life easier. Get a complete quote today to see just how affordable a home warranty can be.
