Jump to:
You’ve reviewed the benefits of an Illinois home warranty, and you’re ready to take the next step and buy one. First, though, you need to choose a company. The competition is fierce, and you want to make sure the company you select will provide the right amount of protection at a reasonable cost.
Let’s go over some of the dos and don’ts of picking a home warranty company so you can select the right one for your situation.
Do: Review the Limits and Exclusions
Home warranty companies tend to differ when it comes to policy limits and exclusions. You can generally find this information online when comparing policies. If not, you can contact the company directly to find out about its specific limits and exclusions. After comparing companies, you’ll find one that provides reasonable policy limits and exclusions.
Don’t: Assume Replacements Are Covered
Some home warranty companies only offer replacements for clients who purchase top-level plans. Thus, you should never assume that replacements are included. Read the details to see what you can expect when filing a claim.
If a company only offers repairs, you might want to move on to another one so you can get replacements when necessary. Otherwise, you can end up undergoing one repair after the next for an appliance or system that’s well past its lifespan.
Do: Review the Service Fee
Most people pay attention to the premium when buying a home warranty, but some forget about the service fee. It’s important to understand that you’ll have to pay a fee every time a technician comes to your home.
The fee is generally small, but it varies from company to company. Do your homework ahead of time to make sure you go with a company that charges a reasonable fee so you can afford it when the time comes to file a claim.
Don’t: Choose a Company That Doesn’t Use Licensed and Insured Technicians
You want to resolve each claim successfully. Thus, it’s important that the company you use works with licensed and insured technicians. Then, you’ll be protected in case the contractor makes any mistakes. Plus, you’ll benefit from the person’s education and experience.
Do: Read Reviews
Once you find a company that you’re interested in using, you’ll need to vet it. If your friend and family members have used the company, you can ask them about their experiences. However, you can still vet the company if you don’t know anyone who has used it by reading online reviews.
Pour over the reviews to find out what people like and don’t like about the company. Then, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision.
Don’t: Ignore the Fine Print
Do you ever find yourself signing on the dotted line without reading the fine print? That is a mistake when it comes to choosing a home warranty company. Companies put various information in the fine print, and without reading it, you won’t have a complete understanding of your coverage.
Thus, review the fine print before choosing a company and buying a policy. Then, you can determine if you’re willing to meet the company’s requirements or if you prefer to go with another provider.
Do: Check for Upgrades
Did you know that most home warranty companies offer add-ons and upgrades? Right now, you might prefer a basic plan, but you could end up wanting more coverage after making some claims and seeing how much money you save. Thus, make sure the company offers additional plan tiers and upgrade options so your policy can grow with you if needed.
Don’t: Go With the First Company You See
When researching home warranty companies, you might find one that looks like a great fit right out of the gate. However, it’s a good idea to do some more research before selecting a company. Get quotes from various companies so you can find the best deal and coverage.
Start Researching Companies Today
Keep these tips in mind when searching for a home warranty company. Then, you can find a company and plan that will help you save money while keeping your appliances and systems in excellent condition. After you do that, you’ll enjoy all the benefits these policies provide.
