Choose the Right Home Warranty: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Buying a home is a huge milestone—exciting, a bit scary, and definitely a lot of work! You’ve got the keys after months, maybe years, of saving and searching. Now you don’t want a major appliance to break down and drain your savings. That’s where a home warranty comes in, right?

Maybe.

A good home warranty can protect you from unexpected repairs and be a lifesaver. But some companies are bad at paying claims, leaving homeowners worse off. You don’t want peace of mind that becomes a headache. So, how do you pick a home warranty that’s truly helpful? Before signing, you must ask the right questions.

1. What’s Your Policy on Repair Denials?

Trust me, this is probably the most important question you can ask. Many homeowners get burned because they assume all repairs are covered, only to find their claim denied. Ask the company about their claim approval rate, the most common reasons for denials, and if they will tell you the criteria for denying a claim.

At Contractors United, we have a clear policy: we never deny a repair based on the contractor’s stated reason for the needed repair. We’re here to help you fix things, not find ways to avoid paying.

2. What’s Covered, and What’s Not?

Get a copy of the actual contract and read the exclusions (those things that they do not cover). You need to know that every warranty has exclusions and what they are. Do they cover pre-existing conditions? What about routine maintenance?

3. What’s the Service Fee?

Most home warranties require a service fee for each repair request. This is normal, but the amount varies. Check if there are limits to the number of times you can call for service and make sure you’re okay with the fee.

4. How Do I Choose a Contractor?

Some companies let you choose your own contractor, while others have their own network. If you have a trusted technician, you might prefer choosing your own. However, a company’s network can mean faster service.

5. What’s Your Reputation Like?

Check online reviews and see if the company has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Look at both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.

Making the Right Choice

Deciding when to have a home warranty is an important decision, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to do the research. If you’re not asking the right questions and don’t make comparisons, you’re more likely to end up with just a ‘no claims discount’ and no protection or peace of mind.

At Contractors United, we believe we have the best selection of home improvement contractors, and our commitment to keeping everyone transparent, fair, and accountable is a huge reason why. We invite you to learn how Contractors United differs and see for yourself. Contact us today or go to our website! We’ll show you how a home warranty should really work.