Angie's List: Buying Home Warranties
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Home warranties can really bring you a sense of security if something goes wrong around your house. But they don't always live up to a home owners expectations.
In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan explains what you need to know before you buy a home warranty.
When shopping for a home warranty, you want to make sure it's giving you the protection you need.
"You want to find a company that obviously covers all of the mechanicals of your home so you want to be sure that you have an apples to apples comparison when looking at warranties. Does it cover the heating and cooling system, be sure you understand that part. Then it comes down to will they include an inspection before the warranty so you know exactly the condition of everything in your home. Also, do they have a low deductible and 24 hour customer service because you never know when that water heater will break," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
Also, before you buy a home warranty make sure you read the terms carefully.
"Read the fine print so you know exactly what is covered, what appliances, what types of service calls will be covered and then also understand the how the payment works. Is there a deductible and also, who makes the decisions about repair or replacing," said Hicks.
The contract will also explain the limits to your warranty, which is key.
"For example, maybe you have a plumbing issue that is inside the house the warranty may cover it, but if it's the plumbing outside of your home it may not," said Hicks.
4 most common complaints about home warranties:
• Homeowners don't understand or feel misled about what their warranty covers
• Poor customer service
• Long wait times
• Issues with the quality of the work done by the contractors sent by the home warranty companies
7 ways to get the most out of your home warranty:
1. If you are considering adding a home warranty or home service contract to your purchase, be sure to read the contract carefully. Find out what the warranty covers, and what it doesn't cover.
2. Check with your state's department of insurance to verify if the home warranty company you're considering is properly licensed to do business. If licensing isn't required in your state, inquire about the company's status with your local consumer protection agency, as well as Angie's List.
3. Compare multiple policies, as coverage can vary significantly and check company reviews to find out as much as you can about other homeowners' experiences with the warranty company.
4. If you have a service issue, ask for the names of three contractors they could send out. Then, research those contractors, call the warranty company back and tell them which contractor you prefer.
5. If your warranty is purchased through your real estate agent, tell your real estate agent about any denied claims. Oftentimes, he or she will have a relationship with the home warranty company and can make a call on your behalf.
6. If there are deductibles for service calls in addition to the initial warranty cost - typically between $350 and $500 a year - you might decide you're better off without the warranty.
7. June, July and August are typically their busiest months for claims. To reduce wait times call late in the day or later in the week when call volumes are lower, provided it's not an urgent issue. Also make service requests online or use an automated voice system.
Components of a good home warranty:
1. Get an inspection before you sign: Many home warranty companies will advertise that inspection is not necessary. This leaves a large loophole for companies to avoid paying claims. Most warranties have a clause stating that pre-existing conditions are not covered. If the company doesn't inspect the home before you purchase your warranty, it's your word against theirs. Make sure a home inspection is included if pre-existing conditions aren't covered under the warranty agreement.
2. Appliance coverage: Home warranties companies vary in what they cover. Appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher should always be included. A good home warranty will also cover your washer, dryer, garbage disposal and built-in microwave. If you have other appliances, review the contract to determine whether they will be covered.
3. HVAC and ducts coverage: Air conditioners and furnaces built-in to the home should be covered in a home warranty agreement. Heat pumps and duct work would also be included
in the home warranty plan. Heat lamps and other portable devices that aren't built into the home are usually not covered.
4. Plumbing and electrical coverage: This coverage should include electrical panels, wiring, drains and pipes. The home warranty company may decide not to cover these systems if they're not installed according to code. If you're buying a home, ask the seller for plumbing and electrical contractor information.
5. Low deductible: The length of a home warranty is generally one year from the closing date of the sale. The price generally runs from $250 to $500. Your deductible for a good warranty should be no more than $100. Do the math to determine if paying $600 to the warranty company before any work is done is worth it.
6. Around the clock customer service: A home warranty company with a 24-hour service line allows you to get in touch with somebody immediately to get the process of repairing something started.
What to do before you need to use your warranty:
• Who you gonna call? Keep the phone number and policy number with you. Program it into your phone or computer. If you have an emergency situation while not at home, you need to be able to contact your home warranty company.
• Round the clock? Try your home warranty company's 24-hour help line before you have a problem. If your company does not have one, call them and ask them what to do in case of emergency on a covered repair.
• Show me the money: Ask for if there is a cash-out option on items that you want to replace or upgrade yourself. You may get significantly less than what you will pay for the new item, however the price they give you reflects the wholesale price they are getting on a lesser-valued item. If you want to upgrade, though, it might be the way to go.
• Maintain & document it: Maintain your home equipment regularly and document service dates. Keep written documentation on air conditioning and furnace servicing, cleaning the water heater, and other home maintenance records.
• DIY: Attempt to tackle small problems, like a dripping faucet or or running toilet on your own. No matter how small the repair, a warranty company charges a set service-call fee no matter what. Additionally, the warranty company contracts its work out to local repair company, but charges their own fee. For small repairs, inquire as to a local company's service fee before contacting the warranty company.
