Home warranty
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair and replacement costs of home appliances. The warranty generally covers equipment and appliances such as dishwashers, plumbing systems, electrical systems etc. that fail due to normal wear and tear. Coverage varies significantly across warranty companies. Home warranty contracts do not cover all home repairs.
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[edit] Coverage
Basic coverage includes plumbing, electrical, heating systems and major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Many companies charge additional coverage for appliances such as clothes washers and clothes dryers, which are generally not covered.
In the United States, home warranty annual premiums generally range from $300 to $450 USD. There will be additional service trace fee (deductible) of 50 to 100 dollars per service incident. Most companies do not let homeowners combine two repairs with one service trade fee. For example, if your electrical switch needs a repair and kitchen sink is clogged, you will have to pay service trade fee twice.
[edit] Controversy
Some common complaints that home warranty clients have:
- Fraudulent home warranties companies take money from consumers and then refuse to honor the agreements and vanish completely only to reopen under another name.[1]
- Warranty companies deny the claim citing homeowner's maintenance negligence
- Warranty companies deny the claim because of a "pre-existing problem"
- Warranty companies always repair the appliance even when it is in such bad shape as to be replaced
Home warranty companies deny systematic denial and claim that customers need to pay close attention to the contract. Warranty contracts specify that pre-existing conditions and problems arising due to lack of proper care and maintenance are not covered.
Buyers are encouraged to check the provider ratings of the companies selling the product.
[edit] Resources
Home Warranty Provider Ratings
