How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Plan for Your Home
Every home has something unique to it, so shouldn't your home warranty reflect the unique needs of your home?
The best home warranty plans give homeowners options to select coverage features that fit their needs and budget.
If you're looking for the right home warranty and don't know where to start, America’s Preferred Home Warranty can help outline what you should look for while choosing the best home warranties for you and your home.
Understanding What's Covered
The first thing anyone looking for the best home warranty plans for their home should review is what is actually covered. The details of what is covered in a warranty will always vary between providers, and it is worth understanding what systems and appliances you can expect protection for.
A strong home warranty plan should help you cover some of the costs of repairing or replacing expensive systems your house relies on, such as heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as anything else that may break down due to normal wear and tear over time.
APHW home warranty plans cover 26 home systems and appliances, including:
- Water heaters
- Kitchen appliances
- Washers and dryers
- Plumbing
- Air conditioning units
- Heating systems
- Electrical systems
- And more
Be sure to thoroughly review warranty details before selecting your home warranty, so you know exactly what kind of support you can expect when you need it.
Consider Coverage Add-ons
Once you have a strong understanding of what the standard plan covers, the next step is to consider what other features your home has that are beyond the scope of coverage.
Because most homes have something that isn’t covered by basic warranty plans, you may need to consider getting add-ons to your home warranty, like for a pool, sprinkler system, gas fireplace, or water softener. The best home warranties will give you the option to add the coverage add-ons you need to protect what matters most in your home.
APHW offers add-on options for:
- Inground pools and spas
- Salt water pool systems
- Sprinkler systems
- Water softeners
- Additional refrigerators
- And more
When comparing home warranty plans, make sure the provider you choose provides options to cover more than just the basic features of your home.
Compare Plan Deductibles
Many home warranty plans require a fee for any service calls, also known as a deductible, any time you file a claim. The amount you pay for your deductible is often in addition to the monthly premium of your warranty and any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the services rendered.
In most cases, a lower deductible means higher premiums, and vice versa. So it’s up to you to decide what type of warranty works best for you.
APHW offers plans with flexible deductible options, with both $50 and $100 deductible plan options. This allows you to choose what makes the most sense for you, your home, and your budget. It is always a good idea to take a few minutes to think about your needs and which plan can best accommodate them.
Look for Contractor Flexibility
Having a say in who comes to repair your home is a valuable option for home warranties, which is why the best home warranty plans offer the ability to choose your own licensed contractor to repair your home.
Other home warranty companies may require you to choose a contractor from a short list. This means you have less control over who comes to your home and how they repair your property. APHW lets you choose your own licensed contractor for covered repairs, so you can have peace of mind about your repair process.
APHW is Here to Help You Find the Right Home Warranty Plan
Choosing the best home warranty plan for your home doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you need a standard plan, a plan with add-ons, or a higher or lower deductible option, APHW has what you need.
The home warranty company you choose should have your best interests at heart, be available when you need them, offer extensive customizable coverage based on your needs, and allow you to choose your own contractor. If you are ready to learn more about how APHW can meet those standards, request a free personalized quote online or call us at 800-648-5006. There's no obligation, and no inspection is required to get started.
Terms and conditions apply. Coverage varies by plan. Refer to your service agreement for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy a home warranty?
The best time to buy a warranty for your home is before you need one. Coverage on a home warranty only applies to future breakdowns, and not the ones that have already happened. Having a warranty plan in place today may help reduce covered repair or replacement costs depending on your coverage or situation.
What should I look for in a home warranty company?
The best home warranty companies will offer you a clear path to comprehensive warranty coverage. Any home warranty company should be able to give you straightforward terms of their warranty options, a simple enrollment process, responsive customer service, and the flexibility to choose who comes to fix your home’s breakdowns.
How long does a home warranty last?
APHW home warranty plans last for 12-month periods. There are exceptions for manufactured homes that are relocated, and in instances where the homeowner who pays monthly cancels their payments. At the end of the term, you will have the option to renew your coverage and continue protecting your home systems.
Is a home warranty worth it?
Having a home warranty can be the safety net you need to help protect your budget from major home repair bills. The cost of replacing an HVAC system, water heater, or other major appliance can be several hundred or even thousands of dollars, which can exceed the cost of a home warranty plan depending on the repair and your situation.
