This is a guest post by Jonathan Peterson.
In a home warranty, the company is of equal importance to the warranty plan. The company is responsible for explaining the warranty plan to consumers, issuing payments for claims filed, and directing you to a repair professional in your area.
The company will replace an appliance, install new pipes, or install new electrical wires if the issue cannot be resolved through a repair. Homeowners need to be able to trust the home warranty provider, so eliminate doubt by selecting the correct company in the first place.
State License
A reputable home warranty company will have a state license where required. It should not be difficult to find the state license online. If the state license detail is not on the company’s website, visit the state department of insurance’s site and search for the company. If the information is difficult to verify, avoid this company.
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure here.
Company Reviews
Home warranty companies are some of the worst reviewed companies on Angie’s List. All companies get good and bad reviews, but a respected company will try to resolve their issues. It shows in the countless reviews how customers feel unappreciated and undervalued when filing a complaint or asking customer service for assistance.
To determine whether a company is legit, read the positive reviews. Does the reviewer explain why this company is excellent?
Then, read the negative reviews. Does the negative review provide detail as to why their experience was horrible? Saying a company sucks isn’t a comprehensive review.
Does the reviewer sound petty? Little details may seem like a big deal to them, but they appear childish to online readers weighing their options. Eliminate reviews without substance along with over-the-top positive reviews, over-the-top negative reviews, and reviews containing a slanted agenda to help or harm a business.
Satisfactory Service
When reading reviews, pay attention to how customer service reps resolved complaints. Customer service reps are the first point of contact whenever homeowners require assistance. Great customer service representatives ensure their customers are satisfied from start to finish. The reps care about customers’ needs and will do what is necessary to solve the problem.
Individual Research
If a company passes the above criteria, search for more about the company and browse their various coverage bundles. Each bundle offers a different price plan, coverage option and length of coverage.
Compare the plans from each of your preferred companies. Determine if additional coverage is necessary and what it would cost to include it in the bundled plan.
Additionally, read the fine print. Discover the hidden fees and limited coverage phrases and sentences in the policy before signing. Ask questions now to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations later.
As always, regular maintenance in the home is important. Negligence hurts your chances of cashing in on a claim filed. The company is your backup plan in case appliances, plumbing, and electrical wires fail. Don’t do anything to violate or jeopardize that partnership.
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