Arizona Home Warranty Companies: The Comprehensive Guide
Are you a new homeowner in Arizona? Or perhaps you've been living in your home for a while now? Either way, it's important to consider a home warranty to protect one of the biggest investments of your life. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose which home warranty service provider is right for you. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make the best decision for your home. 🏠💡
Introductory Words
As a homeowner, appliances and systems within your home will eventually require repairs or replacements at some point. Some of these incidents can be quite costly. Add this to your mortgages, insurance, and other expenses, and these unexpected costs can feel overwhelming. This is where home warranty companies come in. They offer a plan that can help you cover unexpected expenses. Home warranty services have been around for decades, but with so many options available today, it can be challenging to make the right decisions. With this comprehensive guide, we'll help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of Arizona home warranty companies to make the best choice for your needs. 🤔👍👎
A Featured Image
Strengths and Weaknesses of Arizona Home Warranty Companies
Strengths
1. Affordable Premiums
Most Arizona home warranty companies offer affordable monthly or annual premiums for their services. This can help you plan your expenses better, spread the cost over time, and avoid unexpected bills.
2. Protects Your Budget
Home warranties protect your budget by covering maintenance costs. By signing up for a home warranty, you can save money, reduce stress, and protect your appliances and systems from early wear and tear.
3. Convenient and Fast Repairs and Replacements
Arizona home warranty companies usually have a network of licensed and insured contractors to fix or replace your appliances and systems. This means you don't have to spend time finding a reputable contractor on your own, which is helpful when faced with an unexpected breakdown.
4. Customizable Plans
Most Arizona home warranty providers allow homeowners to customize their plans to fit their unique needs. This means you can add or remove coverage depending on the age and condition of your home, as well as the systems and appliances you have.
5. Improves Home Resale Value
Having a home warranty can boost your home resale value. Prospective buyers will feel reassured that they'll be protected by an active home warranty if anything goes wrong with the systems and appliances in the home.
6. No Age Limitations on Appliances and Systems
Unlike insurance companies that may not cover appliances and systems older than a certain age, most Arizona home warranty companies cover all appliances and systems regardless of their age.
7. Provides Peace of Mind
Having a home warranty gives homeowners the peace of mind that they are prepared for any unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs to their home. This can relieve stress and help you sleep easier knowing you are covered.
Weaknesses
1. Service Call Fees
Although most Arizona home warranty companies offer affordable premiums, most also charge a service call fee each time you request a repair or replacement.
2. Exclusions and Limitations
Home warranty services usually come with exclusions and limitations, including pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, uninstalled equipment, and poor installation. It is crucial to read the fine print to understand what is and isn't covered.
3. Limited Network of Contractors
Some Arizona home warranty service providers have a limited network of contractors or may require homeowners to use a certain set of contractors for repairs. This may limit your flexibility in choosing the contractor you prefer for your home.
4. Coverage May Not Match Expectations
Some homeowners may have expectations that their home warranty will cover everything and anything that may break down in their home. However, this may not always be the case. Understanding the policy coverage in full before signing up can prevent future disappointment.
5. Renewal Premium Increase
Some Arizona home warranty companies may increase their premium fees after one year or upon renewal.
6. Expiration Dates
Most home warranties have an expiration date, typically one year after the start date. After that date, homeowners must renew their contract or find another home warranty service provider.
7. Home Inspection is Required
Some home warranty service providers require a home inspection before a policy can be issued. This may delay the start of your coverage while you schedule and complete the inspection.
The Arizona Home Warranty Companies Table
| Company Name | Premium Cost | Service Call Fee | Network of Contractors | Years in Business | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $50-$60 per month | $75-$125 | More than 15,000 Nationwide | 50+ | A+ |
| Choice Home Warranty | $34-$44 per month | $75 | 15,000 Nationwide | 13+ | B- |
| Liberty Home Guard | $57-$69 per month | $75-$125 | More than 10,000 Across 43 States | Newer (Less than 10 Years) | N/A |
| First American Home Warranty | $28-$50 per month | $75-$100 | N/A -- Customer Chooses | 35+ | C+ |
| Sears Home Warranty | $60-$70 per month | $75-$125 | 10,000 Nationally Across 49 States | Less Than 10 Years | A- |
13 Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Home Warranty Companies
1. What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a contract between a homeowner and a service provider, where the service provider covers the repair or replacement of certain systems and appliances in the home for a set fee.
2. What is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?
Home insurance covers damages caused by unexpected events like fire, theft or weather events while home warranties cover repairs or replacement of specific systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.
3. What’s included in a home warranty?
Typically, home warranties offer coverage for appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, and more, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. Exterior features such as pools may require additional coverage.
4. Who pays for the home warranty?
Homeowners are responsible for paying for home warranties. These payments are typically scheduled annually or can be paid monthly in the form of a premium.
5. What does a home warranty cost?
A home warranty can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 per year. Monthly payments may be an option as well, with monthly premiums ranging between $50 and $80.
6. How do I know home warranty services in Arizona are legitimate?
Always research each company and read reviews. Legitimate home warranty services will have licenses in the operating state, hold state accreditations, and undergo business evaluations regularly.
7. What is the length of a home warranty?
The length of a home warranty ranges from one to 10 years, with most plans covering a one-year period.
8. What happens if the provider cannot repair my covered appliance or system?
If the contractor is unable to repair or replace the covered item, the provider may offer a cash payout for the item’s value.
9. Can I renew my home warranty?
Yes, home warranties are renewable. A typical home warranty is one year, but renewals may last up to another year by paying the annual premium again.
10. Will a home warranty cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pre-existing conditions are not covered by home warranties. It is important to carry out regular maintenance and repairs on appliances and systems to avoid big expenses in the future.
11. What is the claim limitations for a home warranty in Arizona?
Exclusions and limitations vary depending on the provider, so it’s important you review the fine print of the contract to ensure that you are aware of any limitations before signing up for a policy.
12. Can I cancel my home warranty service?
Yes, most home warranty companies have a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel the policy at will. Depending on the provider, a prorated refund may be granted if it's canceled during early stages of the policy.
13. Can I use my own contractor with a home warranty in Arizona?
Some home warranty providers will require you to use their network of contractors. Others may not have a restriction on using your preferred contractor. It is always important to read the fine print of the contract before selecting a company.
Conclusion
You don’t want to be hit with unexpected repair costs for your home. Home warranty companies provide an essential service that helps homeowners recover the cost of repairs and replacements for a low monthly premium. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of home warranty companies and choose a plan that best fits your needs. With our comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision. 📑💻
Overall, home warranties provide peace of mind and protection against unexpected breakdowns in your home. Although having a home warranty comes with its limitations, having coverage is better than facing unexpected bills for costly repairs. We encourage all Arizona homeowners to consider a home warranty to protect their investment. 👍
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended to be useful and informative for readers. However, each company's coverage details are subject to change, and the article's information may not be up-to-date with those changes. We recommend that consumers conduct additional research on any company that they are considering before making a final decision. This article is not intended to provide any financial or legal advice, and readers should keep this in mind when making any decisions.