Are Home Warranties Worth It for St. Cloud Residents?
Home warranties are worth it for St. Cloud residents. St. Cloud generally has mild temperatures, but you may still use your air conditioner frequently during warmer months. Your air conditioning system may malfunction over time due to breakdowns from regular wear and tear.
Winters in St. Cloud can be freezing, which means you rely heavily on your heating system. HVAC system replacement can cost between $2,500 and $8,000, compared to a home warranty costing roughly $644–$737 annually based on 120 quotes we requested from home warranty companies across the nation. The regular rain in St. Cloud can damage your roof.
The financial burden of this will be lessened if you have a home warranty with roof-leak coverage. Finally, home warranties connect you with reliable technicians. When work and other priorities keep you busy, you want to know a trustworthy service provider is handling your repairs.
Reputable home warranty companies vet all their service providers.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Consider the following factors to determine the right home warranty plan for your needs.
Cost
After getting 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home, we determined that home warranties cost roughly $53–$62 per month. Additionally, you'll pay a service call fee each time you file a claim. These fees range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranty plans tend to be more affordable than comprehensive ones. Home systems coverage plans tend to cost more than appliance plans. With most plans, you can get add-on coverage options for an additional monthly fee. Consider your particular needs before committing to a plan.
Coverage
You can often find home warranty plans that cover specific appliances and systems. Determine whether you need coverage for major systems (such as heating), specific appliances, or for both. Then ask your provider about its options for customized coverage. The following is a list of common systems coverage:
- Air conditioner
- Central vacuum
- Ductwork
- Electrical
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Water heater
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Garbage disposals
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Stovetops
Exclusions
Most home warranties only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They don't cover preexisting conditions or improper installation. In addition, home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues or appliance components, routine maintenance, defects, or theft. Each provider outlines exclusions and limitations within its service contract. We recommend reading it to understand your protection plan's exact terms and conditions.
Provider Reputation
Also, consider a provider's reputation. You can also browse real customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Best Company, and Google Reviews. Reviews and ratings can show you how a company handles customer service and claims. Check with the Minnesota Attorney General to verify that a provider holds a license with the state.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. The provider you choose should use licensed and registered contractors to handle service requests; make sure to ask your company where and how it sources technicians. We recommend picking a provider that mentions service contractors you're familiar with. Rural homeowners should consider going with a home warranty provider that customers choose their technician. Rural areas may not have any in-network service providers available, so customers may need to source their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in St. Cloud
Do I need a home warranty in St. Cloud?
What are preexisting conditions?
What is St. Cloud's best home warranty provider?
Do home warranties cover other types of home items?
Why do home warranties have a waiting period before coverage begins?
How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.