Are Home Warranties Worth It for Fort Worth Residents?
Home warranties are worth it for Fort Worth residents. Fort Worth summers are very hot, which makes it extremely important that your air conditioner works well. However, over time this system can malfunction from heavy use.
Fort Worth has fairly mild winters, but it's still important to make sure your heating works when needed. The cost of an HVAC system replacement can range between $2,500 and $8,000. Home warranties, on the other hand, come in at only $644–$737 a year, based on 120 quotes we requested from home warranty companies across the nation.
The regular rain in Fort Worth can damage your home's roof. Some home warranty policies include limited roof-leak coverage, which can mitigate the cost of roof repair. Lastly, home warranties connect you with trusted service providers.
Reputable home warranty companies vet every service provider they use. If you're busy with work or other priorities, investing in a home warranty ensures you have access to trustworthy technicians.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Think about the following factors when selecting the right home warranty plan for your needs.
Cost
We pulled 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home and found that home warranties cost roughly $53–$62 per month. You'll also pay service call fees whenever you file a claim. Service call fees range from $65–$125 per claim. A basic home warranty is generally more affordable than a comprehensive one. Appliance plans are typically less expensive than home systems coverage plans. With most plans, you can get add-on coverage options for an additional monthly cost. Consider your specific needs before committing to a plan.
Coverage
You can look for a home warranty plan that covers specific systems and appliances. Decide whether you want coverage for major systems (such as air conditioning), specific appliances, or both. Then ask your provider what its options are for customized coverage. Here 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 breakdowns from normal wear and tear. They don't cover improper installation or preexisting conditions. In addition, home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues or appliance components, defects, theft, or routine maintenance. Providers outline limitations and exclusions in their service contracts. Make sure you read yours carefully to fully understand the terms and conditions of your plan.
Provider Reputation
Also, consider a provider's reputation when making a decision. You can find customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Best Company, and Google Reviews or look at a company's rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reviews and ratings are a great way to learn how providers handle customer service and claims. Check with the Texas Attorney General to verify the status of a provider's state license.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. Ask your company how and where it sources technicians. A reputable company should use licensed and registered contractors to fulfill service requests. Choose a provider that mentions service contractors you're familiar with. Homeowners in rural areas might consider home warranties that allow the customer to choose their technician. You'll want to be able to source your own provider if there are no in-network ones in your area.
Expert Tips By
This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.
Fort Worth Home Warranties FAQ
Do I need a home warranty in Fort Worth?
No, home warranties are not required in Fort Worth. However, we still recommend purchasing a home warranty to help you maintain a budget to cover expensive system and appliance breakdowns. Home warranty providers also help you save time by sourcing reputable technicians themselves.
What are preexisting conditions?
A preexisting condition is a breakdown or issue experienced by a home system or appliance before warranty coverage starts. Providers generally won't cover preexisting conditions. Make sure you purchase a home warranty policy while all your appliances and systems are still in working order to ensure full protection.
What is the best home warranty provider in Fort Worth?
The best home warranty in Fort Worth depends on what you're looking for. American Home Shield is a solid choice for comprehensive coverage limits. You may also consider Liberty Home Guard if you need unique coverage.
Do home warranties cover other types of home items?
Yes, home warranties cover many home items other than common appliances and systems. For example, home warranties cover sump pumps, stand-alone freezers, well pumps, pools and spas, septic systems, and more. Providers typically cover these items as add-ons. Check your provider's sample contract to see what add-ons are available.
Why do home warranties have a waiting period before coverage begins?
Home warranty policies generally don't cover items that are already broken. Therefore, most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before the start of coverage to ensure appliance and system breakdowns are from normal wear and tear, not preexisting conditions.
How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?
A home warranty only covers household systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, protects your home in case of damage from disasterslike tornadoes, fires, accidents, and property losses.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.