A Home Service Plan (commonly called a home warranty) can be a powerful way to protect your budget. Getting a quote can be easy, but there are some things to think about once you have your quote. So, here’s how to get a home warranty quote the right way.
Don’t Jump at the Lowest Price First
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is jumping at the first low price they see.
It may be true that the lowest priced plan is the best for you. However, it’s important to think about the kind of coverage you’re getting for that low price.
For instance, 2-10 offers the Simply Kitchen plan for as little as $27 a month. That’s an incredible value for protecting your home’s major kitchen appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.).
But if you needed coverage for your HVAC system, electrical, or plumbing, this plan may not be the best one for you.
It’s extremely easy to get caught up in the race to the bottom. So, before you jump at a low price, consider the following steps.
Understand What a Home Warranty Does
If you’ve never had a home warranty before (and even if you have), it’s important to know what it does and doesn’t do.
A home warranty is a service contract that can provide budgetary protection when certain home systems and appliances break down from routine use.
In other, less jargony words, a home warranty can help you pay less when important home items break down from normal wear and tear. That often means covering things that your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover.
However, it isn’t a get-out-of-paying-for-breakdowns or free-upgrade card. For example, if something breaks down from lack of maintenance, abuse, or a weather-related incident, your plan wouldn’t cover it.
Likewise, if your breakdown were covered, your plan would try to repair the issue first. If that failed, you may receive a replacement of a similar type.
For a comprehensive look at what a home warranty does and doesn’t do, read our article.
Determine Your Home Protection Needs
A good way to determine your home protection needs is by starting an inventory. To help you get started, here are some of the systems and appliances a home warranty from 2-10 may cover:
- Furnace and air conditioner (HVAC system)
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Major appliances
- Fridge
- Dishwasher
- Oven/stove/range
- Washer and dryer
Then, ask yourself some of the following questions:
- How old is this item and how long does it usually last?
- How much could it cost me to repair or replace this item out of pocket?
- Could I pay for a repair/replacement out of pocket if I weren’t expecting it?
- How would my life change if this item broke down?
Asking yourself these questions can help you determine the kind of coverage you need.
Research 3 Important Things
Whether you’re choosing between a couple companies or want info on every possible one, there are three things you must know about each company.
- Do they do business in your state?
- Are the companies’ limits and exclusions clear?
- Do they use licensed and bonded contractors?
If the answer to any of these questions is No (especially question 1, obviously), you probably shouldn’t consider them.
2-10 makes it easy to know whether we do business in your state. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code whenrequesting your home warranty quote.
We also make our limits and exclusions clear.
And of course, we use licensed and bonded contractors for every single job.
Ask Family & Friends
It never hurts to get some third-party validation.
Conclusion: 2-10 Is Ready for You
If protecting systems and appliances is important, 2-10 is the company for you. We’d love to add you to the fold and make your experience of homeownership as happy as it can be.
