7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Orlando, FL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Orlando homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear. Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides security for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern builds with modern appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, and others. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Orlando homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are multiple home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:

• Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
• Coverage limits: The maximum dollar amount that your warranty provider will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check your contract's limits on repairs for things like air conditioning units, roof leaks, and appliances.
• Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like well pumps, septic, pools, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
• Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.

Keeping these key details in mind will help you understand home warranty contracts and pricing, so you can pick the right plan and protect your most important home systems. Discuss coverage details with potential providers when you get a quote to avoid surprise fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Look for a company that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific needs.

Service Fees

Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a company with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also eliminate deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers keep networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Orlando and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks raise the chances of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty providers include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device coverage, and reduced maintenance fees. These can offer extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Orlando?

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Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Orlando can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Orlando, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.

Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet service technicians on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some cons. Though it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who does the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to choose their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers allow you to select a contractor.

Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those due to natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.