Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia

Annual Costs

When comparing home warranty companies, you will find that there is a wide range in annual fee costs. Some home warranty companies charge one comprehensive, annual fee, while others charge a lower annual fee but add in extra fees throughout the year. Don't assume that one company is a better choice just because it has a lower annual fee.

Take note that some home warranty companies will have different pricing based on your state. When evaluating cost, make sure you are looking at your state-specific cost, not the company's average cost across all states.

Service Fees

Be aware that most home warranty companies charge a trade call service fee every time a technician visits the customer's home, regardless of whether or not the item that needs repairing has been previously looked at. You'll owe a service fee even if the damage or problem isn't covered by your home warranty.

Most often these service fees must be paid at time of service and do not contribute to the repair cost. Failing to provide immediate payment could result in the suspension of the warranty coverage. Keep these in mind if you cannot guarantee the ability to pay repeat service fees, or simply if that is something you don't want to deal with altogether.

Coverage

It is important to understand the specific coverage offered and any eligibility requirements regarding the condition of your appliances. There are usually two types of coverage plan options, generic overall coverage plans and customizable coverage plans:

• Overall coverage — Before choosing a home warranty company, review their state-specific guidelines to make sure they offer their full and best services in your state and for the condition of your appliances. Understand what kind of appliances and systems a home warranty company covers. For example, your protection plan may only cover one appliance. If you have a second of that same appliance, it might not be covered. Getting a home inspection from someone can be a good resource for getting accurate information on the problems that could occur with your appliances and what shape they are in.
• Customizable coverage — Typically, customers prefer a general protection plan package, but it may not include all appliances or systems they want protected. Because of these plan limitations, choosing a home warranty company that allows you to add optional coverage for a specific home system or additional appliance can ensure you have the protection you want.

Coverage Limits

Home warranty companies typically have a coverage limit for each covered appliance or system. The coverage limit is the most a company will pay towards covered damage. Note these limits as you review plans by cost and coverage to get an apples-to-apples comparison.

Home Inspection

In some cases, customers prefer not to have to go through the hassle of a home inspection because it makes the transaction process a bit more complicated. Home inspections can have additional costs, so some customers prefer to save money at the beginning and go with a company that does not require a home inspection.

However, receiving a home inspection could give you peace of mind and help you know for sure what appliances and systems will be covered in your home. There are benefits to each, so it is important to research and decide which option is best for you.

Customer Service

A large part of home warranty coverage is the customer service and maintenance assistance customers receive from the company. Some warranty companies have faster representatives and technicians that respond quickly to claims and service requests; finding a home warranty company with good customer service and dedicated workers is essential. Ask the questions below as you evaluate home warranty companies.

• Does the company provide an estimated completion date for their services?
• Does the company respond quickly to service requests?
• Does the company have 24-hour customer service?
• Does the company have good customer service reviews and no history of warranty scamming?
• Can you request service on weekends and holidays?

Warranty Claim Denial

Home warranty companies don't usually cover all systems and appliances under all circumstances, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or misuse.

Talk with home warranty companies and identify what they do and do not cover, to what extent they cover existing systems and appliances, and whether thier coverage includes normal wear and tear.

You may be more eligible for one home warranty plan over another, so the research on claims and coverage can be essential. Most of the time this information is laid out in easy-to-find sample contracts, but if not, talking with a home warranty representative may be helpful. Don't be afraid to ask your home warranty company questions and get into the details because it could save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews offer valuable insight on the customer experience. Pay attention to the cumulative review data like average star ratings and ratio of positive reviews to negative reviews. This data offers a quick snapshot of how well a home warranty company treats its clients, particularly if the company's review count is high.

American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty have some of the highest review counts on BestCompany.com with over 10,000 reviews. Although most companies listed have fewer, you'll find companies with several thousand or a few hundred. The review data on these companies will still help you gauge the customer experience.

In addition to considering the aggregate data, spend time reading home warranty reviews. Since companies can change over time, you'll get a better read on the company if its reviews are recent. As you read reviews, you'll learn what the company does well and what problems people have encountered with the company. 

You won't find a company without negative reviews. However, note the ratio of negative reviews to positive reviews and use the information in negative reviews to decide what questions to ask before you purchase and be aware of potential issues that may arise.

Real Estate Packages

Many potential home warranty buyers are real estate agents wanting to make sure their homebuyers are covered. If this you're a real estate agent, consider what home warranty companies offer such packages and if they meet your needs.

Some home warranty companies also offer real estate agents educational materials for no charge. Having a home warranty can help close a sale, which can be beneficial in a slow housing market.

Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Warranties

Understanding the difference between homeowners insurance and home warranties can help you determine if a home warranty is right for you.

Homeowner's insurance is an insurance policy that covers accidental damage done to your home. For example, damage from fire, theft, and some natural disasters.

A home warranty is a service contract that will replace or repair the appliances you have in your home.