Home Protect
Is This Your Business?Author: Kalicia Bateman
The Home Protect Home Service Plan is offered by Cross Country Home Services. The company was founded in 1980, and is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All repairs covered are performed by pre-screened providers, with over 40,000 HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair professionals in the company's network of nationwide vendors; however, the company lacks the transparency of industry leaders, and may not be available in all areas (at least not through the same issuer).
Top Ranked Companies
Pros
- Appliance Discount Program
- Ease in Contacting Customer Service/Filing a Claim
Appliance Discount Program
Along with a home warranty, Home Protect customers receive a unique option to save money when purchasing a new appliance. Homeowners can save up to 30% of the suggested retail price for new appliances. Using the program is simple; customers call the toll-free number given in their welcome kit and customer service representatives assist them in buying new appliances at a discount.
Ease in Contacting Customer Service/Filing a Claim
Many home warranty providers are only available by phone during normal business hours. Representatives of Home Protect is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. This allows customers to initiate claims quickly and easily whenever the failure occurs. Claims can be filed online as well, offering added convenience to homeowners.
Cons
- Lack of Transparency Online
- Unclear Availability
Lack of Transparency Online
The company does not disclose several key components to its plan. While this can be due to the fact that coverages and pricing vary by state, without some basic information, customers are not able to adequately compare Home Protect to other home warranty providers.
Unclear Availability
Along the same path as the lack of transparency, it is not clear if the company offers its home warranties nationwide or simply in some/most states. The company publishes information that it offers its product in several states as another entity, but little is said about its exact coverage area.
The Bottom Line
Customers doing comparison shopping between the Home Protect Service Plan and those that are offered by other companies will have a little more work to compare coverages, deductibles, premiums, and the cost for service calls since Home Protect lacks transparency. While a lack of transparency does not always equal poor service, it is problematic. Having access to online claims and 24/7 customer service is a feature which is often available in the highest-ranked companies. Home Protect customers are able to use both these options. The addition of a mobile app or online chat would further enhance the company's ability to serve customers quickly.
