Do any of you work with a home warranty company you like? I can not remember who we used to work with. They were difficult, not always getting people to us soon enough and we were cheated once when their worker came and asked us to pay him the co-payment, in HIS name. We were stupid enough to do so and the company billed us for months for the co-payment, which I never paid of course. They finally dropped the issue. They did replace 2 of our appliances and fix some plumbing while we had them. So I want to get another policy in place. I'd like to work with a company that offers additional coverage on the sewer and water lines out to the street or curb or main lines (as needed).
I was given a gift from my Realtor of year free coverage from First American and have continued to renew it myself. I have always received very fast, efficient service. They do hire companies to to the jobs for them so for example when I needed an AC guy out, I wrote the co-pay to that company. I have never been re-billed by First American.
homewarranty.firstam.com
(800) 992-3400
I had American Home Shield when I bought a condo for my mom. It came with the house. At first I thought it was a good thing, but then started to notice that when we did have a problem, they sent the worst of the worst repair people out to fix things. These people probably didn't have any other business because they were so awful. I didn't renew my policy after a couple years and would never go back to them again. I didn't trust the people they put in my home.
Turns out it's actually saved me money to hire my own good people to fix things. They might cost a little bit more (and sometimes they don't) but at least they come with recommendations and I don't have to pay a yearly premium.
I used to work with a swimming pool service and many of the customers used Buyers... I think that's how it was spelled. The customers seemed happy with it. We would go out and do the work and we were supposed to collect the copay from the customer "made out to Buyers" then we sent that in with our bill to get paid from Buyers.
One Guard is who we have currently. They are based out of Texas but I believe available anywhere. The service call is $59.00. And they have tons of different extras to cover. Like sprinkler systems, salt water pool, garage door openers. We have had them out a couple times and no problems. When you call in a claim they guarantee the repair company will contact you within 24 hrs. Good Luck
We worked w/ Builders 20-10 (I believe that was their name) and you had to pay a co-pay per visit ($75) BUT they replaced appliances 100% if they ended up being broken, etc.
I got mad that they were charging us an increased rate and new customers a lower rate and I switched to Xcell Energy's plan (sp??). A bit cheaper for the year, no co-pay per visit.... BUT they only pay a few hundred dollars toward replacement costs. They've been really good (great people coming out, really fast service, etc.) but due to the replacement cost not being covered, we'll be going back to 20/10 next year (we have very expensive kitchen appliances).
My feeling is that Xcell is good if your appliances are newer and are only a few hundred dollars a piece, but I would rather pay a little more for piece of mind and full coverage should anything ever go wrong.
I've never heard of anyone covering the pipes to the street - if you find someone pls. post back and let us know!
I had AHS when I bought my house. I let them go after the year that the sellers paid was up, but my parents have used them for years. They haven't had any issues with them and have had a few appliances replaced. I have no idea about the sewer/water lines. I believe their service call was $60 per occurrence. Hope you find what you need!
AHS replaced my neighbors stove because her child stood on the door to climb up to the cookies. Also the water heater.
Usually your utility companies offer insurance for things like sewer, water and gas lines.
As far as appliance & "system" coverage, not sure if that's a wise use of money.
Here's an article with some FAQs about home warranties:
http://www.rosieonthehouse.com/faq_detail.aspx?id=556
You might be better off saving the amount per month that a home warranty will cost.
