Selecting a home warranty plan is a personal decision based on your specific needs, your home and the systems and appliances you want to safeguard. That said, every homeowner can keep some factors in mind to make the best possible home warranty decision. Additionally, there are certain considerations that Georgia homeowners should pay extra attention to when comparing plans.
Coverage of Your HVAC System
HVAC systems—your home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling—are among the most frequently covered features in home warranty plans, and it’s easy to see why. These systems are essential for year-round comfort, and when they break down, repairs can be costly, often averaging around $400, with some fixes reaching over $2,500 depending on the issue.
Even if you don’t live in an especially hot part of Georgia, unexpected weather events—like a heat wave—can quickly remind you how important it is to have an efficiently functioning HVAC system. A breakdown during extreme temperatures isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to dangerously high heat. We suggest exploring top home warranty plans that include HVAC coverage to protect against these risks. It’s a smart way to gain peace of mind regardless of where you live, though it’s especially important in Georgia.
Know Your Coverage Needs
In addition to HVAC coverage, you should take a look at your home’s systems and assess what’s fairly new (and what may even still be under warranty), as well as what is nearing the end of its life and may need repair or replacement soon. You should also consider the systems that may be quite costly or difficult to repair, such as larger appliances and home systems like electrical or plumbing.
Once you consider all of this, compare your list against what home warranty companies cover and which plans fit your budget and coverage needs. By taking a holistic approach and considering your specific coverage needs, you can choose a home warranty plan that is worth your money.
Review Coverage Exclusions and Limits as Well as Sample Contracts
Before choosing a home warranty provider, take time to explore the sample contracts they frequently showcase online. These documents can offer you a more comprehensive idea of what you’re getting into, including key details like cancellation fees, renewal conditions, and—most importantly—coverage exclusions.
For example, a provider may advertise roof leak coverage, but only when the damage is caused by normal wear and tear and only up to a capped amount, like $5,000. Knowing specifics like that right away allows you to contact the company with questions before committing. These limitations are particularly important in Georgia, where severe weather can add wear and tear to systems like HVAC or appliances that may already be aging. Be sure to scan those sample contracts carefully—they’ll guide you toward a more informed decision and prepare you for what to expect during a summer heat wave or any other high-stress scenario.
Review Your Budget Against Each Company’s Costs
Your budget is likely the most important element of the home warranty provider research process. If you don’t have the money for a specific plan, then why look at it? To save time, we suggest comparing plans and premiums against your budgetary restrictions and scratch out any options that don’t fit into your financial plan. For a more detailed look we put together a list of the cheapest home warranty company plans.
Look At Reviews
There is no better way to learn about a company’s reputation than online consumer reviews and sentiments. If local reviews are accessible, that’s even better. Neighbors, family, friends and those in your community can give you a better look at which companies you should consider.
Georgia Home Warranty Regulations
Home warranties aren’t explicitly regulated in Georgia.
However, home warranty companies are still covered under consumer protection laws in the state. If you run into any issues with a home warranty company, you should always try to resolve them with the company first. If that method fails, you can file a complaint with Georgia’s Consumer Protection Bureau.
How to Make Sure You’re Protected in Georgia
Even though home warranties are regulated in Georgia, it’s always wise to keep a few tips in mind to make sure you make a good decision when choosing a home warranty company and that the process runs smoothly. The following tips can help:
- Keep an eye on the company track record. Sites like the BBB and similar consumer trust sites often have customer alerts to let you know if a company has been receiving an outsized number of complaints lately. Do your research beforehand and check out these sites if you start noticing issues. Although these alerts don’t always mean you have to act, they can help you stay informed.
- Pay attention to billing. You should know the amount of your monthly premium and service fees, as well as when they should be debited from your bank account. Keep an eye out for any billing mistakes and make them known early so you are sure you’re only paying what you agreed to.
- Know company policies. Keep track of your chosen company’s policies on things like cancellations and renewals so you can give enough notice for either. You should also ask about when and if costs will go up so you can keep an eye out for that.
- Document any issues. If you feel your claim was denied incorrectly, you were billed the incorrect amount, your contractor didn’t show up for your repair or any other similar issue, make sure you document everything. Take photos of any damages, screenshot conversations and get a copy of any receipts. From there, contact the company ASAP to get help.