Choosing a home warranty plan is a decision unique to you, your home and the systems and appliances you’d most like to cover. However, every homeowner can keep some factors in mind to make the best home warranty plan decision possible, and there are a few factors Kansas homeowners should especially consider.
Coverage of Your HVAC System
HVAC systems (a.k.a your heating, ventilation and cooling systems) are some of the most commonly covered items in home warranty plans and it’s easy to see why. HVAC repairs are not only costly (running around $400 for an average repair), but they can make your home uncomfortable or even dangerous in some cases. After all, the last thing you want is your HVAC system going out during a cold snap. That can cause burst pipes and dangerously cold temperatures in your home.
We recommend looking into home warranties that cover your HVAC system for greater peace of mind, no matter where you call home but especially in Kansas.
Know Your Coverage Needs
To choose the right home warranty plan, start by assessing your home’s current systems and appliances. Identify which ones are newer—some may still be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty—and which are aging and more likely to need repairs or replacement soon. You’ll also want to reflect on which items could be especially costly to fix. Major systems like plumbing and electrical, or large appliances, often fall into this category due to how involved repairs can be.
Once you’ve built out a solid understanding of what’s most at risk or most expensive to replace, compare it with what home warranty companies cover. Look for plans that align with both your budget and your specific needs. Taking this more thoughtful, customized approach can help ensure you select a plan that’s actually worth the investment—one that protects what matters most in your home.
Read Sample Contracts, Coverage Exclusions and Limits
Most home warranty companies will have sample contracts for you to read on their websites. It’s a smart idea to read through these to get a sense of the company’s policies, such as cancellation fees, contract renewal terms, coverage exclusions and limits. For example, a company may cover roof leaks, but only those caused by normal wear and tear and only up to $5,000 in damages. It’s good to know about these early before committing to a company so you can reach out with questions before signing on the dotted line.
Coverage exclusions and limits are particularly important in Kansas, as extreme weather can add wear and tear to home appliances and systems. Keep a close eye on these sample contracts for coverage limits on repairs to systems like HVAC, which can be all the more vital in your location.
Compare Monthly Costs and Fees
Per-month costs as well as annual premiums will decide which plans are within your budget. At this point, you can narrow down your list of possible companies and compare plan pricing. We recommend comparing three to five companies’ pricing and plan models to get a better idea of which will best suit you and your home.
Check Reviews
Customer reviews are a vital part of determining which home warranty company is best for you in Kansas. We suggest reading through recent reviews (from the past year or so) to get the most accurate picture of things. Other tips include searching for specific keywords you’re particularly interested in (such as “washer repair” or “cancellation fee”) and looking for reviews from other homeowners in Kansas. Referrals can also be helpful here so be sure to ask people you know in your area to see if they have a plan they’d recommend.
Are Home Warranties Regulated in Kansas?
No, home warranties are not directly regulated in Kansas. Despite that, you can have peace of mind knowing that home warranty companies are covered by Kansas’s consumer protection policies. Hopefully, you won’t need to utilize this resource, but if you need to call assistance to a problem with a home warranty provider, you can escalate it to Kansas’s consumer protection bureau. We always recommend, however, that you attempt to resolve these discrepancies with the provider first. So, you can have peace of mind knowing that home warranty companies still fall within the scope of Kansas’s consumer protection laws.
Ideally, you won’t need to rely on this resource, but if you ever need to flag a concern with a home warranty company, you can escalate it to Kansas’s consumer protection bureau. Still, we always encourage homeowners to first attempt to resolve any issues directly with the company before taking further steps.
How to Make Sure You’re Protected in Kansas
Although home warranties aren’t explicitly regulated in Kansas, you can still take steps to protect your investment in a home warranty plan by noting any issues and staying up to date about your home warranty company. Here are a few tips we recommend:
- Stay informed about the company’s track record. If you’re having issues with a company, it can help to search their profile on consumer trust websites like the BBB or Kansas’s consumer protection office. These types of organizations often put out alerts to patterns of issues. You may not always need to act when you see these alerts but they can help keep you aware of problems.
- Take note of company policies. Knowing your home warranty’s notice period for renewals can help you avoid unexpected charges, for example, and being aware of its cancellation policy can be helpful too. Similarly, be aware of how to submit service requests and the expectations for payment. The more you know, the more you can avoid problems.
- Keep tabs on bills. Make sure you know how much the company should be charging you and when so you can raise any billing issues. While mistakes can happen, catching them early helps refunds be issued faster.
- Keep records just in case. It can be a good idea to document service requests, visits from contractors and payments in case of issues down the line. Similarly, having screenshots of conversations and photos of work can help when contacting the company about any problems.
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