Choosing a home warranty plan is a decision unique to you, your house 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 choice possible, and there are a few factors Ohio homeowners should especially consider.
Coverage of Your HVAC System
Many home warranty companies offer solid coverage for your HVAC system (a.k.a the heating, cooling and ventilation system). Even if you aren’t in a specifically hot part of Ohio, those one-off heat waves and winter chills can quickly remind you how crucial a properly running HVAC system is. HVAC repair costs can average at $400 on average, though it depends on what needs to be repaired, as the broader cost range is $100 to over $2,500. Though these repairs can be costly, you don’t want to take the chance of your HVAC kicking the bucket during an extreme winter storm.
Identify the Coverage You Need
To choose the right home warranty plan, start by assessing your home’s current systems and appliances. Identify which ones are recently installed—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 consider which items could be especially disruptive to fix. Major systems like plumbing and electrical, or large appliances, often fall into this category due to how complex 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 spending comfort zone and your unique needs. Approaching it more thoughtfully can help ensure you select a plan that’s actually worth the investment, one that protects what matters most in your home.
Review Your Budget Against Each Company’s Costs
Your budget is likely the most pivotal aspect of the home warranty provider research process. If you can’t shell out for a specific plan, then why look at it? To save time, we suggest comparing plans and premiums against what you can spend and scratch out any plans that don’t work for your financial plan.
Take Note of Coverage Exclusions, Limits and Sample Contracts
Before choosing a home warranty provider, take time to explore the sample contracts they frequently showcase on their websites. These documents can offer you a clearer picture of what you’re getting into, including key details like cancellation fees, renewal terms, and—most importantly—coverage limits.
For example, a provider may cover roof leaks, 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 Ohio, 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 help you to make a more informed decision and prepare you for what to expect during a winter storm or any other high-stress scenario.
Look At Reviews
Customer reviews will reveal more information about a company than you’d think. If you can, read each company’s customer ratings from the last year or two, in particular, ideally on multiple platforms. Also, think about reaching out to your community, friends, family and neighbors to get a sense of their feelings on the providers they work with.
Are Home Warranties Regulated in Ohio?
No, home warranties are not directly regulated in Ohio, but they still fall under consumer protection laws. If you have a complaint, we always encourage homeowners to first attempt to resolve any disputes directly with the company before taking further steps. Beyond that, we recommend contacting the state’s Consumer Protection Bureau under the Attorney General’s office.
How to Make Sure You’re Protected in Ohio
Even with home warranty regulations in Ohio, 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 sites like the BBB or Ohio’s consumer protection office. These types of sites often put out alerts for 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 make 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 point out 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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