Selecting a home warranty plan is a personal choice dependent on your specific needs, your home and the systems and appliances you want to protect. That said, every homeowner can keep a few factors in mind to make the best possible home warranty call. Additionally, there are certain considerations that South Dakota homeowners should pay extra attention to when comparing plans.
HVAC Coverage
HVAC systems (a.k.a your heating, ventilation and cooling systems) are some of the most commonly covered items in home warranty plans and for good reason. 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 suggest looking into home warranties that cover your HVAC system for greater peace of mind, no matter where you call home but especially in South Dakota.
Identify the Coverage You Need
To get the most out of a home warranty, start by identifying your tailored coverage needs. Consider which home systems or appliances are likely to need attention soon (particularly those that are aging or approaching the end of their life). Take inventory of what’s relatively new and may still be protected by a manufacturer’s warranty.
It’s also smart to reflect on which systems or repairs could be especially disruptive to fix, such as electrical wiring, plumbing or large appliances.
Once you’ve built a clear picture of your home’s needs, compare it against what home warranty companies cover. Matching your priorities with what different providers offer—and what fits your budget—can help ensure you choose a plan that’s truly worth the investment.
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 good 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 right away 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 South Dakota, as extreme weather can wreak havoc on 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
Your budget is arguably the most pivotal element of the home warranty provider research process. If you don’t have the money for a specific plan, then why consider it? To save time, we suggest comparing plans and premiums against what you can spend and eliminating any options that don’t fit into your financial plan.
Look At Reviews
Consumer sentiments will tell you more information about a provider than you could imagine. If you can, read each company’s customer reviews from the last year or two in particular, ideally on multiple platforms. Consider reaching out to your community, friends, family and neighbors to get a sense of their feelings on the providers they work with.
South Dakota Home Warranty Regulations
No, home warranties aren’t directly regulated in South Dakota. Despite that, you can have peace of mind knowing that home warranty providers are covered under South Dakota’s consumer protection laws. We always recommend, however, that you attempt to solve these issues with the provider first.
How to Make Sure You’re Protected in South Dakota
Although home warranties aren’t explicitly regulated in South Dakota, you can still take steps to protect your investment in a home warranty plan by raising any issues and staying informed 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 its profile on consumer trust websites like the BBB or South Dakota’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 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 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 wise 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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