I'm looking for some advice on home warranty programs. I live in a 1950s, 3000 sq ft brick ranch in North Carolina, and we're facing some major updates soon. Everything in the house is old but still functional, including the HVAC system, roof, windows, crawlspace joists, and plumbing. I'm currently dealing with a roof claim from my insurer (Penn National) due to storm damage on a roof that's only 10 years old. Besides that, I have an outdated HVAC system that still works, but we'll likely need to replace it soon. We're also replacing our old windows with modern vinyl ones, and we have some plumbing issues with slow drains that need to be addressed. I've been seeing a lot of ads for home warranty services like "Choice Home Warranty," which claim they cover regular wear and tear. However, I'm skeptical about how reliable these programs are and if they truly provide value. Has anyone had good or bad experiences with them? Additionally, I'm open to any strategies for managing these upgrades or repairs without falling into traps with warranties.
3 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend a home warranty. They often don’t pay out enough to cover their costs, and when you try to make a claim, they can be super difficult to deal with. You might just end up paying more in premiums than you would on repairs. I’d say save your money and handle repairs as they come up instead of relying on a warranty.
I've had some mixed experiences. While they did cover some repairs, a lot of times the solutions were just temporary fixes. Like, they added refrigerant to my AC instead of doing a proper fix. Overall, you’re really hoping for more than you’re actually paying for with these programs. It might be smarter to keep that money handy for when repairs actually arise.
I had a home warranty that worked fine for minor repairs, like fixing an old oven and shower knobs. But then they tried to make me go through a bunch of hoops for a leak, sending in a mold inspector and everything. I ended up canceling because it just felt too complicated and untrustworthy.
Yeah, I've heard those stories before. Sometimes they just want to make things harder than they need to be.
That’s a good point. It sounds like it could be more hassle than it’s worth.