How to Use Your Warranty: A Homeowner’s Guide

January 23, 2019

Did you get a homeowner’s warranty and are now unsure of how it works? Don’t worry – a homeowner’s warranty (also called a home warranty service agreement or a service agreement) is simple to use. The process varies from one provider to the next, but here’s an overview of what the process looks like from our friends at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.

Step 1: Understand what a Home Warranty Service Agreement covers

A home warranty protects homeowners from unexpected system and appliance breakdowns, but be sure to review your coverage before making a claim. Policies can vary if additional coverage options are chosen, but covered systems typically include:

  • Air Conditioner / Freon Split System
  • Furnace
  • Plumbing
  • Water Heater
  • Electrical Panel / Wiring

Covered appliances usually include:

  • Refrigerator
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Built-in Microwave
  • Disposal
  • Trash Compactor
  • Washer & Dryer

Coverage also depends on proper maintenance and care, so learning how to preserve your home may prevent you from ever needing to make a claim. Check out our monthly home maintenance checklists for helpful resources on caring for your home.

Step 2: Request service

If your system or appliance is eligible for repair, proceed by making a service request by either:

  • Calling your home warranty company to begin the claims process (you can reach 2-10 HBW at 800-775-4736)

Provide your home warranty company with the information about the system or appliance in your home that’s having issues. They’ll need to know the brand and model information, and you’ll likely answer a few questions about the problem. Your home warranty company will find the closest authorized service contractor to service your claim.

If you’re a 2-10 HBW customer, be sure to check out the available features in the Homeowner Portal. With an online account and a registered warranty, you have access to your property information, coverage details and the ability to add additional coverage to your current protection plan up to 30 days after enrollment.

Step 3: The repair or replacement process

Your home warranty company will put you in contact with an authorized service contractor to schedule an appointment so they can come out to fix the problem. At that time, the homeowner pays a service fee for the visit that’s typically about $100.

If the service contractor cannot repair the problem, they will order the parts needed to make the repair. Once the service contractor receives the parts, they will schedule a return visit. A service fee will still be incurred on the first visit, but not on subsequent visits.

You can contact your home warranty company to check the status of a service request at any time.

Bonus Step: If you’re a 2-10 HBW customer, determine if you’d like to participate in the Appliance Replacement Offer Program

When placing a service request for a covered appliance, you can proceed with the service request or participate in the Appliance Replacement Offer program. If you choose the Appliance Replacement Offer, you can combine the money saved on the service fee with the $100 check 2-10 HWB will provide, and use it towards a brand new appliance of your choice from any retailer. Further, 2-10 HBW member homeowners enjoy exclusive access to discounts on appliances.

Step 4: Sit back, relax and continue enjoying your home

Using your warranty for covered repairs and replacements is easy and fast, so you can enjoy your home.

 

This blog post was adapted and used with permission from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty