If you’re looking to file a successful home warranty claim, you’ve come to the right place. You need to know several things before you submit a claim. These include limitations, exclusions, and waiting periods. Knowing what to expect before filing a claim will help you get the most out of your home warranty.
Tips for Filing a Successful Home Warranty Claim
When filing a home warranty claim, there are many necessary steps. The first step is to carefully review your coverage agreement. The next step is to submit your claim using the instructions provided by the warranty company. Ensure that you provide the proper documentation to back up your claim and send it via certified mail with a return receipt. Keeping records of your correspondence and conversations with the warranty company is also a good idea.
Next, knowing what types of items are covered by your home warranty in Arizona is essential. Some of the everyday items covered by your plan include electrical systems, plumbing systems, water heaters, and structural damage. Be sure to have a list of items that need to be repaired or replaced to file a claim. You may also need to provide the item’s model and serial number.
Exclusions from Coverage
Before you sign up for home warranty coverage, you should know about the coverage limitations. These limitations are often listed in the fine print of the contract. Some companies exclude items like appliances and heating systems from coverage. Others only cover items that have been installed or used by the homeowner. Some even do not cover ice-makers.
Exclusions vary greatly between home warranty plans, but most are standard. Home warranty companies can’t cover every part of your appliances and systems. As such, there are many exclusions, including pre-existing conditions and items that have been neglected. Exclusions can also include the types of contractors you can use to get the repairs.
Waiting Period Before Coverage Begins
When you purchase a home warranty policy, you may be asked to wait a certain period before you can make a claim. This is designed to protect the warranty company and its customers. Home warranty companies mandate these waiting periods to limit the risk of fraudulent claims and help them provide service to people who need it most.
Once the 30-day waiting period is over, you can open a claim. The home warranty company will send a contractor out to make sure that the problem is not a pre-existing condition. The contractor may need more time to fix the issue, which is not ideal. Although some companies may provide same-day service, others may require up to a year to complete the repairs.
Limits on Payouts
One of the most important things to look for in a home warranty policy is its payout limits. These limits will dictate how much the provider will cover for repairs. Depending on the provider, these limits can be as high as $1,000 per claim item or even as low as $500.
The home warranty provider sets payout limits, which apply to the entire term, product, contract, and service event. The primary purpose of having a payout cap is to limit the costs associated with repairs and replacements. If the cost exceeds the payout cap, you may be required to pay the difference between the actual cost of repairs and the coverage provided.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
Home warranty providers may deny a claim if the item is in poor condition or because it was not installed correctly. For example, the warranty provider will deny your claim if your oven door broke due to a child standing on it or if you have used caustic cleaning agents on your washing machine.
If you’ve been denied a warranty repair, contact the provider and explain the situation. The company might send a repairer to assess the problem. Ask an independent service technician to check the item if the repairer cannot locate the problem. This will help you spot any mistakes made by the first technician. However, this may cost you $100 or more. Another common reason for a claim denial is that the item is not covered under warranty. Each warranty has a list of covered items, so read the contract carefully.
