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The Common Loopholes in Home Warranties

There are several loopholes in home warranties. These companies regularly place loopholes into their contracts to entice consumers. This is a big problem when you can’t afford to repair your house.

Limits

While these limits will keep costs affordable for average homeowners, they will ensure the homeowner is not billed for service beyond the scope of coverage. Limits also manage claims and understand expectations for a service event or product. While these caps are generally low, some plans have more generous limits.

Some best home warranty companies in Georgia may include a cap on the total dollar amount that can be paid. A refrigerator may have a cap of $2,000, but the limit could be significantly higher depending on whether the appliance is covered. Therefore, you should carefully read the policy to ensure service limits match your expectations. Many home warranties have exclusions on covered appliances and systems.

Exclusions

When purchasing a new home, you may wonder about the exclusions in home warranties. You may wonder if you’re on the hook for repairs and breakdowns. The good news is that the price of the warranty is not permanent. Instead, you only pay a premium for the coverage, which covers the expected repairs and breakdowns. However, you should know a few things about home warranty exclusions and how to determine whether your current contract is sufficient.

A home warranty doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, most contracts include a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, which will help rule out the possibility of a covered condition. Pre-existing conditions are defined as problems with appliances and systems that existed before the coverage started. Whether a system is pre-existing or not is typically determined through a visual inspection or simple mechanical test. Make sure you understand what your home warranty covers before signing up for a home warranty.

Limits on coverage

While home warranties protect the homeowner from unexpected costs, you should still be aware of any limitations. Often, home warranty companies include a cap on the amount of money they will pay out, which can keep the cost of coverage reasonable for the average homeowner. The caps can be on an overall dollar amount or for specific items within the home. For example, some plans may only cover up to $500 per appliance. In addition, some programs will cover repairs up to a specific dollar amount, while others will only pay out up to $24,000 for covered issues.

A home warranty will include a list of covered and uncovered parts. Each company will specify a maximum payout, which may vary based on the coverage plan. If you have a specific appliance or system not covered by the warranty, you should read the contract carefully to determine whether the coverage will be sufficient. You can opt for a different home warranty if it is too low.

Direct Final Notice scam

You may receive a letter from a home warranty company threatening you with a direct final notice if you don’t respond on time. This letter might be from a mortgage lender and say the county recorder of deeds secures your home warranty. Be suspicious and discard it. A home warranty company is trying to get your credit card information for fraudulent charges.

The Better Business Bureau’s home warranty division will investigate and record the scam and potential alert customers. If a scam is persistent and persists, you may also contact your state’s Attorney General’s Office. They watch commerce patterns and may take action against repeat offenders. Local law enforcement will also publicize reports of scams. Ultimately, you can use the internet to educate yourself and others about the scams that affect home warranties.

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