North Carolina home warranty options
At some point in the future, it's not whether your home appliances or systems will break down, it's when. And when that unfortunate event takes place, the unexpected expense will be your responsibility.
That is, unless you already purchased a home warranty for your North Carolina home.
In the article below, we detail how home warranty coverage can help supplement your home insurance by giving you the highest level of financial protection for critical home systems and appliances.
Why is a home warranty necessary in North Carolina?
The climate of North Carolina varies from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. The mountains help block low temperatures and storms from the Midwest from reaching other parts of the state.
Most of North Carolina is classified as a humid subtropical climate. However, the higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains are considered a subtropical highland climate.
These variations in climate make a home warranty plan that covers your home's heating and cooling systems a necessity. With higher summer temperatures and humidity throughout the state, your HVAC will need regular servicing from normal wear. As a result, a home warranty will help protect you from added repair costs and more frequent replacements.
What should you look for in a home warranty policy in North Carolina?
A home warranty is a service agreement that gives your home protection against the unexpected cost of repair or replacement when major home systems and appliances break down. Given the state's humidity, North Carolina homeowners should look for home warranty coverage that includes HVAC or air-conditioner and heating systems.
As one of the most reputable North Carolina home warranty companies, Cinch Home Services brings over 40 years of experience to the table. Its home warranty plans provide coverage for heating and cooling systems, along with warranty coverage for items such as a garbage disposal, water heater, clothes washer, oven, garage door opener and refrigerator. Cinch will send you a written warranty contract that outlines the service agreement, warranty period, service-call fee and workmanship guarantee.
What must North Carolina homeowners have in a home warranty?
Not every home warranty company will cover your air conditioner. Other home warranties may have exclusions or a maximum cap on warranty coverage. Before deciding on a home warranty company, make sure you understand the fine print of your service contract, which should outline each home system and major appliance you want to be covered. If you do not see a particular item, reach out to your warranty provider to see if you can purchase additional coverage, or find a home warranty plan that better meets your needs.
It is important that North Carolina homeowners know the differences in coverage in a structural warranty for a newly built home versus homeowners insurance or a home protection plan. Each warranty contract should outline the policy period and the types of protection for each covered item. Home insurance, for instance, may cover damage to your air conditioner or water heater due to a catastrophic event such as a flood or a fire, but it will not protect you from breakdowns due to daily use. A structural warranty may cover a major appliance if it is damaged due to a structural failure, but you will need to contact your home warranty insurance if that appliance ceases to work properly.
Why do you need a home warranty in tandem with home insurance in North Carolina?
North Carolina homeowners need both a home warranty and home insurance on their house to protect the structure and the critical systems and appliances. If the structure is damaged from fire or extreme weather, you won't have to pay the cost to repair it if you have home insurance.
How does a home warranty protect you and save you money in North Carolina?
A home warranty can give you financial protection against the costs of unexpected repairs of major appliances and home systems. Home warranty insurance is different from homeowners insurance because a home warranty plan will save you money by covering the costs of normal breakdowns. You will be required to pay a deductible or service-call fee, which is outlined in your contract. Once a repair or replacement is declared coverable, your warranty provider will handle the repair or will pay for a new, comparable appliance or system.
Because each home warranty provider varies in their coverage details and limits for each home system and appliance, it is important to identify any coverage gaps in your service agreement before signing. If, for instance, you have an older clothes washer or water heater, make sure these important items are listed in your service contract.
What is the average rate of a home warranty in North Carolina?
All home warranty plans will have a deductible, which is sometimes referred to as a service fee. As a price-conscious homeowner, it is important to know that the higher the deductible, the lower the monthly cost for the warranty plan. Consider whether you will use the warranty often. If you have an older home or appliances over 10 years old, look for a lower deductible to save money overall.
A North Carolina home warranty will run you in the neighborhood of $420 to $745 a year. Home warranty coverage that includes your cooling and heating system and your plumbing system will be priced higher than a basic plan.
Cinch Home Services is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains a top rating on ConsumerAffairs.com. With over 40 years in the home warranty business, many North Carolina homeowners trust Cinch due to its industry-leading six-month workmanship guarantee on covered repairs.
Learn more about Cinch home protection plans.