A home warranty is a service agreement that pays for the maintenance and repair of specific home systems and appliances that could malfunction due to normal wear and tear. It can help assure homeowners that unplanned repairs won’t be expensive. However, making a home warranty claim can be difficult for some, and the claim may get rejected. Here are the steps for filing a home warranty claim and what to do if it gets rejected.
Steps for filing home warranty claims
Review your contract
The first step in filing a home warranty claim is to review your contract. Check to see which appliances and systems are covered by your home warranty and which are not.
Contact the provider of your home warranty
Contact your home warranty provider when you need to make a claim. Most home warranty providers offer a customer service hotline that is open 24/7 to help you with your claim.
Set up a service call
After you’ve reported the problem, the home warranty provider will arrange a service call with a qualified and insured technician after you’ve reported the problem.
Service visit
During the service call, the technician will identify the issue and propose a fix. If the item can be fixed, the technician will immediately start the repairs.
Payment
If your home warranty contract covers the problem, you will only be charged the service fee, usually between $50 and $100. If the contract does not cover the problem, you will be responsible for the full cost of the repair or replacement.
Reasons for rejection of home warranty claim
Unfortunately, a home warranty can be denied for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is imperative to read the contract’s terms and conditions to determine which appliances and systems are covered. If your warranty claim gets denied, you can consider filing an appeal with the service provider. Here are a few reasons why a warranty may be denied.
Lack of maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the home’s systems and appliances working properly. Your claim can be rejected if the appliance or system covered by your contract isn’t properly maintained.
Unusual wear and tear
An incorrect installation may result in a claim being rejected on occasion. Claims for devices that do not comply with safety regulations may be denied. The purpose of warranty coverage is to shield you from the high costs of upgrades. Your claim may also be denied if the service provider determines that you used your system or appliance incorrectly.
Cap on coverage
Most home warranty companies impose coverage restrictions on specific systems and appliances, limiting how much they will pay for repairs and replacements. Before filing a claim, double-check that your company’s coverage limit is in sync with the system or appliance.
