Find the Best Home Warranty in Lafayette, LA

Home warranty in Lafayette

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs to or replacements of home appliances and systems that break down from wear and tear.

Home warranty companies offer plans with different levels of coverage. Depending on the plan you select — some companies will also let you customize a plan — a home warranty may cover:

• Air conditioning, heating and electrical systems
• Plumbing, including stoppages
• Water heater
• Central vacuum
• Oven, range and stove
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Washer and dryer
• Built-microwave
• Smoke detectors
• Garage door openers

Optional coverage is often available for pools and spas, septic pumps, guest units and second refrigerators or freezers.

Home warranties in Lafayette are most commonly purchased by new homeowners, realtors, owners of older homes and owners of rental properties. But a homeowner can purchase a home warranty at any point during homeownership.

Are home warranties worth it?

To decide whether a home warranty is worth purchasing, consider:

• The likelihood of a household appliance or system breakdown and the cost of repair or replacement
• How much a plan costs and what it covers
• The amount of your service call fee (the fixed amount you pay for each claim)
• Plan exclusions and limitations, like a maximum coverage amount

Keep in mind that a home warranty is different from homeowners insurance, which is often required by mortgage lenders. Homeowners insurance protects you from loss due to fire, theft, lighting and other events. A home warranty only covers repairs and replacements necessary as a result of wear and tear.

Home much does a home warranty cost in Lafayette?

Home warranty cost in Lafayette is usually between $300 and $600 per year. Home warranty cost depends on the level of coverage, the amount of the service call fee and the type of property.

A home warranty contract usually lasts for one year and is renewable. Most companies allow you to pay monthly or annually. Be sure to ask about available promotions and discounts. For example, you may save by paying entirely up front or purchasing more than one year of coverage.

What to do when you need repairs

If a covered appliance or system breaks down, you file a claim with the home warranty company online or over the phone. You pay a service call fee stated in your contract (usually between $50 and $125), and the home warranty company sends a local contractor to diagnose the problem. In some cases, you may be allowed to choose your own contractor.

The contractor communicates with the home warranty company, and as long as coverage applies, the home warranty company pays the contractor to make the repair or replacement.

What to look for when choosing a home warranty company

When evaluating home warranty companies in Lafayette, ask these questions:

• Does the company have good customer reviews?
• Is there a plan with coverage that meets my needs and a cost that fits my budget?
• Can I customize a plan, including the trade service call fee?
• How do you request service? Can you make a request 24/7?
• How does the company choose its local contractors? Can I choose my own?
• Is there a limit to the number of service requests I can make or the amount the company will pay out?
• Do I need to have a home inspection or submit maintenance records before buying coverage?
• What happens if something is not fixed to my satisfaction?
• What is the effective date of the plan?
• Can I cancel anytime? Can I transfer the home warranty upon selling my home?

Read over a home warranty contract carefully and thoroughly, making sure you understand costs, coverage, limitations and exclusions. If you have questions, ask a company representative before signing.