Find the Best Home Warranty in Buffalo, NY

Homeowners insurance vs. home warranty in Buffalo

Buffalo winters can be brutal. The freezing temperatures can cause frozen or burst pipes, which may need to be replaced and can lead to flooding. Additionally, the weight of ice and snow can damage your roof and cause leaks that could harm your appliances or home’s electrical system. Although home insurance won’t cover appliance or plumbing repairs, home warranties will.

Many people who think their homeowners insurance policy protects them in certain situations often end up surprised by what isn’t covered. Insurance policies typically cover damage to your home from natural disasters or help you replace items lost to theft, but they provide no protection if you find yourself with a broken water heater during a cold Buffalo winter.

Home warranty for buyers, sellers and landlords

Home warranties are helpful for many people. If you’re buying an older home in Buffalo or one in which the manufacturer warranties on appliances have expired, a home warranty will help protect you from large repair bills if a major appliance breaks down or you have issues with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Home warranties can also be helpful if you own a rental property in Buffalo. Manufacturer warranties typically only last a few years, and if you intend to keep the house’s appliances through multiple renters, a warranty will help keep your expenses down when appliances need repairs.

Home warranties that are in effect when someone moves in transfer to the new resident and continue until the coverage term ends. You should check to ensure that there is not one already in effect when you move into a new home.

Home warranty cost in Buffalo

The average cost of a home warranty in New York is around $900 a year, but the price can vary greatly depending on your coverage. There are some plans as low as $65 and as high as $2,500. Your home warranty provider may provide options allowing you to pay monthly or annually.

You can buy a home warranty at any time, although there may be a waiting period to ensure you’re not purchasing the warranty to cover pre-existing issues. Plans generally include a deductible, which is also called the service call fee, that you’ll need to pay before the home warranty covers the rest of the repair cost.

Buffalo home warranty coverage

Typically a home warranty covers appliances, including washing machines and kitchen appliances, and major home systems, such as the HVAC or electrical systems. Home warranty companies also offer add-on coverage for many home improvements that are prominent in Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs, including swimming pools.

Home warranty providers typically require you use an in-network contractor, although some providers are beginning to allow you to choose your preferred contractor. Be careful if you use an out-of-network contractor, however, because you may end up facing problems such as:

• Extensive searching for a contractor
• Uncertainty about what type of contractor to call for a problem
• Higher fees for a particular service
• Repair bills that exceed what is allowed by the warranty

While many companies offer great warranties, consumers must be diligent. It is important to carefully examine the warranty to be familiar with what is covered and any exclusions. Looking online and reading reviews from current customers in Buffalo can be a good way to assess the reliability of a company.