Home Warranty of America (HWA): Is it Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

06 Aug 2024

What does it mean when a buyer asks for a home warranty?

Your dishwasher decides to do the can-can in the middle of the night, flooding the kitchen and turning your life upside down. Your furnace, on the frostiest day of the year, decides to take an early retirement. Sound familiar? These are the homeowner horror stories that make us break into a cold sweat. But what if I told you there might be a way to sleep a little sounder, knowing you wouldn't have to drain your emergency fund when the unexpected happens?

Enter the world of home warranties, and specifically, Home Warranty of America (HWA), one of the biggest names in the game. They promise to shield you from the financial blows of appliance and system breakdowns. But are they all they're cracked up to be? Let's dive in and find out if a Home Warranty of America plan is the financial knight in shining armor your household needs.

Home Warranty of America (HWA), founded in 1996, made a name for itself by offering coverage plans that pick up where your homeowner's insurance leaves off. While your insurance covers catastrophic events like fires and natural disasters, a home warranty steps in for the everyday wear and tear that can take down your fridge or air conditioner.

Imagine this: your oven decides to stage a mutiny right before Thanksgiving. With HWA, you'd contact them, pay a service call fee (more on that later), and they'd send out a technician to diagnose the problem. If it's covered under your plan, HWA takes care of the repair or even replacement costs. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, like most things in life, the devil is in the details.

Before you sprint to sign up for that HWA plan, there are a few key things you've got to consider. What exactly does a Home Warranty of America plan cover? Are there any sneaky exclusions lurking in the fine print? And, most importantly, is it actually worth your money? Let's get into the nitty-gritty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Warranty of America (HWA)

Advantages	Disadvantages
Peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected repairs.	Potential for claim denials based on pre-existing conditions or lack of maintenance.
Can save you money on costly repairs or replacements of covered systems and appliances.	Annual premiums and service call fees can add up.
Offers a network of pre-screened contractors.	Limited control over the choice of contractor for repairs.
Various coverage plans to choose from to fit your needs and budget.	Coverage limits on certain items or repairs.

Navigating the world of home warranties can feel like trekking through a financial jungle. But armed with the right information, you can make a decision that aligns with your budget and risk tolerance. While Home Warranty of America (HWA) has its pros and cons, ultimately, whether it's the right choice for you depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.