Before a large family meal, have you ever experienced the moment when your fridge gives up on you? Or during summer’s hottest week, when your air conditioner decides to go on vacation? Indeed, that’s where we’ve all been. Inconvenient, aggravating, and extremely stressful. An American house warranty, however, can be useful in this situation.

Consider creating an emergency fund for unforeseen house repairs. As if your appliances and systems were wearing a superhero cape. Rebuilding or replacing major appliances, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are all covered by a house warranty, which is essentially a service agreement. This is more of an additional layer of security than homeowners insurance. Read more now on Home Warranty

Think of this: The TV goes dark unexpectedly when you’re binge-watching your favorite show on your couch. It’s just dark, with no power spike or alert. Realizing that the entire entertainment system is down—not just the TV—causes panic. Just one call to get it fixed without breaking the bank is all it takes to get a home warranty.

Speaking of turkey, what is normally covered by an American home warranty? Laundry machines, heating and cooling systems, electrical wiring, plumbing systems, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are all included in most layouts. Occasionally, roof leaks are even included! Kind of like always having a handyman on call.

However, don’t give up! There are differences amongst warranties. Certain companies may only cover a limited number of things or may have annual or per-repair restrictions. Reading the fine print will ensure that you are not taken by surprise later on.

This is a hilarious tale: Fearing that something would break down when she bought her first property last year, my friend Sarah made the decision to get a home warranty. Surprisingly, her water heater burst after just two months! Water heaters weren’t covered by her plan, as she discovered when she called her warranty business expecting a smooth call! Ah, the hard way of learning.

It is important to consider your priorities when selecting a plan. Are aging appliances causing you concern? What keeps you up at night, though, might be the outdated HVAC system? Choose a policy that perfectly suits your needs.

Aside from that, remember customer service! You want a company that responds to calls right away and dispatches skilled experts fast because no one wants to sit around in the winter or summer without air conditioning or heat!

Concerning technicians, let me say this. Have you ever worked with someone who seemed to be more engaged in conversation than problem solving? Professionals with extensive knowledge will be dispatched by a reputable home warranty business, allowing for prompt and efficient repair completion.

Examine monthly premiums and service fees (the amount they charge every time they send someone out) in terms of money. Should you require repeated repairs over time, you may be able to save money by paying somewhat higher premiums, which occasionally translate into lower service fees.

Another little tidbit of information: For items like pools or spas or additional freezers or refrigerators that you may need to insure, some providers offer optional add-ons. Be sure to explore these alternatives as well if you have any extras that need protected!

In summary (pun intended), obtaining an American home warranty isn’t difficult, but it does involve some preparation up front. This will provide you piece of mind later on knowing that assistance is only a phone call away should life throw a wrench in your well-loved home!

Remember that Plan B is always ready to step in and save the day (and your sanity) when something unexpected goes wrong.