What To Do When Home Warranty Is Not Honored
When your home warranty expires, you should know what to do to ensure it’s honored. There are several factors you should consider before beginning the appeal process. You also get a report on your home, which will give you an idea of what’s wrong. Finally, if your claim is denied, you should still contact the warranty provider to learn about your options.
Proper installation
If you’re looking for a way to cover the costs of a new appliance or system under a home warranty, the first step is to ensure the installer performs the work correctly. If the installer does not follow installation instructions, the product will likely not function properly or may require expensive repairs. Fortunately, the best home warranty companies in Pennsylvania will cover improper installation if it results from a defective product or installation.
Improper handling
An attorney’s help is not always necessary, but it is good to have one handy if your home warranty doesn’t cover any pre-existing conditions. It is essential for large-ticket appliances, which may require numerous repairs and prolonged downtime. If your warranty company refuses to honor your claim, you might have a case based on UDAAP, or unfair and deceptive practices. A consumer protection division of your state’s attorney general’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may be able to assist you.
A consumer should contact the Better Business Bureau to report a problem company. The Better Business Bureau is a private organization that helps consumers report bad businesses. If you file a complaint with the BBB, your complaint will typically be answered quickly. If the BBB’s complaint doesn’t help, you can also file a complaint in small or large claims court.
Improper maintenance
If your home warranty company denies your claim because you’ve neglected to maintain certain home parts correctly, you’re out of luck. For example, if you haven’t changed air-conditioner filters or cleaned the condenser coils in your refrigerator, it is possible that they won’t honor your claim. If this happens, you may want to consider filing an appeal. It will also help if you keep track of correspondence with their representatives. If your claim has been denied due to improper maintenance, you can also request a written report to help you compare and contrast different opinions.
Many home warranty companies fail to honor claims because of improper maintenance. You may not know that the previous owner didn’t maintain the appliances or systems in the home. You might not have realized that some of these systems were neglected until you moved in. You may even have purchased a used home and discovered that it has a defective furnace. The previous owner didn’t maintain it properly, and now you must pay for it yourself. However, you may have to pay the bill yourself, which could jeopardize your claim.
Appealing a denied claim
You can appeal a denied claim when your home warranty is not honored. Most companies offer online appeal processes. You need all documentation to support your claim. Missing documents can delay the resolution of your claim. In addition, the home warranty provider may have more information about the appeal process than you do.
You can also contact your state’s consumer protection agency, or your home warranty provider, to make a complaint. The BBB typically responds quickly to complaints. In some states, you can also file a complaint with the office of the attorney general’s office. This is often the last resort before legal action or regulatory complaints. It is also wise to contact your state’s attorney general’s office if you suspect fraud.
