[olecapt]

I use HSA.. and only because they provide better service to the clients than the others I have dealt with...and they are not perfect...

I do however do enough business there that I got a little pull...so they won't mess with my clients over a close call.

Now if it is $1000 they won't know me from Adam. But smaller deals I can get put right.

If you are interested drop me a DM and I will send you the forms. You can get it anytime you want...though in my opinion it really pays only with old AC. Yours are getting there.

[stockups]

We have the Home warranty this is our second year so far. Knock on wood we we didn't have to use it yet. Next year for 80.00 bucks more we will add our washer dryer and fridge it is cheaper then taking out warrantys on each item alone. We just pray if something goes wrong they stand by there word.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Seller paid for mine. Pool pump went out the first year and warranty covered it. Didn't renew it when given the opportunity, and nothing broke the following year. Since the home was 12 years old, I wanted to do some upgrades anyway, and replace items before they failed.

Seller paid mine also, although after reading the policy I would rather he had just given me the $599 instead. My main problem with the policy is it states that if something needs to be replaced, they will replace it with builders-grade equipment and that I can't pay to upgrade even if I want to.

I may use the policy to make an emergency repair if something malfunctions during my first year of homeownership, but I won't use it to replace equipment. And I definitely won't be renewing the policy.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

Seller paid mine also, although after reading the policy I would rather he had just given me the $599 instead. My main problem with the policy is it states that if something needs to be replaced, they will replace it with builders-grade equipment and that I can't pay to upgrade even if I want to.

I may use the policy to make an emergency repair if something malfunctions during my first year of homeownership, but I won't use it to replace equipment. And I definitely won't be renewing the policy.

I don't know whose policy you have but it has been my experience that, in practice, the money is set by the generic but they will let you augment to whatever extent you desire. I even got them to pay me to replace my microwave and then I fixed it. (Did not want to but could find nothing that would fit and coordinate)

I also helped a client dicker on an AC unit where we substantially upgraded the unit. The one interesting one on that task was that you had to redo the supports of the unit and that was not covered. All in all the client got a new unit for about 25% of cost.

You may also find that the contractors involved will do whatever regardless of what the contract says...they simply bill the insurance co as required.

Someplace next week I will float an inquiry to the two inhouse operations and see what they say....

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by olecapt

I don't know whose policy you have but it has been my experience that, in practice, the money is set by the generic but they will let you augment to whatever extent you desire. I even got them to pay me to replace my microwave and then I fixed it. (Did not want to but could find nothing that would fit and coordinate)

The policy is with Old Republic. I just read the policy again and I may be reading more into the language than is there. It simply says that they will not upgrade any covered item period. Here is the verbatim language from the contract:

d) REPAIR/REPLACEMENT/UPGRADING

We have the sole right to determine whether a covered system, appliance or component will be repaired or replaced; but we are not responsible for delay in obtaining parts or replacement equipment. We reserve the right to repair systems and appliances with non-original manufacturer's parts, including rebuilt or reconditioned parts. We reserve the right to obtain a second opinion at our expense. We will not upgrade any covered item. We reserve the right to pay cash in lieu or repair or replacement. Payment will be based on our negotiated rates with our contractor/supplier network, which may be less than retail.

[olecapt]

Yeah - I think they will give you money...and that is generally the best way. I am particular about who do AC work here. So I want money not repairs.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Yeah - I think they will give you money...and that is generally the best way. I am particular about who do AC work here. So I want money not repairs.

It's been a while since I had one of those policies...or I shud say since I used one...and it seems to me the times I called them they called the repair man who then called me to set the appointment. So I didn't get to pick the repair company but it worked out OK. In fact better than when I've bought something then hired someone to install it in a few cases.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

It's been a while since I had one of those policies...or I shud say since I used one...and it seems to me the times I called them they called the repair man who then called me to set the appointment. So I didn't get to pick the repair company but it worked out OK. In fact better than when I've bought something then hired someone to install it in a few cases.

The dicker changes when you get into a major replacement. So you use whoever they send initially. But if you are going to replace a 4 ton AC you then get into a different dicker. They will generally offer you what they claim it will cost them and you are on your own.

The issue with me has generally been response. Tell dispatcher we have a burned out heating element in the oven. Wait four days to get the service call and then the guy does not have the part.. It turns out the part is available locally but they have to get it from their warehouse...which ain't local. Then it turns out their warehouse did not actually have the part. It has to be ordered. Now we are at ten days over a locally available heating element.

Had a dishwasher hung for over 2 months with this stuff before they finally replaced it.

[Kandy]

I have had home owners insurance on every house (three) that we have purchased. We have had to use the insurance on each house as well, so it was nice to have. (Stove/oven replacement, fridge repair and dishwasher repair)

[yellowsnow]

I got one when I bought my house. I had to replace the pool pump and the AC. They didn't cover anything. It was a waste as far as I was concerned but it just came with the house. I didn't ask for it.

They did offer to renew my policy but I declined.