Old Republic Home Warranty: Coverage, Plans, and Reviews

That sinking feeling hits every homeowner when a major appliance breaks down or a significant system fails without warning. Most of us have faced those unexpected repairs that weren’t included in the monthly budget. Old Republic Home Warranty offers protection to shield homeowners from these situations that can get pricey.

The company provides various coverage options, from standard plans to platinum packages. However, mixed customer reviews online might make you question if this warranty provider delivers on its promises. This detailed review will get into everything from coverage details and claims processes to ground customer experiences. The information will help you decide if Old Republic Home Warranty fits your home protection needs.

Old Republic Home Warranty Overview

Old Republic Home Protection’s experience in the home warranty industry tells a story of steady growth and service commitment. Founded in 1974 by ambitious real estate brokers in California, the company evolved from a small startup into one of the nation’s leading home warranty providers. The company’s most important milestone came in 1982 when it joined the Old Republic International family.

This California-based operation has protected over 6 million plan holders from expensive home systems and appliance breakdowns. The company’s growth stands out between 2003 and 2013, with coverage expanding from 218,000 to 380,000 homes.

Service Area Coverage

Old Republic Home Protection now operates in 25 states and Washington, D.C. Their services reach across:

• Western states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah
• Southern states: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas
• Eastern states: Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina
• Midwestern states: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky

Financial Stability and Reputation

Our analysis of Old Republic Home Protection’s financial standing reveals their parent company, Old Republic International Corporation, holds a Baa2 Moody’s rating, showing moderate credit risk and stable finances. The company’s steadfast dedication to financial transparency reflects in their high standards of accuracy and disclosure.

Their industry reputation rests on solid credentials. Their Better Business Bureau accreditation since 1996 with an A+ rating stands out. This achievement highlights their commitment to customer service and business ethics. The company lives by its motto “People Helping People,” which shows their focus on customer care and service quality.

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They take a customer-first approach to service delivery and handle claims individually. Their business philosophy balances the human aspects of home warranties with efficient service delivery. This approach has built their strong market presence, serving real estate professionals and homeowners with equal attention.

Comprehensive Plan Analysis

Let’s head over to Old Republic Home Protection’s warranty plans that provide different coverage levels based on homeowner needs.

Standard Plan Features

The Standard plan gives you resilient coverage for home systems and appliances. This basic plan protects 18 major systems and five essential appliances. You get coverage for:

• Built-in microwave and kitchen appliances
• Heating systems and ductwork
• Electrical systems and central vacuum
• Plumbing systems and stoppages
• Garage door openers and rekey services

Ultimate and Platinum Plans

The Ultimate plan expands on the Standard plan’s foundation and adds valuable features like air conditioning coverage, code upgrades, and haul-away services. Protection reaches new heights with the Platinum plan that increases coverage limits for HVAC systems and includes better coverage for manufacturer’s warranty items.

The Platinum plan stands out because it includes the Total Care package with external plumbing coverage and better concrete slab leak protection. You can get both Ultimate and Platinum plans with or without washer, dryer, and refrigerator coverage.

Optional Coverage Add-ons

Old Republic understands that each home has unique needs and offers many add-ons to customize your coverage. Popular options include:

• Additional refrigeration units
• Better slab leak and external plumbing coverage
• Pre-season HVAC tune-up
• Swimming pool and spa equipment
• Solar hot water systems
• Guest home coverage up to 750 sq. ft.

Homeowners can add optional coverage before closing, and most options stay available up to 60 days after closing. Note that homes not involved in a real estate transaction must select optional coverage when the contract starts.

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Old Republic makes things easier by not requiring home inspections before coverage begins. Their approach delivers detailed protection while keeping coverage options flexible.

Cost and Value Assessment

Let’s dissect the costs of Old Republic Home Protection plans by looking at their key components. This breakdown will help you make an informed decision about your home warranty investment.

Monthly Premium Structure

Our analysis shows that monthly costs vary by a lot based on location and property type. Basic plans start from $45-50 per month, while Deluxe plans range from $55-75, and Elite plans can reach $80-90 monthly. Here are some examples from different regions:

• California and Florida homeowners pay $45-50 for Basic plans
• Texas residents see slightly higher rates at $55-60 for Basic coverage
• Washington state’s Basic plans cost $60-65

Service Call Fee Options

Old Republic’s approach to service fees is a chance to save money. They give you two trade call fee (TCF) options: $100 or $125. The system works like this:

• A higher $125 TCF lowers your monthly premium
• A lower $100 TCF means you’ll pay more monthly
• You pay fees per trade, per service request

It’s worth mentioning that you must pay the TCF whether the service is covered or denied. But if you need another repair for the same issue within 30 days, you won’t pay an extra service fee.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The value becomes clear when we compare potential repair costs without coverage. Based on Old Republic’s 2022 paid invoices, repair and replacement costs can hit hundreds or thousands of dollars without warranty protection.

The monthly investment makes sense because:

• Average premium costs are $59.72 across regions
• You get coverage for systems and appliances
• You’re protected against surprise repair costs
• Repairs come with guarantee periods

The sort of thing I love about their payment structure is its flexibility. You can pick the TCF amount that fits your budget. The monthly premiums might be higher than some competitors who start at $30-40 monthly, but Old Republic’s complete coverage is worth the cost, especially with their protection for both systems and appliances.

Claims Process Deep Dive

A broken appliance or system in your home can be stressful. Understanding how to get help from Old Republic Home Protection makes the process much easier. Let’s look at what you can expect from their claims process.

Filing a Claim Step-by-Step

Old Republic Home Protection gives you two main ways to submit a claim:

1. Online through Homeowner Central
   • Log into your account
   • Select “Request New Service”
   • Follow the guided process
   • Pay your trade call fee
2. Phone service at 800.972.5985

Their authorization system works differently from others. Repairs under $500 can start right away. But repairs that cost more than $500 need approval from Old Republic’s Authorization Department before work begins.

Service Provider Network

Old Republic’s network is impressive with over 400,000 service providers nationwide. They carefully select their contractors based on strict standards. These providers must be:

• Professional and competent
• Licensed and insured
• Committed to fair pricing

The company uses “Contractor Connection” to streamline operations. This system lets service providers handle their workloads, submit invoices, and get authorizations quickly. It keeps communication smooth between contractors and the company.

Response Time and Resolution

Old Republic handles service requests on two different schedules:

Standard Service:

• You’ll hear from them within 48 hours
• Parts usually arrive in 3-10 days
• Complex repairs might need several visits

Emergency Service: You’ll get help within 24 hours if you have:

• Complete loss of electricity, gas, water, or toilet facilities
• Health and safety risks
• Problems with healthcare support equipment
• System failures that damage your home

Their 30-day service guarantee is a great feature. If you have the same problem within 30 days after a repair, they’ll send another contractor without charging you another trade call fee.

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The company wants to process claims within 30 days. This matters most if you need money back for using an out-of-network provider, which doesn’t happen often since Old Republic’s network is so large.

Customer Experience Analysis

Our analysis of thousands of customer reviews and ratings gives us a clear picture of what customers experience with Old Republic Home Protection. Let’s get into their customer experience from different angles.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

The customer satisfaction picture is mixed but mostly positive. Old Republic Home Protection has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has maintained accreditation since 1996. The ratings across platforms tell an interesting story:

• Overall customer service rating: 3.78 out of 5
• Trustpilot score: 4.0 out of 5
• ConsumerAffairs rating: 4.0 out of 5
• BBB customer rating: 3.21 out of 5

Common Complaints and Solutions

Customer feedback reveals several recurring themes. The biggest problems revolve around coverage denials and service scheduling. Customers often report these issues:

• Technicians missing scheduled appointments
• Incomplete system assessments
• Slow reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses
• Problems reaching customer service representatives

Old Republic shows their steadfast dedication by responding to BBB complaints and reviews. The company works through a formal complaint resolution process to solve the problems of coverage disputes and service delays.

Customer Support Quality

Old Republic’s customer support has some standout features that make them unique. Their online portal has troubleshooting tips that help fix simple issues without a service call. A customer shared how they fixed their garbage disposal by following the portal’s guidance and saved on service fees.

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The company keeps evolving its customer service approach. Some customers praise their “quick response times for repairs and helpful customer service”, while others don’t deal very well with communication. Old Republic provides several support options:

• Online portal for service requests
• Dedicated phone lines for claims
• Email support system
• Written correspondence options

The company’s focus on building long-term customer relationships stands out. Some customers who thought about switching stayed after getting reliable service. One customer highlighted how the company “actually do what they say they will do” without needing constant follow-ups.

Response times can vary substantially. Emergency services get priority attention, but standard service requests might take longer, especially during busy seasons or in areas where service providers are scarce.

Conclusion

A really close look at Old Republic Home Protection shows they’re a solid choice for homeowners who need reliable warranty coverage. Their 50-year old track record, complete plan options, and strong service network help them stand out among home warranty companies.

Their monthly premiums cost more than some competitors. The value becomes clear when you look at their extensive coverage and flexible service fee options. Most customers find the claims process quick, especially with their online portal and emergency service protocols.

The company earned an A+ BBB rating and responds well to customer feedback. Some customers mention issues with service scheduling and coverage denials. Most praise the company’s reliability and straightforward claims handling.

This review guides me to recommend Old Republic Home Protection to homeowners who want stability and complete coverage. Their strong financial backing and presence in 25 states give peace of mind. Future customers should review coverage details and service fees to make sure they line up with their needs.

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