September 1, 2012

VALUE OF HOME SERVICE CONTRACTS ON THE RISE IN CALIFORNIA


MEDIA CONTACT: Art Ansoorian, Ansoorian and Associates • 805-653-1648 • Email

(SAN RAMON, CA – Sept. 1, 2012)  By reducing overhead and improving operations, the home service contract industry in California has done what few industries have been able to do – increase coverage without passing the cost along to consumers.

“Today home service contract providers are covering twice as much as when the industry began in the 1970’s with very little increase to the price of overall coverage,” Gwen Gallagher, board member of the California Home Service Contract Association (CHSCA) and president of Old Republic Home Protection Co., San Ramon, said.  “When the industry started in the late ‘70s, the standard price of coverage was about $265 with a $35 deductible.  Prices in California today are approximately $260 with a $60 deductible.”

Home service contracts (also referred to as home warranties) generally provide service, repair or replacement for items such as dishwashers, ovens, disposers, electrical and plumbing systems – and most importantly, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). * Many home service contract providers also offer a menu of optional items such as pool and spa equipment, well pumps, and free standing appliances such as refrigerators and clothing washers and dryers for an additional fee. Contracts do not cover pre-existing conditions, but will provide service, repair or replacement for failures arising due to normal wear and tear during the contract period.

Home service contracts were originally designed to offer homeowners buying resale homes protection against potential budget-breaking costs of major system or appliance failures.  In addition, contracts provided “peace of mind” while helping Realtors compete with new homes on the market. According to the CHSCA, 84 percent of homebuyers today purchase a resale home.

“Contracts initially covered heating and electrical systems, standard kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and disposals, and plumbing, including toilets and water heaters.  That was basically it,” Gallagher said. “Today we also cover items such as well pumps, spa equipment, septic tanks and salt water cells and provide more comprehensive coverage which can save individual customers hundreds of dollars annually. ”

About CHSCA

Members of the new CHSCA, which provide approximately 95 per cent all home service contracts in California, include 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, American Home Shield Corporation, BPG Home Warranty, Fidelity National Home Warranty Company, First American Home Buyers Protection, HISCO/CRES Home Warranty, HMS National/Cross Country Home Services, Inc., Home Security of America, Inc., Home Warranty of America, Inc. and Old Republic Home Protection Co., Inc.    For more information, visit www.homeservicecontract.org/california.htm.

About the National Home Service Contract Association

The NHSCA is a non-profit 501© (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States.  To learn more about the NHSCA and to find answers to the most common questions regarding the purchase of home service contracts, visit www.homeservice contract.org http://nhsca.iugonow.com