Service Call Fee

A service call fee (also called trade service fee or deductible) is the amount you pay each time your home warranty company dispatches a technician to diagnose or repair a covered item.

How It Works: 1. You report a problem to your warranty company 2. They schedule a service visit 3. Technician arrives to diagnose/repair 4. You pay the service call fee 5. Warranty covers remaining repair costs (if covered)

Typical Amounts:

• $75-$125 per service call
• Lower fees often mean higher annual premiums
• Some plans offer tiered pricing

  When You Pay:

• Each time a technician visits
• Even if problem isn't covered
• Per visit, not per problem (usually)

  Important Considerations:

  Multiple Issues:

If you have problems with multiple systems (HVAC and plumbing), you may pay separate service fees for each trade.

Repeat Visits: If the same problem requires follow-up, you typically don't pay again for related visits within a certain timeframe.

Non-Covered Items: You still pay the service fee even if the technician determines the issue isn't covered—though some companies refund the fee in this case.

Choosing Your Fee:

• Lower fee = higher premium
• Higher fee = lower premium
• Consider how often you'll likely need service

  Compare Total Costs:

Calculate: Annual premium + (Expected service calls × Fee) = True annual cost