Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of what they’re calling “deceptive and confusing” mail from HomeServe USA.
According to the BBB, the mailings state that homeowners are responsible for maintenance and repair of their water lines, which is true and can be costly, however, the warranty coverage offered by HomeServe USA is optional.
The BBB is asking consumers to review the notices carefully. Additionally, the BBB says consumers should not feel pressured to make any decision about a warranty, service plan or insurance policy.
Instead, BBB President Warren Clark says, “Take time to do your homework, research the company making the offer, make sure you understand what is and is not covered, and make sure you’re not paying for duplicate coverage.”
Below are a few recommendations from the BBB regarding letters or calls from HomeServe USA or similar companies:
- Read the service contract very carefully and make sure you have a clear understanding of it, especially the exclusions, before agreeing to buy coverage. Don’t purchase coverage over the phone without seeing a contract with all verbal promises in writing
- Contact your water utility to see what your responsibility is as a homeowner
- If coverage is included in your homeowner’s policy, ask how HomeServe USA’s coverage would work with your current policy.
- Make sure you’re familiar with the company’s cancellation policy and the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule
- Check the company’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org to see if there are any unanswered, unresolved or unusual pattern of complaints that other consumers have noticed
And though the
BBB gives HomeServe USA an A- customer service rating, they have recorded 259 complaints about the company in the past three years.
