Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Review: Plans, Pros, Cons & Coverage

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Review: Is It Right for You?

Home warranties are a popular way for homeowners to protect themselves from unexpected repair costs for major appliances and systems. Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is a well-known provider in Colorado, offering several levels of coverage and unique benefits. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore Blue Ribbon’s plan options, customer service, pros and cons, and real user experiences to help you decide if this warranty is the right fit for your home.

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Plan Options

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty offers three main levels of protection: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan is designed to cover different aspects of your home, from basic appliances to comprehensive systems and upgrades.

Silver Plan

The Silver Plan is the most basic option, covering 14 commonly used home systems and appliances. This includes:

• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Washer and dryer
• Central AC, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or whole-house fan
• Water heater
• Garage door opener
• Plumbing system
• Electrical system

Gold Plan

The Gold Plan builds on the Silver Plan by adding coverage for additional items such as:

• Second garage door opener
• Three additional items from a pre-set menu
• Preventive maintenance check for kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, water heater, HVAC system, and garage door opener

Platinum Plan

The Platinum Plan is the most comprehensive, offering all the benefits of the Gold Plan plus:

• Blue Ribbon Premier Upgrade
• Enhanced coverage for high-end appliances and systems
• Additional preventive maintenance checks

Pros and Cons of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty

Like any home warranty provider, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons:

Pros

• 24-Hour Guaranteed Response Time: Blue Ribbon promises a 24-hour response time from technicians, ensuring prompt attention to your claims.
• 14-Month Contract Length: Unlike the industry standard of 12 months, Blue Ribbon offers a 14-month contract, giving you extra coverage.
• A+ BBB Rating: Blue Ribbon is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating, indicating strong customer satisfaction and trustworthiness.
• Preventive Maintenance Checks: The Gold and Platinum plans include preventive maintenance checks, which can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
• Reimbursement for Out-of-Network Repairs: If all contracted HVAC companies are booked, Blue Ribbon will reimburse you for repairs done by an out-of-network technician, making the process hassle-free.

Cons

• Limited Geographic Availability: Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is only available in Colorado, while many competitors offer nationwide coverage.
• No Haul-Away Fees: The warranty does not cover haul-away fees for old appliances or systems.
• No Online Chat Support: Blue Ribbon does not offer an online chat support system, which can be a drawback for customers who prefer digital communication.
• Deceptive Contracts: Some customers have reported deceptive contracts and numerous excuses to avoid covering appliance repairs.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty has received a mix of positive and negative reviews. Here are some highlights from customer testimonials:

Positive Reviews

• Teresa V. (BBB, June 24, 2017): “I’ve had a contract as a condo owner with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty for six years now (I renew it every year). Why? Because they have never failed to take care of problems I’ve encountered with various items in my condo (plumbing, garage door opener, HVAC, washer/dryer issues, et al.), with a friendly voice at the other end of the phone line, prompt attention to my claims, and prompt payment when reimbursement was in order. I highly recommend this warranty service for homeowners and buyers!”
• Diane R. S. (Littleton, CO): “Every time I call Blue Ribbon for help, I want to write a testimonial. Your service is exceptional! This is my 11th year as a Blue Ribbon customer.”
• Bruce W. (Breckenridge, CO): “Thank you very much for the check from Blue Ribbon Home Warranty which helped enormously with the expense of repairing the gas valve on my furnace. I appreciate this very much, and am especially grateful that you were willing to help even though I failed to use the correct procedures for making a claim.”

Negative Reviews

• BBB Complaints: Some customers have reported issues with claim denials and deceptive practices. For example, one customer mentioned that Blue Ribbon instructed their tech to misrepresent the cause of a repair as something not covered, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
• Angie’s List: A few users have noted that while the service call was smooth, they decided not to renew after replacing expensive appliances. Others have reported that the cost of the furnace was not covered despite the home inspection indicating it was in good condition.

Comparison with Other Home Warranty Providers

When comparing Blue Ribbon Home Warranty to other providers, several factors stand out:

Elite Home Warranty

• Star Rating: 4.85 out of 5 from over 500 reviews on the BBB.
• Claim Denials: Some users mention claim denials, similar to Blue Ribbon.

American Home Shield

• BBB Rating: B rating.
• Claim Denials: Similar issues with claim denials and customer service.

First American Home Warranty

• BBB Rating: B rating.
• Claim Denials: Similar issues with claim denials and customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty cover?

A: Blue Ribbon Home Warranty covers a range of home systems and appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, central AC, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, whole-house fans, water heaters, garage door openers, plumbing systems, and electrical systems. The Gold and Platinum plans offer additional coverage and preventive maintenance checks.

Q: How long is the contract period?

A: Blue Ribbon Home Warranty offers a 14-month contract period, which is longer than the industry standard of 12 months.

Q: Is Blue Ribbon Home Warranty available nationwide?

A: No, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is only available in Colorado.

Q: Does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty cover haul-away fees?

A: No, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty does not cover haul-away fees for old appliances or systems.

Q: What is the service call fee?

A: The service call fee for Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is $55, which is lower than the industry average of $100–$125.

Q: How does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty handle out-of-network repairs?

A: If all contracted HVAC companies are booked, Blue Ribbon will reimburse you for repairs done by an out-of-network technician, making the process hassle-free.

Q: What is the BBB rating for Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?

A: Blue Ribbon Home Warranty holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Q: Are there any unique benefits to Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?

A: Yes, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty offers a 14-month contract period, preventive maintenance checks, and reimbursement for out-of-network repairs.

Conclusion

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is a strong option for homeowners in Colorado, offering comprehensive coverage, a 14-month contract period, and a high BBB rating. While it has some limitations, such as limited geographic availability and no haul-away fees, the overall customer satisfaction and unique benefits make it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to protect their home from unexpected repair costs.