The RWC website is chock-full of home warranty resources and more! For easy reference, we’ve listed some of the more frequently asked questions and where you can uncover the answers.
I WONDER...IS THERE A WARRANTY FOR THAT?
RWC has more home warranty plans than you may realize. Hover over “Builders” to see, at a glance, all the home warranty programs and features available. To go to the list of warranty options available, select “Warranty Products.”
HOW DO I RECEIVE A GL INSURANCE QUOTE?
The RWC Insurance Advantage can meet many of your commercial insurance needs. Get a quote by clicking on the “RWC Insurance Advantage” link and selecting “Get Insurance Quote.”
HOW DO I ENROLL A HOME?
In the top right corner of any page on our site, see the link to “Warranty Express.” Sign in to Warranty Express with your registration number and password. Select “Warranty Express” to begin the enrollment process.
HOW DO I CHECK ON THE ENROLLMENT STATUS OF A HOME?
Once logged into “Warranty Express,” you will see options for items like “Order History” and “Report.” From there, you can order an enrollment report or check the status of a specific home.
FREE MARKETING MATERIALS!? HOW? WHERE?
From the main menu, once you are logged into “Warranty Express,” go to “Order Supplies” to request sample home warranty books and marketing pieces.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
RWC provides a list of “FAQs” for builders regarding builder warranties and more. See the link in the “Builders” supermenu. If you need additional information, all our contact information and helpful contact forms can be found in the “About Us” section.
WHERE’S MY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE?
From any page, hover over either “Builders” or “About Us” in the navigation bar and click “Find Your Account Executive.” Simply select your state.
MY CLIENTS HAVE QUESTIONS….HOW CAN I BEST ANSWER?
Hover over “Homeowners” in the navigation bar at the top of any page and find links to “FAQs” for homeowners, seasonal maintenance checklists, and additional resources that convince why a new home warranty from RWC is valuable to your buyers.
LOOKING FOR A FORM YOU NEED TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL?
Check out our “Forms Library”.
RWC’s been around for over 30 years and we have 3 million home warranties under our belt. We think we know a thing or two about the home warranty industry and we don’t really lose sleep over what “the other guys” are doing. That’s because our home warranty programs are so successful that we don’t have to copy them. But we always get a chuckle when we see those other guys “copying our homework.”
Take our name for instance. There’s one competitor out there that tries to get leads by pretending to be “Residential Warranty Company.” Nice try. There’s only one RWC and we’re it. When we run a membership drive…the other home warranty companies run membership drives. At RWC, we strive to innovate…not imitate.
Want a home warranty company that’s been around for a while?
RWC’s been in business since 1981. That’s 33 years of experience…without name changes, company buyouts or corporate restructuring. Just us…for 33 years and counting.
Want a home warranty company that’s experienced and not a “newbie” when it comes to warranty resolution?
RWC’s administered more than 3 million home warranties. Not every home has claims but when issues arise, don’t you want a company behind you that truly understands what they are doing?
Want a home warranty company that’s on solid financial ground?
RWC’s new home warranties are backed by an insurer that has been rated “A-(Excellent)” since 2001. Think about what our housing industry went through during that time frame and in spite of it all, our insurer maintained its exemplary rating. What’s more, neither RWC nor any of our Principals have ever been under supervision or receivership. In fact, our insurer boasts a surplus equity of over $100 million dollars. Ask the other guys what skeletons are in their closets!
Want a home warranty program that gives you choices?
RWC issues over 80 different types of warranties. From the standard FHA-approved variety to the customized state version to the specialty warranties for remodelers, building systems manufacturers, commercial contractors, and even detached garage builders, RWC has what you need.
Want a home warranty company that provides you with FREE FULL-COLOR marketing materials?
RWC wants the warranty program to work for you, not only for risk management, but also as a marketing tool. Check out our full-color warranties and we think you’ll agree.
Want a home warranty company who’s willing to let you be rewarded for your own good claims experience?
RWC’s exclusive Incentive program has rewarded builders with over $20 million in incentive distributions!
Don’t be fooled by the “pretenders.”
Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve - the best value for your dollar, and that’s RWC!
So go ahead and look at the other guys. We’re patient. We’ll wait for you.
RWC…We’ve Got Warranties NAILED!
In addition to our variety of home warranty programs, RWC offers unique features to make membership as effective and efficient as possible - features including Warranty Express.*
Warranty Express allows Builders to enroll homes online. With the click of a button, Builders can submit their enrollments, print out closing documents, and even pay for their home warranty fees. Builders save both time and money spent on manual form preparation and postage. Marketing materials and enrollment reports may also be ordered online. Warranty Express also enables Builders to renew their membership online.
Warranty Express enables you to:
- Enroll multiple homes at once.
- Start the electronic enrollment process, save the work you did, and come back later to finish or edit before submitting to RWC.
- Enroll over a secure site to protect your privacy.
- Generate FHA confirmation letters.
- Generate state affidavits, if applicable.
With Warranty Express, you win!
- NO Initial Enrollment Process.
- NO Deposits.
- NO Surcharges if the warranty fee is paid online.**
- NO waiting for the mail for your forms and books.
- Receive immediate confirmation that your enrollment was received.
- Both the Application for Warranty and the Warranty Book are immediately available for you to print.
- Receive important announcements about new home warranty products, builder warranty revisions, and more by email.
For your convenience, we have a link to the Warranty Express login in the top right hand corner of every page on our home warranty company website. So no matter where you are, when you’re visiting our website, Warranty Express is just one short click away!
* Not yet available for certain enrollments: Colorado, MHWC, RSW, or Condominiums.
** Surcharge in IN and MD still applies for additional coverage required by state statute.
Yes, our builder warranties cover structural defects! That structural coverage is just one of the many benefits of RWC’s home warranty programs. Providing an RWC warranty on your homes reduces your liability and assures you that your homeowners are protected for covered structural defects for the entire term of the home warranty.
RWC offers two different types of structural coverage: Major Structural Defect (MSD) coverage and Designated Structural Element (DSE) coverage. During the coverage periods when the insurer is the warrantor, the warranty resolution process includes a free fact-finding inspection by a licensed, professional engineer. After that inspection, RWC determines whether the alleged defect is covered. If coverage is granted, then RWC repairs, replaces or pays the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of the affected structural component.
Here is one case study demonstrating the home warranty coverage we provide and the manner in which we handle homeowner complaints.
Major Structural Defect (MSD) Case Study:
This home was in year 10 of coverage. The homeowner claimed that “the garage foundation has failed, causing cracks, sinking of floor and walls.” He also complained that the damage did not allow a door to function properly.
RWC retained a licensed, professional engineer and scheduled him to perform an inspection of the home. RWC uses the observations and opinions of engineers to make coverage determinations when homeowners allege that their homes have an MSD or a defect in a DSE.
The engineer found and reported that there were foundation wall cracks along the perimeter of the garage and indicated that the cracks were particularly obvious in the area of the main door. Elevation readings indicated that the garage had experienced significant differential settlement and that settlement was an ongoing problem. The engineer gave RWC his opinion that the garage foundation wall had failed. The combination of failure of a structural element, actual damage to a structural element in the form of cracks in the foundation wall, and an adverse effect on safety (the garage main door not functioning properly) satisfied the Major Structural Defect criteria. Thus, we granted the claim.
Next, RWC obtained a repair plan from the engineer. The plan called for the placement of seven hydraulically-driven push piers to stabilize the downward vertical movement of the garage’s foundation wall.
RWC then hired a contractor to visit the home to provide an estimate based on the engineer’s repair plan. RWC offered a monetary settlement to the homeowner in the amount of the contractor’s estimate. The homeowner accepted the offer and executed the required Full and Final Release. The homeowner was satisfied and the claim was resolved without requiring the builder to take any action or pay one dollar to the homeowner.
This is just one example from our nearly 100,000 Warranty Resolution files that shows how homeowners and builders alike are protected by RWC’s home warranty coverage.
Homeowners receive assurance that their homes will be fixed if they experience defects covered by the builder warranty, and builders have their customers satisfied by an experienced and capable Warranty Resolution staff at no cost to them – a great value to both parties!
As hopefully you are aware, all of RWC’s home warranty programs include our effective home warranty resolution process which includes mediation and, if needed, formal arbitration. We are asked from time to time if the system works...or in other words, if the warranty is “worth it.” So from time to time, we like to highlight a specific case study which shows exactly how this process benefits you, our member.
In this case study, the home was in Year 1 of home warranty coverage and was financed through VA/HUD. The homeowner’s request for warranty performance stated: “The duct work is making continuous knocking/ticking noises during every heating and air conditioning cycle.”
During RWC’s mediation, the builder informed RWC that they spent more than 40 hours “without exaggerating” trying to find the ticking while opening up the ceiling, and there definitely was not oil canning. The builder concluded that he had exhausted all efforts. RWC declared the issue unresolved and referred the homeowner to the warranty’s arbitration provisions.
The homeowner completed and returned the arbitration forms and paid the arbitration fee of $950.00. The parties to the arbitration were the builder and the homeowner.
The arbitrator determined: “Residential Warranty Company standards provide that with regard to ‘excessively loud notices’ in ductwork, such ductwork will be adjusted if necessary to eliminate noises caused by oil canning. Therefore, parties during the arbitration agreed in that the reported noise problem is currently not audible. The homeowners stated that they have, in fact, not heard it for some time, and not at all during this air conditioning season. The request of the homeowner is ‘Not Covered’ according to the warranty book. No repairs or other further remedies are necessary for a problem which both parties agree does not currently exist, and one party claims to have never existed. Based upon the above findings of fact, and the award in favor of builder, all costs are to be paid by the homeowners.”
Not only did the builder have a successful award, but he did so in a very timely, economical manner. Additionally, it was not necessary for either party to be represented by counsel.
This is a real case and a perfect example of how the builder’s warranty standards prevent unmerited complaints and support the value of RWC’s resolution process.
Learn more about RWC’s home warranty plans and builder benefits!
The recent redesign of our full-color customized home warranty books has been well-received and widely-celebrated by our Members.
We’ve seen a clear uptick in the usage of the full-color books since the redesign indicating that, combined with a boost in building activity, more Members are incorporating the books into their marketing programs and strategies to upgrade their marketing effectiveness.
One builder even expressed to his Account Executive his immense approval of this dynamic marketing tool, commenting that the enhanced look and feel strongly added value to the materials he presented to buyers.
Another large Member contacted his Account Executive immediately after seeing the fresh books to order new supplies for each of his divisions. He also commented that the books “were beautiful and would be very good for their marketing.”
Suffice it to say, the makeover has been a major hit with our Members and has definitely enhanced their marketing efforts.
If you’ve never reviewed our Customized State Warranty program - the most unique and specialized of home warranty plans in the industry - you don’t know what you’re missing. Each customized warranty is crafted specifically to meet each state’s statutes regarding new home warranties. The Builder’s liability is limited and individual state requirements for coverage are included, as applicable. What’s more, RWC’s insurer covers warranted structural failures from day one throughout the entire warranty term.
To learn more about this sensible home warranty plan, the full-color customized warranty books, and our additional home warranty programs, please visit RWC.
Join today to upgrade your marketing efforts!
Note: If you need to increase your supply of sample books, you have two options: 1) Either login to Warranty Express through our home warranty website or 2) Contact our Marketing Department to get what you need: 800-247-1812 Ext. 2105.
When you provide an RWC new home warranty, what exactly does that mean to your buyer and to you?
To prospective homebuyers, it’s financially and emotionally important to receive value for the dollars they spend. It ensures protection and security. RWC has accumulated over 30 years and over 3 million homes’ worth of experience as a home warranty company. Our longevity, experience, and knowledge extend value to our members and, ultimately, to their customers.
The definition of “value” is the amount of money, goods, or services that are considered to be a fair equivalent of something else. RWC provides an excellent value. One of the least expensive, longest-lasting products a builder can purchase for the homes they build is the RWC home warranty. At an average national cost of only $230, builders receive:
- A third-party written warranty insured by Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company, A Risk Retention Group (WPMIC) which is rated “A-(Excellent)” from A. M. Best. This rating reflects WPMIC’s sound capitalization, historically favorable operating performance, positive cash flow, and conservative reserve levels.
- The ability to use the warranty as a marketing feature when you advertise and show your homes.
- Should your homeowners decide to sell their home, the warranty is automatically transferable to subsequent buyers for the duration of the warranty term, making the warranty you provided an excellent resale tool for them as well.
- An effective resolution process that includes FREE mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration in the event of a dispute with a homeowner. In fact, RWC resolves over 95% of the warranty resolution disputes we administer without the need for arbitration!
- Specific, detailed written industry standards. If, for any reason, a warranted defect is discovered in a home you built and warranted through RWC, your homeowners can rest easy knowing it will be remedied.
- FHA, VA, USDA approvals when necessary.
- An online enrollment process.
- Limited, not UNlimited, exposure to you and your company.
- Access to and knowledge from RWC’s 30+ years of experience in the home warranties industry.
- Excellent customer service from RWC’s staff.
Protection, longevity, strength, experience, and third-party insurance backing are all qualities of RWC’s home warranty programs. So if you are asking yourself, “Why choose RWC?,” the answer is found in the solid assurance and numerous advantages for builders and their homebuyers.
In addition to our variety of home warranty programs, RWC offers unique features to make your membership as effective and efficient as possible.
Warranty Express is one such feature.
A unique online system, Warranty Express covers everything from home enrollment to membership renewal to ordering marketing materials and enrollment reports.
Response to Warranty Express and its powerful features has been enthusiastic. Members appear to love the convenience and efficiency of this system.
Warranty Express Features & Benefits:
- Enroll multiple homes warranties at once.
- Start the electronic enrollment process, save your work, and come back later to finish or edit prior to submitting.
- Enroll confidentially over a secure site.
- Generate FHA confirmation letters or state affidavits, if needed.
- Order enrollment reports to reconcile your records.
- Order marketing materials, including sample home warranty books, consumer brochures, signage for model homes, and important document folders to keep all your settlement paperwork together for closing.
- Renew your membership.
- Enjoy a shorter renewal application process.
- NO “initial” enrollment paperwork.
- NO deposits.
- NO surcharges if the warranty fee is paid online.
- NO waiting for the mail for forms and books for closing.
- Receive IMMEDIATE confirmation that your enrollment was received.
- Access both the application for New Home Warranty and warranty books immediately. Either print from the comfort of your office or simply email to your buyer.
- FREE online enrollment reports.
- Fast, efficient, and paperless.
- Huge cost and time savings!
How Warranty Express Membership Renewal Works:
When it’s time for your renewal, we will send you an email (60 days prior to the renewal date) as well as a postcard (just in case!) notifying you that your renewal is ready to complete through Warranty Express. You will be able to login and complete the needed forms without the hassle of addressing an envelope and paying for postage. Your membership renewal fee may also be paid online. Any other required documents may simply be emailed directly to the person handling your renewal (for your security, financial statements should still be mailed or faxed).
Have you signed up for Warranty Express yet?
Currently, approximately 80% of RWC members renew their membership online. If you haven’t signed up yet, please contact our office to get your password!
Interested in what else RWC has to offer? Explore our wide array of warranty products!