Policy # IL2900 52-2008 Claim# 301089 On January 5, 2008 we were remodeling the home we own at 25211 Fryer St in Channahon, IL 60410 at that time we purchased a Home Warranty policy with HWA since the home was empty. I first called their company about a week or two later because the boiler in the home was leaking. I was told at that time that they did not cover damage due to rust until we were covered 30 days. The serviceman who was coming out told me to check the spicket and I did and closed it completely shut and cancelled the service call.
I tried to call HWA on the December 27, 2008 because the pilot went out and I smelled an odd odor and the pipes were not warming as usual. The serviceman HWA sent told us that the boiler was no good and that we should get a furnace with ducts and vents. My husband told him we would like to keep a boiler. HWA told us they would not cover the boiler because it was not maintained. I told her that we would like someone that knew about boilers to come out and look at it.
HWA had another company come out and they told us that because some of the burners were clogged that it would not cover it for lack of maintenance on our part. I told her that we bled the radiators and that we vacuumed the boiler and I wiped it off rust and all. Through all this I spoke to Linda, Irene Sanders, Katey Mueller, Scott Gates, Michelle Clexton, and Rhannyel Linares. Plus anyone else who answered the phone. The policy does say that the boiler has to be maintained, but in good faith we did maintain the boiler. I feel I have been put in a terrible position since I am now forced to spend almost $4000.00 to replace the boiler our selves since it is the middle of winter in Chicago and we cannot risk more significant and costly damage being done to our home if it were not heated for a period of time while we settled this dispute.
If the boiler would have lasted 10 more years and I kept paying the premium the company would have gotten almost $5000. And I would have maintained it the same way and we would have been refused for the same excuse. According to both of their servicemen who came out said they would never have covered this boiler yet HWA took the money sight unseen (Side note: HWA had no problem taking my 2009 automatic payment after denying my claim I had to call and get them to refund the total amount)
Also I am a Realtor, I hand out theirs and 2 other companies’ brochures when I sell or list homes. Rhannyel told me they looked me up and I am not in their system. The reason I brought up the fact I am a realtor is because if I am trying to protect my clients and I tell them they need home warranty policy for their protection and if this same thing happened to them I would feel I misrepresented them. I really don’t know what my name in their system has to do with it. I asked one of their representatives if I am correct in the fact that if a new home owners furnace or whatever was not properly maintained (AS THEY CLAIM ) would they cover it and she said no. I am very disappointed and angry with the service of this company. It looks like they can indiscriminately deny any claim for any reason, According to their words our old and unattractive boiler would have never been covered for any reason, so why was it insured as they gladly took my and any other unsuspecting persons monies? I feel they should honor their contract and pay for a new boiler.
Thank you
Sue Reitz