Home warranty companies have topped Angie's List most complained about categories for the 7th year in a row.

"What we found in this process is that consumers are not clear about what a home warranty covers and we are seeing complaints about the quality of contractors the home warranty company sends out to do the repairs."

Hick's says the key is to make sure you understand your home warranty and companies need to put in a little extra leg work.

"They need to do extra screening on the contractors that they are having done the repairs so they make sure that the work done is done to the consumer's expectation."

And you should take a few extra steps as well.

"When you do have a need and you call the warranty company for repairs ask for two or three names of companies that they would use for the repair and do the research yourself for those companies."

Number 2 on 2011's most complained about categories are internet service providers and banks and credit unions come in at #3.

Angie’s List Home Warranty Tips:
•If you are considering adding a home warranty or home service contract to your purchase, be sure to read the contract carefully. Find out what the warranty covers, and what it doesn’t cover. Compare multiple policies, as coverage can vary significantly and check company reviews to find out as much as you can about other homeowners’ experiences with the warranty company.
•If you have a service issue, ask for the names of three contractors they could send out. Then, research those contractors, call the warranty company back and tell them which contractor you prefer. If there are deductibles for service calls in addition to the initial warranty cost – typically between $350 and $500 a year – you might decide you’re better off without the warranty.

Warranty companies weren’t the only repeat offenders in 2011 to the most complained-about list, however. Also back on the list:
•Internet service providers
•Property management companies
•Mobile and landline phone service providers
•Wedding service categories, such as bridal shops and wedding planners.

Banks and credit unions are new to the most complained-about list. Complaints of unauthorized fees, unsatisfactory communication from banks on their policies, and poor customer service were the prevailing theme in the poorly graded reports.

Angie’s List 2011 Most Complained-About Companies
1. Home warranty companies*
2. Internet service providers*
3. Banks/Credit unions
4. Property management companies*
5. Auction services
6. Boating sales and service
7. Mattress sales
8. Mobile and landline phone providers*
9. Wedding professionals – bridal and tuxedo shops, planners*
10. Travel agencies
*Repeat appearance on this list

Hauling companies, dryer vent cleaners, ceiling fan installers, home organizers, lighting, glass block and screen repair companies all repeated on the Least Complained-About list this year, with fewer than 3 percent of their respective reports being negative.

Angie’s List 2011 Least Complained-About Companies
1. Piano tuning
2. Mailbox repair
3. Hauling services*
4. Graphic design
5. Dryer vent cleaning*
6. Ceiling fan installation*
7. Home organization services*
8. Lighting services*
9. Glass block services
10. Screen repair*
*Repeat appearance on this list