A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs or replacements of home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. It provides homeowners with peace of mind knowing that they won’t have to pay the full cost of repairs or replacements when something goes wrong. With so many home warranty companies out there, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will provide you with a buying guide to help you make an informed decision and list the 5 best home warranty companies in the market today.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide for Home Warranty Companies
When choosing a home warranty company, there are several factors to consider, including:
Coverage
Make sure to read the contract’s fine print to understand what is covered and excluded from the plan. Most companies cover major appliances and systems, but some may have limitations on coverage for specific items.
Cost
Home warranty companies charge an annual premium, and some may have additional fees for service calls or deductibles. Make sure to compare pricing and coverage options from several companies before making a decision.
Customer Service
Research customer reviews and ratings to see how responsive and helpful the company is when resolving claims or issues.
Contractor Network
Check the company’s contractor network to ensure that they have qualified professionals in your area who can perform the necessary repairs or replacements.
Claims Process
Find out how to file a claim and how long it takes for the company to respond and send a technician.
The 5 Best Home Warranty Companies
Here are our top picks for the best home warranty companies:
1. Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage for major appliances and systems, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. They have a network of pre-screened contractors and offer a 24/7 claims service. Their pricing is competitive, and they offer a 90-day repair guarantee.
2. American Home Shield
American Home Shield is one of the oldest and most established home warranty companies in the market. They offer a variety of plans to choose from and cover major appliances and systems. They have a large contractor network and provide a 24/7 claims service. Their pricing is higher than other companies, but they offer customizable plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty offers affordable plans with customizable coverage options. They cover major appliances and systems and have a network of pre-screened contractors. They offer a 24/7 claims service and a 30-day repair guarantee. Their pricing is competitive, but some customers have reported slow claims processing.
4. Total Home Protection
Total Home Protection offers comprehensive coverage for major appliances and systems, including a unique “pre-existing conditions” policy that covers items that were already damaged before purchasing the warranty. They have a network of pre-screened contractors and offer a 24/7 claims service. Their pricing is competitive, and they offer a 60-day workmanship guarantee.
5. Amazon Home Warranty
Amazon Home Warranty offers several affordable plans with comprehensive coverage for major appliances and systems. They have a network of pre-screened contractors and offer a 24/7 claims service. Their pricing is competitive, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
A home warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your budget from unexpected repairs or replacements. When choosing a home warranty company, consider coverage, cost, customer service, contractor network, and claims process. Our top picks for the best home warranty companies are Choice Home Warranty, American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty, Total Home Protection, and Amazon Home Warranty.
- What is a home warranty, and how does it work?
- A home warranty is a A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs or replacements of home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. It works by paying an annual premium to the home warranty company, which then covers the costs of repairs or replacements when a covered item breaks down.
- What is typically covered under a home warranty?
- Most home warranty plans cover major appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, as well as heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. Some plans may have limitations on coverage for specific items.
- How much does a home warranty cost?
- The cost of a home warranty can vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage. On average, annual premiums range from $300 to $600, with additional fees for service calls or deductibles.
- How long do home warranty contracts last?
- Most home warranty contracts last for one year and are renewable annually. Some companies may offer multi-year contracts or allow for a cancellation and pro-rated refund.
- Can I purchase a home warranty for an older home?
- Yes, home warranty companies typically cover homes of any age, but some may have limitations on coverage for pre-existing conditions or specific systems that are more likely to break down in older homes.