A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major appliances and systems in your home, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc. A home warranty can save you money and hassle when something breaks down or malfunctions in your home, as you only have to pay a small service fee instead of the full cost of the repair or replacement.
However, not all home warranty plans are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best home warranty plan for your home, such as the coverage, cost, customer service, reputation, and reviews of the provider. In this article, we will provide some tips and advice on how to choose the best home warranty plan for your home.
What to Look for in a Home Warranty Plan?
When comparing different home warranty plans, you should look for the following aspects:
- Coverage: The coverage of a home warranty plan refers to what appliances and systems are included in the plan, as well as what conditions and exclusions apply. You should look for a plan that covers the most essential and expensive items in your home, such as your HVAC system, water heater, refrigerator, etc. You should also check the terms and conditions of the plan to see what limitations and exclusions apply, such as pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, code violations, etc.
- Cost: The cost of a home warranty plan consists of two main components: the annual or monthly premium and the service fee. The premium is the amount you pay to enroll in the plan and maintain your coverage. The service fee is the amount you pay each time you request a service call from the provider. You should look for a plan that offers a reasonable and affordable premium and service fee, as well as discounts and incentives for referrals, renewals, multiple properties, etc.
- Customer Service: The customer service of a home warranty provider refers to how easy and convenient it is to contact them, request a service call, file a claim, and resolve any issues or disputes. You should look for a provider that has a 24/7 customer support line, an online portal or app, a network of qualified and licensed contractors, and a fast and efficient claim process. You should also check the provider’s policies on service delays, cancellations, refunds, transfers, etc.
- Reputation: The reputation of a home warranty provider refers to how trustworthy and reliable they are in delivering their promises and satisfying their customers. You should look for a provider that has a good track record of fulfilling their obligations, honoring their contracts, and resolving complaints. You should also check the provider’s accreditation, rating, and reviews from reputable sources, such as the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, etc.
What are Some of the Best Home Warranty Providers?
Based on our research and analysis of various sources of information and reviews , here are some of the best home warranty providers in the market:
- American Home Shield: American Home Shield is one of the oldest and largest home warranty providers in the US, with over 50 years of experience and 1.8 million customers. American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver (covers 14 major systems), ShieldGold (covers 14 major systems plus 7 appliances), and ShieldPlatinum (covers 14 major systems plus 7 appliances plus roof leak repair). American Home Shield also allows customers to customize their own plan by choosing 10 items from their list of covered items. American Home Shield has a flexible service fee ($75-$125) and a generous coverage limit ($3,000 per item). American Home Shield has an A+ rating from the BBB and an average rating of 4 stars from over 16,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
- Choice Home Warranty: Choice Home Warranty is another leading home warranty provider in the US, with over 10 years of experience and 1 million customers. Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: Basic Plan (covers 14 major systems and appliances) and Total Plan (covers 18 major systems and appliances plus optional add-ons). Choice Home Warranty has a low service fee ($85) and a reasonable coverage limit ($1,500 per item). Choice Home Warranty has a B rating from the BBB and an average rating of 4 stars from over 12,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
- Select Home Warranty: Select Home Warranty is a newer but fast-growing home warranty provider in the US, with over 5 years of experience and 375,000 customers. Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze Care (covers 8 major appliances), Gold Care (covers 6 major systems), and Platinum Care (covers 14 major systems and appliances plus optional add-ons). Select Home Warranty has a low service fee ($75) and a high coverage limit ($2,000 per item). Select Home Warranty has a B- rating from the BBB and an average rating of 4 stars from over 8,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
Conclusion
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major appliances and systems in your home. A home warranty can save you money and hassle when something breaks down or malfunctions in your home. However, not all home warranty plans are created equal. You should look for a plan that offers the best coverage, cost, customer service, and reputation for your home. Some of the best home warranty providers in the market are American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and Select Home Warranty. You can compare their plans and features online or request a free quote from them.