If you like warm weather and quick access to the ocean, Alabama can be a great place to live. Homeownership in Alabama comes with lots of great perks; however, there are times when owning an Alabama home can be stressful. With excessive heat and temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, HVAC systems and refrigerators face massive strain to run properly.
Home warranties in Alabama serve to cover these systems and appliances, plus much more. Finding the best home warranty for your needs and budget is a crucial part of keeping your home protected and maximizing your peace of mind.
Top 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Alabama (2023)
There are more than 50 home warranty companies in the state of Alabama. Some of these home warranty companies may seem like they are offering a great deal, and then, in reality, their coverage is not all that great. When we compare home warranty companies, we look at things like plan choices, service fees, coverage caps, overall coverage choices, and more. Here is how the top five plans in Alabama ranked.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Alabama
The table below compares the best home warranty companies in Alabama and beyond. We constantly update these ratings as companies change their policies and prices to give you the most accurate information possible. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Company | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Limit | Response Time | Rating | States Covered |
$46.83–$54.75+ | $85 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 49 states, excluding WA | |
$49.99–$99.99 | $75–$125 | $6,000 | 24–72 hours | 4.5 | 50 States | |
$49.99–$69.99+ | $65–$125 | $2,000 | 12–48 hours | 4.3 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI | |
$60.42–$63.75+ | $60–$75 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.2 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI | |
$30.00–$60.00 | $75–$125 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.3 | 49 states, excluding HI | |
$39.99–$54.99 | $100–$125 | $2,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.1 | 48 states, excluding AK and HI | |
$17.00–$60.00 | $65–$100 | $2,500 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 42 states, excluding AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, and WY | |
$36.00–$46.50 | $75–$125 | $3,500 | 24–48 hours | 3.9 | 34 states, excluding AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, and WI |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2023. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Top Picks for the Best Home Warranty in Alabama
Choice Home Warranty
4.1
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty was rated 4.9/5 stars as the best overall home warranty in the state of Alabama. For the last 13 years, Choice Home Warranty has been offering homeowners some of the best warranty coverage on the market. Even after 13 years in the industry, Choice still has a B- rating with the BBB, which is quite high for the home warranty industry. If you are looking for a policy with a simple and straightforward plan and fair coverage limits, Choice is the answer.
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans, both of which are combination plans for both systems and appliances. Most companies make you pay extra for a premium plan that would offer this kind of comprehensive coverage. In addition, Choice Home Warranty has plenty of add-on options that you can include with your home warranty to cover all areas of your home. The coverage caps are quite high — up to $2,500 — and the service fee is $85.
Here’s a detailed look at Choice Home Warranty’s coverage:
- Basic Plan ($42/month): The Basic Plan from Choice Home Warranty covers 13 items, which include both home systems and appliances. The plan covers systems like plumbing, heating, and electrical, plus ductwork and water heaters. Appliance coverage includes cooktop exhaust fans, ovens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and microwaves. This plan also covers ceiling fans, some plumbing fixtures, and garage door openers. This plan includes excellent coverage for one of the lowest prices in the industry.
- Total Plan ($53.33/month): The Total Plan is a more comprehensive option that covers everything in the Basic Plan, plus additional systems appliances, and home systems. It adds on warranties for air conditioning systems, refrigerators, washers, and dryers. The addition of AC coverage makes the Total Plan an outstanding option for Alabamans.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Annual Cost | Service Fee |
Basic Plan | $45 | $560 | $85 |
Total Plan | $53.33 | $660 | $85 |
In case the plans above aren’t comprehensive enough for you, Choice Home Warranty also has add-on services for additional coverage. You can choose from coverage for:
- Roof leaks (limited coverage)
- Septic tanks (pumping included)
- Septic system maintenance
- Sump pumps
- Well pumps
- Pools and spas
- Second refrigerators
- Stand-alone freezers
- Central vacuum systems
Liberty Home Guard
4.5
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty company in the state of Alabama and earned 4.5 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. Although it’s only been on the market for four years, LGH has earned a BBB rating of A, which is unheard of in this industry. In addition to several thousand positive reviews and a low claim denial rate, LHG engages its customers with an easy-access chat feature and seamless claim filing processes. It’s clear that LHG puts its policyholders as the #1 priority, and even offers plans as low as $1 per day.
Liberty Home Guard has three plans to choose from. There is a systems plan, appliance plan, and combo plan, all of which with high coverage caps of $2,500 per item. However, one of the things that really makes Liberty Home Guard stand out is the list of 40+ add-on coverage options. If you have any unique features to your home that you would like to see covered as part of the plan, the Liberty Home Guard home warranty is an ideal choice.
Here’s a detailed look at Liberty Home Guard’s coverage:
- Appliance Guard ($64.99/month): The Appliance Guard plan covers most major appliances and some minor ones, but it excludes all home systems. You’ll get coverage for refrigerators, clothes dryers, washers, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and garbage disposals. It also includes coverage for ice makers, cooktop exhaust fans, garage door openers, and ceiling fans.
- Systems Guard ($69.99/month): The Systems Guard plan is for customers who don’t care about covering appliances but want their home systems under warranty. The Systems Guard plan includes coverage for heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems, plus smaller systems and components like water heaters, ductwork, toilets, and bathroom exhaust fans.
- Total Home Guard ($74.99/month): As you might have guessed, the Total Home Guard plan covers everything included in the other two plans, for just $5 or $10 more per month. As one of the most comprehensive home warranties available in Alabama, this is an outstanding deal and the most popular option among homeowners who choose Liberty Home Guard.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Annual Cost | Service Fee |
Appliance Guard | $64.99 | $700 | $75 |
Systems Guard | $69.99 | $750 | $75 |
Total Home Guard | $74.99 | $800 | $75 |
One of the most appealing aspects of going with LHG is the extent of the add-on products available to supplement the already comprehensive plans. You can choose additional coverage for:
- Pool and spa
- Additional spa
- Saltwater pool
- Gutter cleaning
- Floor/carpet cleaning
- Sump pump
- Fixtures
- Water softener
- Trash Compactor
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Electronics protection
- Swamp cooler
- Ejector pump
- Septic system pumping
- Limited roof leak
- Pest control
- Locksmith
- Free-standing ice maker
- Central vacuum
- Stand-alone freezer
- Re-key
- Second refrigerator
- Wine refrigerator
- Well pump
- TV and PC
- Generator
- Water dispenser
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty plan for Alabama homeowners, and thus earned 4.8/5 stars based on our methodology. Select offers three home warranty plans, which average $44.77 per month—over $6 less than the industry average! Not only are Select’s monthly premiums affordable, but its service fee is just $60 per month, which is $16 under the average and the lowest on the market. If you are a homeowner looking for an Alabama home warranty that won’t break the bank, this is the best choice.
Select Home Warranty plans come in three different options. There is a systems plan, an appliance plan, and then a combo plan to choose from. Although the systems plan and appliance plan are great, the combo plan is just a few dollars more and includes all of the impressive coverage of the other two plans. Select Home Warranty also throws in free roof leak coverage with the purchase of any of their plans.
Here’s a detailed look at Select Home Warranty’s coverage:
- Bronze Plan ($44.42/month): The Bronze Plan is an appliance-only plan, so it’s great for customers on a budget who just want their appliances insured. This plan covers major appliances like ovens, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and cooktops. It also includes a warranty for built-in microwaves and garbage disposals.
- Gold Plan ($44.42/month): The Gold Plan is ideal for homeowners looking to spend as little money as possible by covering home systems but not appliances. This plan includes coverage for several home systems, including plumbing, electrical, heating, and AC units. Plus, you get coverage for ductwork and water heaters.
- Platinum Plan ($47.45/month): The Platinum Plan is a more comprehensive option that works well for Alabama homeowners looking for the most peace of mind. It includes all of the coverages offered in the previous two plans, plus some additional items, like plumbing stoppages and ceiling fans. The best part about this plan is that it’s only $5 more per month than the other two plans alone.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Annual Cost | Service Fee |
Bronze Care | $44.42 | $479.99 | $60 |
Gold Care | $44.42 | $479.99 | $60 |
Platinum Care | $47.75 | $524.99 | $60 |
Like many other home warranty companies, Select Home Warranty offers add-on coverage for an additional fee. The additional coverage options include:
- Pools
- Spas
- Septic systems
- Well pumps
- Sump pumps
- Lawn sprinkler systems
- Roof leaks
- Central vacuum systems
- Stand-alone freezers
American Home Shield
4.2
Our Rating
American Home Shield (AHS) has the most customizable plans in the home warranty industry. If your Alabama home has unique features or high-end appliances, the premium coverage from American Home Shield offers an applicable add-on. For more flexibility, AHS allows its customers to choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service fee, which in turn affects the monthly payment cost. This company has been offering home warranties to Alabama residents for more than 50 years, and with its comprehensive plans and customer service, it’s no wonder AHS is a household name.
There are three American Home Shield plans to choose from. The two comprehensive plan options tend to be the most popular. These plans cover a variety of appliances and systems for ultimate peace of mind. In addition, American Home Shield’s plans are known for their great add-on coverage, especially for pools and spas. You can build out an American Home Shield plan to work precisely for your needs. Coverage caps range from $3,000 to unlimited amounts, and you can choose from service fees between $75 and $150.
Here’s a detailed look at American Home Shield’s coverage:
- ShieldSilver ($39.99/month): This is one of American Home Guard’s basic plans, which includes home systems but excludes all appliances. It covers your heating system, plumbing system, electrical system, and AC system. You’ll also get coverage for certain system components, like water heaters, ductwork, garage door openers, and smoke alarms. The price is very affordable based on the coverage you get.
- ShieldGold ($49.99/month): ShieldGold is the entry-level home warranty for home systems and home appliances. It includes coverage for all systems and components in the ShieldSilver plan, plus a warranty for refrigerators, cooktops, ovens, microwaves (built-in only), dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, and garbage disposals. This option is one step up from the ShieldSilver plan, and the added coverage only costs an extra $10 per month.
- ShieldPlatinum ($64.99/month): The ShieldPlatinum plan is for any homeowner who wants more comprehensive coverage for maximum peace of mind. This plan covers everything in ShieldSilver and ShieldGold, plus it includes a free tune-up for your AC system, roof leak repair, and coverage for permits and code violations. This plan also comes with higher coverage caps to save you the most money over time.
Plan | Cost Per Month ($75 service fee) | Cost Per Month ($100 service fee) | Cost Per Month ($125 service fee) |
ShieldSilver | $44.27 | $34.27 | $29.27 |
ShieldGold | $54.27 | $44.27 | $39.27 |
ShieldPlatinum | $74.27 | $64.27 | $59.27 |
For customers who want even more coverage options, AHS also provides add-on services if you’re willing to pay a bit extra. These include:
- Electronic extended warranty
- Pool and spas
- Well pump
- Septic pump
- Guest unit
- PC and TV coverage
Local Home Warranty Companies in Alabama
If looking for a local home warranty, check out our top home warranty companies in the most popular Alabama cities across the state.
Quick Comparison of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Alabama
Company | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Limit | Response Time | Rating | States Covered |
$46.83–$54.75+ | $85 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 49 states, excluding WA | |
$49.99–$99.99 | $75–$125 | $6,000 | 24–72 hours | 4.5 | 50 States | |
$49.99–$69.99+ | $65–$125 | $2,000 | 12–48 hours | 4.3 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI | |
$60.42–$63.75+ | $60–$75 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.2 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI | |
$30.00–$60.00 | $75–$125 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.3 | 49 states, excluding HI | |
$39.99–$54.99 | $100–$125 | $2,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.1 | 48 states, excluding AK and HI | |
$17.00–$60.00 | $65–$100 | $2,500 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 42 states, excluding AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, and WY | |
$36.00–$46.50 | $75–$125 | $3,500 | 24–48 hours | 3.9 | 34 states, excluding AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, and WI |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2023. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
What is an Alabama Home Warranty and How Does it Work?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs and replacements of the home’s major appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. Some home warranties have add-on coverages for unique items and customizable protection plans.
Home warranties require a monthly payment for access to the coverage, plus a service fee if you ever file a claim and need an inspection or some kind of repair or replacement. Most claims are filed online and your home warranty provider will send a dedicated service technician to fix the issues covered by your plan.
For more information about the typical coverages of an Alabama home warranty, watch this video:
Once you’re fully covered, approximately 30 days after signing up, any issue in your home that is included in your home warranty can be reported to your home warranty provider. The entire process is quick and painless:
- Identify an issue in your home that is covered in your home warranty
- Notify your provider to request service, usually via the company’s website or a phone call; some providers have online chats and mobile apps to make the experience even easier
- Your home warranty company will send a service provider to inspect the issue and either repair or replace the damaged appliance or home system component
- You pay a nominal service fee, averaging around $85, rather than the cost of the repair or replacement
What to Look for in an Alabama Home Warranty
When comparing home warranty companies in Alabama, there are several essential features you should look for. Here are the top three we recommend:
- Low Service Fees: A service fee is a price you pay when you need a repair completed at your home. When a service technician is dispatched, you pay a service fee, and then the rest of the repair is covered under your warranty. We recommend finding a company with a service fee at or below the industry average of $76.55.
- High Coverage Caps: Some policies stop covering things once you spend more than $500 or $1,000 on a particular appliance or system. Look for coverage caps closer to $2,000 or $3,000, especially for highly used systems in Alabama like air conditioning.
- Flexible Coverage Options: We recommend going with a home warranty company that offers several optional coverage riders, so you can customize your policy for exactly what you need. Some essential add-on options for Alabama homeowners to check for are a swimming pool, roof leaks, free-standing ice makers, and freezers.
Biggest Complaints about Home Warranty Companies in Alabama
Most homeowners in Alabama are pleased with their home warranties and find that they are worth the investment. However, there are some complaints about plans and providers that pop up from time to time.
Most often, homeowners in Alabama use home warranties to cover HVAC and air conditioning issues, as this equipment is most likely to fail, given the excessive heat in the summer months. Some residents complain that air conditioning system issues aren’t covered even after getting a home warranty, mostly because the problem is determined to have stemmed from a lack of service.
Another common complaint about home warranties in Alabama is that the pool coverage isn’t adequate for the issues that pop up most commonly. These issues stem from not reading coverage agreements carefully, so it’s important to review your agreement — especially the parts that matter to you most — before signing anything.
Final Thoughts – Is a Home Warranty in Alabama Worth It?
Home warranties are helpful for all homeowners, but they’re particularly useful for Alabamans. One of the reasons home warranties are so popular is the weather, which is hot and humid. Summer temperatures average in the 80s through most of the summer and reach into the 90s at the peak of warm weather. Most Alabama homeowners run their air conditioners from April through October, and excessive use can cause damages and breakdowns that are covered by most home warranty options.
Similarly, many home warranties cover ceiling fans, either as a part of their normal plans or as add-on options. Ceiling fans not only help alleviate the need for some AC usage in the spring and fall, but they also help cooled air feel more comfortable. Again, constant use in the hot months can cause damages that can be costly to repair or replace.
It only takes one or two repairs to your home to realize that a home warranty is well worth the money you pay. Think about having your washing machine and your dryer go down at the same time — an unfortunately common occurrence, since most homeowners buy both together. The quote to fix them averages around $900. Similarly, the average cost for a service call from a plumber or an HVAC technician is around $300, and certain repairs and replacement costs can easily reach over $1,000.
FAQs about Alabama Home Warranties
Who Needs a Home Warranty?
Virtually any homeowner can benefit immensely from a home warranty. They help reduce the costs of repairing or replacing damaged items in your home, and they cover things your home insurance doesn’t, like appliances and home systems. With that being said, new home buyers, home sellers, and those who live in aging homes will benefit most.
If you’re a buyer in the real estate market, you’re moving into the unknown. You might have an inspection done to rule out major issues, but you never know when your HVAC system will go down, when a roof leak will pop up, or when an appliance will suddenly stop working. The last thing you want to do is pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for repairs just after moving in, and a home warranty can help prevent that. Sellers can benefit from home warranties because they often cover repairs that buyers might demand before closing.
Lastly, older homes are more likely to experience issues. Having a home warranty can help protect you from expensive repairs or replacements that pop up more than they would in newer construction.
What Is the Best Home Warranty Company in Alabama?
No single home warranty company will be ideal for all Alabama homeowners. All companies vary and have their upsides and drawbacks, so it’s best to find the one that meets your specific needs and fits into your budget. With that being said, our top-rated home warranty company in Alabama is Choice Home Warranty. This company is affordable, provides outstanding coverage, and maintains a reputation for excellent customer service.
Will a Home Warranty Protect Me From Tornado Damage?
Tornadoes are more common in Alabama than in most other states, with homeowners experiencing over 70 per year, on average. Home warranties typically do not cover damages caused by tornadoes, but your homeowners insurance very likely will.
What Home Warranties Cover HVAC Systems?
Most home warranties offer coverage for HVAC systems and ductwork, which is something most Alabama homeowners need, given how often they use their AC equipment. If the provider you choose offers a comprehensive plan, chances are your HVAC system will be covered. If you choose an appliance-only option, it won’t, but a home systems-only option should.
Today's Homeowner Home Warranty Ranking Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader.
To create this rating system, our team spent hours researching over 60 companies, analyzing 2500+ key data points, getting the thoughts and opinions of 1000+ homeowners, and speaking to home warranty company representatives directly. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to ensure no detail was left out.
We developed an objective home warranty review and rating methodology to score each home warranty company based on several criteria. We used a five-point scale with a point index ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. The minimum awardable value is 0.0, whereas 1.00 is the maximum. These numeric points are translated into star ratings, using whole star increments between one and five.
Here is a quick breakdown of our five core scoring categories:
- Coverage (0.4): This category evaluates the scope of protection offered by a home warranty provider. We clearly distinguished between limited and broad coverage to help homeowners identify their own home protection needs. We also factor in claim turnaround times, average waiting period lengths, plan types, annual coverage limits, policy exclusions, etc.
- Cost (0.3): This category considers what home warranty companies charge homeowners monthly, annually, and out-of-pocket. We urge homeowners also to consider the cost-to-value ratio of a home warranty plan.
- Transparency and Trustworthiness (0.15): This category evaluates home warranty providers based on pending or past legal action, hidden fees, lack of information readily available on the website, exclusions, and more. We consider how upfront a company is to its potential policyholders, which says a lot about its products and services.
- Customer Support and Satisfaction (.09): This category evaluates the efficacy of a home warranty company’s effort to provide supportive guidance to inquiring customers and how policyholders are satisfied with the assistance they receive.
- Customization (.06): This category evaluates the ability of homeowners to adjust and choose their policy details, such as pricing variation, optional add-ons, and the number of plans available