Whether you’re moving into a new home, putting your house on the market or looking for added protection, as long as you own your home, you can benefit from a home warranty. With this type of service agreement in which the provider will pay the bulk of the cost of repairing or replacing a covered item minus a service fee. This coverage kicks in when a covered appliance or system breaks down due to normal wear and tear damage.There’s no shortage of home warranty providers in North Carolina, so starting your search for the best one for you can seem daunting. However, we’ve narrowed down the top nationwide companies that provide the best home warranties in the Tar Heel State. We’ve outlined differences in price, coverage details and workmanship guarantees to help you pick the best home warranty for you.
In this article:
- Best Overall: American Home Shield
- Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
- Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
- Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
We choose American Home Shield as the best overall provider of home warranty plans in North Carolina. This company founded the home warranty industry in 1971 and it’s remained a leader in the field ever since. Put simply, American Home Shield plans cover conditions and types of damage that others don’t, and its nationwide reach means it has the resources and contractor network to provide timely, efficient service.
Pros and Cons
✓ Covers pre-existing conditions and insufficient maintenance
✓ Covers duplicate items (fridges, ovens, etc.) with no extra fee
✓ Allows you to customize deductible and premium costs
✘ Premium prices are slightly higher than average
✘ Only guarantees repairs for 30 days
Plans and Coverage
American Home Shield offers three different plans depending on how much coverage you need. ShieldSilver includes coverage for 14 of your home’s major systems, and ShieldGold includes both home systems and appliances. Finally, the ShieldPlatinum plan adds coverage for things like roof-leak repairs, HVAC tune-ups and code upgrades.
As with most home warranty companies, American Home Shield allows you to add optional coverage for items that most homeowners are a little less likely to have. You can purchase additional coverage for pools, spas, septic pumps, well pumps or guest houses (up to 750 sq. ft.). There’s also an option for an add-on electronics protection plan.
| Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| Roof-leak repairs | ✔ | ||
| Air conditioner | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating unit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in exhaust, vent and attic fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Doorbells and chimes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior electrical lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceiling fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garage door openers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior plumbing lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toilets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets and valves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Whirlpool tub motor and components | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Range/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
Cost
There are two factors to every home warranty price: the service call fee, also called the deductible, and the premium. You’ll pay the premium every month (or year) of the contract, and you’ll pay the service call fee every time a technician visits your home to diagnose a problem or make a repair. American Home Shield allows you to customize your deductible ($75, $100 or $125) in relation to your premium.
We requested a quote for an average 2,000 sq. ft. home in Charlotte, NC. Here are the premium prices we received for each service fee option.
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| ShieldSilver | $44.99 | $34.99 | $29.99 |
| ShieldGold | $54.99 | $44.99 | $39.99 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $74.99 | $64.99 | $59.99 |
Get a Free Quote
To find out how much an American Home Shield plan will cost you, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this quick online form.
Home Warranty Resources
- What is a Home Warranty?
- How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?
- Is a Home Warranty Worth It for You?
- Best Home Warranties in 2023
- Do Your Appliances Need Extended Warranties?
Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
Quick Take
With more than a decade in the industry, America’s 1st Choice (AFC) Home Club has made a name for itself by offering homeowners multiple options for protecting their appliances and systems. Based in the South, the company receives relatively high customer reviews for a home warranty company. It even lets customers choose their own contractors as long as they receive prior approval before repairs begin.
Pros and Cons
✓ Offers four plan options and many add-ons
✓ Repairs guaranteed for the length of the contract
✓ Includes free security perks like identity protection
✘ Requires home inspection to skip 30-day waiting period
✘ Only Platinum Plan covers plumbing stoppages
Plans and Coverage
AFC Home Club’s four plans offer varying levels of coverage. As the name implies, the Systems Plan covers only home systems. The Silver Plan covers only home appliances. The Gold Plan covers both and adds coverage for ductwork. Finally, the Platinum Plan covers all of the above and adds plumbing stoppages, built-in microwaves, refrigerator ice makers and faucets.
To any of the above plans, you can add a tankless water heater, sump pump, ice maker, well pump, in-ground pool, double oven, hot water dispenser, built-in microwave, stand-alone freezer, central vacuum or septic system. These add-ons cost between $25 and $50 a year.
| Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Oven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Range | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✓ | |||
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | |||
| Ice maker | ✓ |
Cost
Another form of customizability that AFC Home Club offers is with its payment plans. You can choose between a $75, $100 or $125 service call fee. Here are the prices we were quoted for the $75 service call fee.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| Annual Cost | $50.75 | $555 |
| Silver Plan | $44 | $474 |
| Gold Plan | $57.50 | $636 |
| Platinum Plan | $62 | $690 |
Get a Free Quote
Enter your contact information in this easy form or call 877-755-1115 to get a free quote from AFC Home Club.
Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Quick Take
Select Home Warranty is available to homeowners in all 50 states, and its plans are some of the most affordable in many of those states. Even if you don’t have a large monthly budget, you can still get coverage for the basics with a few perks thrown in. Even the least expensive plan comes with coverage for roof-leak repairs over the inhabited areas in your home, as well as an additional two months for no extra charge if you pay annually.
Pros and Cons
✓ Affordable premium prices
✓ 14 months of coverage when you pay annually
✓ Free limited roof-leak coverage
✘ Lower coverage caps than other providers
✘ No coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty’s three plans cover appliances (Bronze Care), systems (Gold Care) or both (Platinum Care). The Platinum Care plan also includes coverage for plumbing stoppages, garage door openers and ceiling fans.
Coverage for central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, spas, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps and well pumps is also available for an extra fee. Roof-leak repairs are included with all three plans at no additional cost.
| Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
| Limited roof leak | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air conditioning and cooling | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ||
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ||
| Ceiling fan | ✔ |
Cost
The service call fee with any Select Home Warranty plan is the industry-standard $75. Remember that monthly billing applies to a 12-month contract, but annual billing comes with a 14-month contract.
| Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |
| Bronze Care Plan | $44.42 | $479.99 |
| Gold Care Plan | $44.42 | $479.99 |
| Platinum Care Plan | $49.83 | $549.99 |
Get a Free Quote
For a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple online form or call 888-370-3956.
Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
Quick Take
Rounding out our top four First American Home Warranty offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available. Particularly if you purchase the company’s First Class Upgrade, you won’t have to worry about a repair being denied because you or the former homeowner installed, repaired or modified it incorrectly. You’ll also have plenty of add-on options to choose from.
Pros and Cons
✓ In business since 1984
✓ Covers known and unknown pre-existing conditions
✓ High coverage limits for HVAC systems
✘ Coverage for air conditioning must be purchased separately
✘ $75 fee to cancel a plan
Plans and Coverage
First American’s Basic Plan covers home appliances, and the Premier Plan covers both systems and appliances. With either one, you can also purchase the company’s First Class Upgrade, which adds coverage for various appliance knobs, dials, grills and registers. More importantly, this upgrade will give you coverage for building permits, cranes, refrigerant recapture, code violation correction and other conditions not normally covered by most home warranties.
In addition to the First Class Upgrade, you can purchase options coverage for pool/spa equipment, well pumps, septic tank pumping or septic systems, HVAC tune-ups or additional refrigerators. If you want coverage for your air conditioning system, you’ll have to purchase that separately, as well.
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Premier Plan |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/Range | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes washer and dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ |
Cost
First American Home Warranty’s service call fee is slightly higher than average at $85, but its premiums are very reasonable, and you can save even more money by paying your premium annually.
| Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Monthly with AC | Annual with AC | |
| Basic Plan | $37 | $408 | $46 | $516 |
| Premier Plan | $49.50 | $588 | $58.50 | $666 |
Get a Free Quote
Call First American Home Warranty at 800-891-9778 or fill out this easy contact form for a free quote.
Our Verdict
Purchasing a home warranty can provide you with invaluable peace of mind, knowing that repairing or replacing covered items that wear out won’t come with huge out-of-pocket expenses. For homeowners in North Carolina, we find that American Home Shield offers the best combination of comprehensive coverage, quality customer services and value. With three plans at three varying price points, you’re sure to find a home warranty that fits your budget.
All of the above companies offer excellent home warranty coverage, and it may take a little research on your part to find the best one for your home. However, we’ve done the hardest part for you, and you can receive a free, instant quote from any of our recommended providers by visiting their websites and entering your contact info. Compare the numbers against the amount of coverage you need to find your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Home Warranties
How much does a home warranty cost in North Carolina?
Although the overall cost will depend on the size of your home and your specific geographic location, in general, home warranties in North Carolina cost between $35 and $60 a month, or about $420 and $720 per year. Prices may vary between an urban area like Raleigh and a rural area like Blowing Rock.
Does Cinch Home Services offer home warranties in North Carolina?
Although Cinch Home Services does provide home warranty plans in North Carolina, it didn’t make our top four. It has excellent plans and even covers pre-existing conditions, but its high service fees and limited add-on options put it a little lower on our list.
Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?
Home warranties and homeowners insurance cover some of the same items, but they apply to different situations. Home warranties cover appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. Alternatively, homeowners’ insurance covers a home’s structure and some items in the event of a catastrophe like fire, theft, vandalism, earthquake or severe weather.
What’s the difference between a home warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty?
We’ve already outlined the primary purpose of a home warranty: to cover repairs and replacements to covered appliances and systems that wear out in the course of normal use. Home warranties usually cover these items no matter how old or what brand they are. Manufacturer’s warranties, on the other hand, typically cover new, individual items and only come into play during breakdowns due to manufacturing defects. If your new oven is still under warranty and breaks because of a faulty hinge, for example, the manufacturer may replace it.
Home Warranty Rating Methodology
To help you find the best home warranty, our reviews team researched numerous home warranty companies, analyzing their coverage plans, pricing and customer service, among other factors:
- Coverage: Home warranty companies that provide extensive coverage and protect important systems and appliances, including your air conditioning, refrigerator and heating, scored higher than companies with minimal coverage.
- Plan variety: A provider with more coverage plans allows for more flexibility among customers. In general, most home warranty companies provide an appliances-only plan, systems-only plan and combination plan.
- Pricing: We scored providers based on their monthly plan prices and service call fees compared to the industry average pricing. Companies with more affordable coverage received more points than companies with more expensive plans.
- State availability: Where you live will determine what companies are available in your area. Home warranty companies that covered more states received more points than companies with a limited state availability.
- Trustworthiness: There are some home warranty companies that are scams and don’t follow through on their service agreements. We rated companies based on their years of experience, ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.
To keep our data current, our team regularly updates the data points for each company to ensure their coverage offerings, pricing and availability are accurate.
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