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If you’ve been involved in a real estate transaction, you’ve probably heard of a home warranty. This service contract protects your budget by covering repair or replacement costs for home appliances and systems. Unlike homeowners insurance, which applies to catastrophic events such as severe weather, fire or theft, a home warranty will pay for covered items that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners, home buyers and home sellers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia can easily receive comprehensive appliance and system home warranty coverage. After extensive research on plans, prices and benefits, along with secret shopping for quotes on a home in Havertown, PA, we’ve identified the top home warranty companies in the state.
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
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
American Home Shield is our top recommendation for a home warranty in Pennsylvania because of the breadth of coverage it offers. Most home warranties only cover repairs or replacements due to wear-and-tear damage.
However, each of American Home Shield’s plans also cover breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance, improper repair, unknown pre-existing conditions, rust, sediment and corrosion. Additionally, the company has an excellent reputation and more than 50 years in the industry.
Pros and Cons
✓ Has been in business since 1971
✓ Includes many conditions other home warranties don’t, such as breakdowns from rust damage
✓ Covers multiples of the same appliance, whereas many home warranty providers only protect one of each
✘ Is often more expensive than other providers’ plans
✘ Does not provide coverage for stand-alone freezers
Plans and Coverage
American Home Shield offers three plans for Pennsylvania homeowners to choose from, detailed below:
- ShieldSilver: The least expensive plan, ShieldSilver covers the most important home systems, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.
- ShieldGold: The next plan covers all the system protected by ShieldSilver, as well as many kitchen and other home appliances.
- ShieldPlatinum: The final option covers both appliances and systems as well as seasonal HVAC tune-ups, code upgrades and roof leak repairs.
If you purchase an American Home Shield residential service contract, you can also add coverage for pools/spas, septic pumps, well pumps and guest units of up to 750 sq. ft.
| 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
With any home warranty plan, you’ll pay a monthly or yearly premium for the length of the contract. You’ll also pay a deductible or home service call fee every time you need the services of a technician. American Home Shield allows you to choose your own service fee relative to the price of your deductible. If you anticipate needing to use your home warranty frequently, a low deductible with a higher premium may be the best choice.
Here are the quotes we received for a single-family home of about 2,000 sq. ft. in Havertown, PA. Note that prices may vary within Pennsylvania, so be sure to get a free estimate for your home at the link below.
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| ShieldSilver | $49.99 | $39.99 | $34.99 |
| ShieldGold | $59.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 | $69.99 | $64.99 |
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 First Choice Home Club
Quick Take
In business since 2009, America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club distinguishes itself by offering four home warranty plans and a long list of add-on options for additional coverage. This allows you to personalize your coverage to your home’s exact needs.
Unique on our list, AFC Home Club also doesn’t require you to sign a contract. You can pay month-to-month if you choose, though you’ll pay a bit more than you would with a one- or three-year contract. Additionally, if you choose a contract, your rate will never go up as long as you continue to renew.
Pros and Cons
✓ Lets you choose your own contractor with prior authorization
✓ Locks in your price when you renew
✓ Offers free security perks like identity protection
✘ Has a $75 cancellation fee
✘ Does not cover plumbing stoppages outside of platinum plan
✘ Home inspection required to skip 30-day waiting period
Plans and Coverage
AFC Home Club offers four plans. The first, the Systems Plan, covers major systems, whereas the Silver Plan covers major appliances in your home. The Gold Plan covers both appliances and systems, as does the Platinum Plan. However, the Platinum Plan also covers a few extras like ice makers, faucets, built-in microwaves and plumbing stoppages.
The company’s add-on coverage options include:
- Tankless water heater
- In-ground pool
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Double oven
- Central vacuum
- Hot water dispenser
- Septic system
- Well pump
If you choose the Systems, Silver or Gold Plans, you can also add coverage for an ice maker or microwave.
| Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Oven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Range | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | |||
| Ice maker | ✓ | |||
| Plumbing stoppages | ✓ |
Cost
Like American Home Shield, AFC Home Club allows you to pick from a service call fee of $75, $100 or $125. The following quotes are based on a service fee of $100 and a one-year contract. You can lower this premium price by choosing a higher service fee or a longer contract.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| System Plan | $43.17 | $460 |
| Silver Plan | $35.92 | $374 |
| Gold Plan | $50.33 | $546 |
| Platinum Plan | $55.08 | $604 |
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
With all three plans under $50, Select Home Warranty earns our recognition as an excellent choice for tight budgets. Although the coverage caps aren’t quite as high as you’d get with more expensive plans, you can still benefit from the peace of mind of a home warranty while saving money over paying out of pocket for covered repairs or replacements. If you pay annually, Select Home Warranty will also give you two months of free coverage.
Pros and Cons
✓ Offers the most affordable premium plan in this review
✓ Covers roof leaks in all of its plans
✓ Provides sprinkler system coverage as an add-on
✘ Has lower coverage limits than many competitors
✘ Requires you to cancel auto-renewal in writing
Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers a Bronze Care Plan that covers home appliances and a Gold Care Plan that covers home systems. Platinum Care covers both, as well as adding coverage for garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing stoppages.
In Pennsylvania, Select Home Warranty customers can also add coverage for a lawn sprinkler system, central vacuum, pool, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, sump pump or well pump.
| 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
In addition to affordable monthly premiums, Select Home Warranty also offers a relatively low service fee of $75.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
| Platinum Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Gold Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Bronze Care | $46.08 | $499.99 |
Get a Free Quote
For a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple online form or call 888-370-3956.
Our Verdict
Our top recommendation for homeowners in Pennsylvania is American Home Shield. This company has the nationwide reach and longevity to offer the best plans with the most comprehensive coverage. No other company on our list covers as many types of damage as American Home Shield, and you’ll receive relatively generous coverage caps.
However, American Home Shield may not be right for all families or all budgets. The other providers in this review have unique benefits that could make them a better fit for you. To choose the right provider, we recommend reading home warranty reviews and comparing quotes from multiple companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Home Warranties
How much does a home warranty cost in Pennsylvania?
A home warranty in Pennsylvania typically costs between $30 and $75 per month, according to our research and secret shopping quotes. However, just as home prices vary depending where you are in the state, home warranty prices, your home’s size and additional coverage.
How does a home warranty work?
If you have a contract with a home warranty provider and a covered item breaks, you request service by filing a claim with the company. A representative will send a contractor to your home to diagnose the problem. If it falls under the terms of your warranty, you pay the contractor a service fee and the provider will take care of the rest.
Will a home warranty company pay to replace my refrigerator?
Your home warranty company will pay to replace your refrigerator if it is covered under your policy and isn’t repairable. However, this may take the form of an actual replacement or a check for the cost of the replacement. Be aware that this cost is likely to be below retail value, and you may not be able to choose the color or exact model of the replacement.
Will a home warranty cover a roof replacement?
Unfortunately, replacing a roof is an extremely expensive undertaking, and you’re very unlikely to find a home warranty company that covers it. However, some companies do include limited roof leak coverage, which typically applies to leaks over the inhabited parts of your house. That means a leak over your living room is covered, but a leak over a porch may fall under the contract’s exclusions.
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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