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A quality home warranty can help homeowners from Columbia to Charleston protect their essential systems and appliances. These protection plans cover the cost of repairing or replacing items in your home that break down due to normal wear and tear, preventing you from paying expensive costs.
We know that finding the right provider amongst a sea of options can be overwhelming. That’s why we analyzed the best home warranty companies in The Palmetto State. We secret shopped for each company’s prices, plans and coverage, digging up a plethora of information to inform your purchasing decision. We also used an address in Greenville, South Carolina, to secret shop for sample quotes from each home warranty provider. Read on to find a warranty that fits your needs.
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
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
American Home Shield (AHS) is our top pick for a home warranty in South Carolina. The veteran provider has half a century of industry experience and is known for its comprehensive plan offerings and reliable customer support. Additionally, this provider is available in all states except Alaska, keeping you protected even if you choose to relocate.
Pros & Cons
✓ Offers generous coverage caps
✓ Protects 14 items in its most basic plan
✓ Doesn’t require maintenance records
✘ Guarantees repairs for a relatively short period of 30 days
✘ Quotes slightly higher rates for plans than many industry competitors
Plans & Coverage
American Home Shield offers three coverage options to South Carolinians: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. If you’re looking for comprehensive systems coverage, ShieldSilver is a quality plan that protects 14 items, including your air conditioner and ceiling fans. For a combination of major systems and appliances protection, AHS offers its ShieldGold plan. This option covers 23 items, including your oven, dishwasher and built-in microwave oven.
The provider also offers its ShieldPlatinum plan for customers looking for the most comprehensive protection. This plan covers all items in the previous two plans plus roof leak coverage, which pays for up to $1,500 in roof leak repairs per term. AHS also offers optional add-ons for any plan, including pool and septic system plumbing coverage.
| Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| 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 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Roof leak repairs | ✔ |
Cost
American Home Shield helps South Carolina homeowners save money with its adjustable service fees. The provider allows policyholders to choose between a $75, $100 and $125 service fee, with a higher deductible lowering your service fee and a lower deductible increasing it.
Below is a price breakdown of each plan for a single-family home in Greenville, South Carolina.
| 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 learn more about American Home Shield and receive a free quote, fill out this simple form or call 844-529-9298.
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
America’s 1st Choice Home Warranty stands out with its four comprehensive plans and a long list of optional add-ons. The provider is available to homeowners nationwide and offers policyholders unique services like free credit monitoring, emergency alert services and identity protection alerts.
Pros & Cons
✓ Lets customers select their own licensed contractor
✓ Guarantees parts and labor for the life of your contract
✓ Offers 24/7 customer support
✘ Charges a $75 cancellation fee
✘ Requires customers to submit claims within one day of noticing issue
Plans & Coverage
Unlike most of the industry, America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers four home warranty plans: the Systems Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan and Platinum Plan. As its name suggests, the System Plan covers your home’s essential systems, protecting six items like your heating systems, water heater and plumbing systems. The Silver Plan focuses on just essential home appliances, protecting nine items like your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher.
The provider’s Gold Plan combines coverage from the Systems Plan and Silver Plan, protecting 15 systems and appliances. For the most comprehensive coverage, the provider offers protection for 18 items through its Platinum Plan. This option covers a variety of systems and appliances, including your ice maker, built-in microwave and dishwasher. For additional coverage, America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers six optional add-ons.
| 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
Despite its variety of plan options and comprehensive coverage, America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers protection at an affordable price. The provider lets customers choose from three different service fees for additional savings. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium, and vice versa.
Below is a look at the cost breakdowns of each plan for a single-family home in Greenville, South Carolina.
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| System Plan | $45.75 | $43.58 | $41.33 |
| Silver Plan | $39.17 | $37.00 | $34.83 |
| Gold Plan | $52.33 | $50.08 | $47.92 |
| Platinum Plan | $56.67 | $54.50 | $52.33 |
Get a Free Quote
If you’re interested in a free quote from America’s 1st Choice Home Club, fill out this easy form or contact a customer service representative at 877-755-1115.
Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Quick Take
Select Home Warranty has staked its claim as a provider that prioritizes affordability and comprehensive coverage, offering plans to homeowners across South Carolina and 45 other states. Unlike many competitors, Select offers free roof leak coverage no matter which plan you choose.
Pros & Cons
✓ Offers discounts on multi-year plans
✓ Has a 90-day repair guarantee
✓ Allows customers to submit claims over the phone or online
✘ Doesn’t cover fixtures
✘ Has low coverage caps
Plans & Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers South Carolinians the choice of three comprehensive plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care. The Bronze Care Plan is Select’s most basic plan, covering eight essential appliances, including your cooktop, dishwasher and clothes washer. Its Gold Care plan switches focus to your home systems, protecting six items like your air conditioning, heating system and water heater.
For maximum coverage, Select offers the Platinum Care Plan for maximum coverage, which protects 17 appliances and systems like your heating system, garage door openers, and plumbing stoppages. In addition to its three plans, the provider offers the following optional add-ons:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
| Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
| 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
Select Home Warranty allows customers to pay for their selected plan on a month-to-month basis or through yearly contracts. Customers that elect to pay in one lump sum get two months free, saving additional money on their plan.
Here’s a look at each plan’s cost for a single-family home in Greenville, South Carolina.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
| Platinum Care | $46.08 | $499.99 |
| Gold Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Bronze Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
Get a Free Quote
If you’re interested in a home warranty from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple form or contact the provider at 888-370-3956.
Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
Quick Take
Although First American Home Warranty has a smaller nationwide presence than many of its competitors, the provider offers two quality, comprehensive plans for South Carolina homeowners. The provider is also known for its quality customer service and unique First Class Upgrade, an optional add-on that covers items and services like building permits, refrigerant recapture and appliance haul-away.
Pros & Cons
✓ Offers all plans at under $50 a month
✓ Has generous coverage caps
✓ Covers appliances and systems with unknown pre-existing conditions
✘ Provides air conditioning coverage only as an add-on option
✘ Doesn’t let homeowners select their own service fee
Plans & Coverage
First American Home Warranty keeps it simple with two plan options: the Basic Plan and the Premier Plan. The Basic Plan focuses on protecting your home’s essential appliances, covering eight items like your clothes washer, microwave and trash compactor. The Premier Plan covers everything in the previous plan, plus adding coverage for eight systems like your plumbing, ductwork and garage door opener.
In addition to its two comprehensive plans, First American Home Warranty offers seven optional add-ons, including:
- Central air conditioning
- Additional refrigeration
- Pool/spa equipment
- Well pump
- Septic tank pumping/system
- HVAC tune-up
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Premier Plan |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/Range/cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ |
Cost
First American Home Warranty doesn’t let South Carolina homeowners select their own service fee, charging a flat $85 service call fee for all plans. However, the provider does let policyholders save some money by signing a yearly contract.
Here’s a look at the price breakdowns for a single-family home in Greenville, South Carolina.
| Plan | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
| Basic Plan | $37.00 | $408.00 |
| Premier Plan | $49.50 | $558.00 |
Get a Free Quote
To learn more about First American Home Warranty and get a free quote, fill out this simple form or call 800-891-9778.
Our Verdict
With a comprehensive home warranty, South Carolina homeowners can have peace of mind that their essential home system and appliance breakdowns are protected. A quality plan also puts you in touch with a trusted technician that can promptly take care of your issue, saving you the headache of searching for one yourself.
Our top choice for a home warranty is American Home Shield. The provider’s comprehensive plan offerings and leading industry experience position them as a high-quality choice for homeowners. Although AHS is our top choice, we recommend all home service providers in this review. No matter which company you choose, it’s important to gather quotes from multiple providers so that you can compare plans, rates and coverage options before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Home Warranties
Are home warranty plans a good investment?
Home warranty plans are a good investment for many homeowners. If your home has older systems and appliances, a home warranty can cover the cost of repairs or replacements should your items break down due to normal wear and tear. Additionally, a home warranty can be a good choice for homeowners or home buyers with limited emergency funds, as plans pay for the expensive, out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs.
However, if you’re purchasing a brand new home, your systems and appliances may come with manufacturer’s warranties that cover unexpected repairs or replacements. Once these included warranties expire, you can continue protection with a quality home warranty.
Are Home Warranties useless?
No, home warranties are not useless. A quality home warranty can be a smart investment for many homeowners across the country. These protection plans cover the cost of unexpected system and appliance repairs or replacements, saving you from hefty expenses in the event of a breakdown. Some of the items covered under a provider’s most comprehensive plan include your refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, air conditioning system, heating system, electrical systems, and water heater.
What is the cost of a home warranty in South Carolina?
The cost of a home warranty in South Carolina varies depending on which provider and plan you select. However, homeowners in this state can expect to pay between $40 and $60 on average, according to quotes we received while secret shopping.
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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