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A home warranty, also known as a residential service contract, isn’t technically a warranty. Instead, it’s a service agreement between a homeowner and a provider that covers the repair and replacement of home appliances and systems that break down due to wear and tear damage.
In other words, if a covered item wears out, you file a claim with your home warranty company, and they’ll send someone from their trusted network of contractors to fix it. If the item can’t be fixed, the provider will often replace it or pay cash instead.
There are plenty of home warranty companies to choose from, and telling the difference between their plans can be difficult unless you read the fine print. We’re here to offer our recommendations for the best home warranty companies in Virginia based on your budget and your coverage needs. Whether you’re involved in a real estate transaction or you’re happy in your current home, there’s almost certainly a plan on our list 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
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
Overall, we find that American Home Shield offers the best home warranty to Virginia homeowners. The company essentially created the home warranty industry in 1971, and it remains a top provider in the field based on its comprehensive coverage plans and reliable service. Its nationwide network of repair technicians work on 1.8 million homes annually, and the company’s home warranty plans are available in every U.S. state except Alaska.
Pros and Cons
✓ 50+ years in business
✓ Generous coverage caps
✓ All plans include air conditioning systems
✘ Workmanship guarantee only lasts 30 days
✘ Higher premium prices than other providers
Plans and Coverage
American Home Shield offers its customers a choice of three plans. ShieldSilver covers home systems, and ShieldGold covers both major systems and appliances. ShieldPlatinum covers both and adds coverage for roof leak repairs, unlimited AC refrigerant and code upgrades. All three plans cover multiple conditions that other companies might not, including pre-existing conditions, insufficient maintenance and improper repairs. Multiples of the same covered item, like refrigerators and ovens, are also covered.
You can add optional coverage for pools/spas, septic pumps, well pumps and guest units of up to 750 sq. ft. to any of American Home Shield’s plans. These coverages range in price from an additional $5 to $24 a month.
| 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 be responsible for paying a monthly or annual premium as well as a deductible called a service call fee whenever a technician visits your home. American Home Shield allows you to customize those payments in relation to each other, so a higher premium comes with a lower deductible and vice versa. Here are the quotes we received for a single-family house of about 2,000 sq. ft. in Roanoke, VA.
| 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 First Choice Home Club
Quick Take
If you want to customize a home warranty plan just for your home, America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club gives you the greatest number of options. This BBB-accredited company has been around since 2009, and its plans come with a number of additional security perks like free credit monitoring. Sales and claims are all done in-house, so you’ll have continuity of customer service throughout the claims process.
Pros and Cons
✓ Guarantees repairs for the life of your contract (up to three years)
✓ Allows you to choose your own contractor with prior approval
✓ Sends claim updates by phone, email or text
✘ Only premium plan covers microwaves and plumbing stoppages
✘ Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Plans and Coverage
AFC Home Club gives you a choice of four different plans with increasing amounts of coverage. As you might expect, the Systems Plan covers only home systems, and the Silver Plan covers only appliances. The Gold Plan covers both, as does the Platinum Plan, which also includes coverage for built-in microwaves, faucets, ice makers and plumbing stoppages.
To further customize your plan, you may choose from a generous list of extra coverage options. You can purchase coverage for a tankless water heater, in-ground pool, stand-alone freezer, sump pump, double oven, central vacuum, hot water dispenser, septic system or well pump. If you choose the Systems, Silver or Gold Plans, you can also add ice maker or microwave coverage.
| 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 | ✓ | |||
| Faucets | ✓ |
Cost
As with American Home Shield, AFC Home Club allows you to choose from a $75, $100 or $125 service call fee. Each comes with a different premium price, and you can further save money on each plan by paying annually or even up to three years at once.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| System Plan | $51.50 | $563 |
| Silver Plan | $44.58 | $480 |
| Gold Plan | $58.33 | $645 |
| Platinum Plan | $62.92 | $700 |
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 both of its plans coming in at under $50, Select Home Warranty is our choice for the most budget-friendly option. You’ll receive the same basic protection against appliance and system breakdowns for a reasonable monthly fee. This New Jersey-based provider often offers seasonal promotions to further lower its prices, and you can receive extra coverage for free if you pay by the year instead of the month.
Pros and Cons
✓ Has affordable premium prices
✓ Offers two months of free coverage with annual payment
✓ Provides limited roof leak coverage with all plans
✘ Features lower coverage limits
✘ Requires you to notify company in writing to cancel auto-renewed policies
Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers three plans: one that covers appliances (Bronze Care), one that covers systems (Gold Care) and one that covers both (Platinum Care). The Premium Platinum Care plan is the only plan that covers plumbing stoppages, garage door openers and ceiling fans. All three plans come with free coverage for roof leaks over the inhabited parts of your home.
If you want coverage for your yard’s lawn sprinkler system, Select Home Warranty is the only company on our list that offers it. You can add this coverage to any plan for less than $6 a month. You can also add coverage for a 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
The service call fee with any Select Home Warranty plan is $75.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
| Platinum Care | $46.08 | $41.67 |
| Gold Care | $41.67 | $37.50 |
| Bronze Care | $41.67 | $37.50 |
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
Finally, First American Home Warranty offers some of the most comprehensive coverage you can find, including high dollar limits for fixing HVAC problems. Although First American’s plans aren’t available in every state, they are open to homeowners across Virginia. Even with the company’s very broad coverage, its premium prices are some of the lowest around, and it has the least expensive Basic Plan on our list.
Pros and Cons
✓ Has been in business since 1984
✓ Covers known and unknown pre-existing conditions
✓ Offers affordable premium prices
✘ CRequires you to purchase coverage for air conditioning as an add-on
✘ Covers only appliances in Basic Plan
Plans and Coverage
First American’s Basic Plan covers your home’s major kitchen and laundry appliances, including a kitchen refrigerator, a washer and a dryer. The Premier Plan adds coverage for home systems including electrical, heating and plumbing. If you want coverage for your air conditioning system, you can add it on to either plan for $9 a month. Other add-on options include additional refrigerators, pool/spa equipment, well pumps, septic tank pumping and an HVAC tune-up.
First American’s most unique offering is its First Class Upgrade, which increases some coverage limits and also extends coverage to some extra situations, including code upgrades, haul away services and building permits. The upgrade also permits repairs and replacements to covered items that were improperly repaired or installed, which most home warranty plans don’t cover.
| 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
Every First American Home Warranty plan comes with an $85 service call fee.
| Plan | Monthly cost | Yearly 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
Overall, we find that American Home Shield offers the best balance of comprehensive coverage, customer service and reliability. No matter which of the company’s plans you choose, you won’t have to worry about digging up maintenance records or coverage exclusions due to rust, sediment or corrosion. American Home Shield isn’t always the cheapest option, but it provides you with the most peace of mind in the most situations.
However, we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all homes and situations, and the other four providers on our list also receive our recommendation. Each company provides free instant quotes by phone or on the web. The best plan for you is the one that covers the item you have and fits in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Home Warranties
How much does a home warranty cost in Virginia?
Virginia home warranties tend to cost between $30 and $60 per month, or about $360 to $720 a year, with a service call fee of $75-$125. Most companies will give you a discount for paying annually or signing a contract of longer than a year.
How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance protects your budget from catastrophic events like extreme weather, earthquakes, fires and theft, and you may never have to use it. However, your home’s appliances and systems will eventually break down from wear and tear, no matter how well you maintain them. A home warranty will cover the cost of repairs and replacements to these worn out items.
Do home warranties cover bathtubs?
Most home warranties do not cover the actual fixture of the bathtub itself, so you would need to pay out of pocket to fix any cracks in the ceramic. However, some home warranty plans cover whirlpool bathtub motors and equipment as well as bathtub valves or clearing plumbing stoppages in bathtub drains. Make sure you read the plumbing section of a company’s sample contract carefully so you know what is included or excluded.
Will a home warranty cover replacement of my air conditioner?
Many home warranties cover central air conditioning units and will pay for replacements. However, the reason for the air conditioner’s malfunction must be a covered type of damage (i.e., wear and tear), and the problem must not be repairable. Additionally, most home warranty companies place dollar limits on what they’ll pay to repair or replace HVAC systems, and you’ll be responsible for any overage.
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.
Find the Best Home Warranty Providers in Other States
