Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
There are a lot of perks of owning a home, but as your Mountain Brook home gets older, you may find yourself needing to update or repair your systems and appliances. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Mountain Brook.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Mountain Brook residents. Liberty has over 6 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Mountain Brook residents. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Mountain Brook residents. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Mountain Brook residents. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Mountain Brook residents. First American has over 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Mountain Brook residents. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Mountain Brook residents. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy. When you buy a plan from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $6,543 |
Heating | $4,362 |
Electrical | $654 |
Toilets | $545 |
Washer/Dryer | $872 |
Plumbing | $654 |
Oven | $1,745 |
Fridge | $654 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for Mountain Brook homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include washers, microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Included systems are normally electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Mountain Brook homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to know before signing, such as:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options also offer protection for other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's track record provides insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Favorable reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty businesses maintain networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Mountain Brook and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty providers might include extras such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Mountain Brook can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.
Not only does a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
There are also some downsides to buying a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Mountain Brook. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's usually cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can be a concern in Mountain Brook. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
Homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Mountain Brook is $890,787, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.