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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Owning a home can have lots of advantages, but it can also come with some negatives like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more likely it is that you'll benefit from a home warranty. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with a lot of providers — all with different price points — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Alamo.
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 in Alamo. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Alamo. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Alamo. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from AHS are about $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield Review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Alamo. The 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Alamo. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services Review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Alamo. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps from HSC are about $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is cheaper than other providers in the Alamo area.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club Review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 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 | $8,250 |
Heating | $5,500 |
Electrical | $825 |
Toilets | $688 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,100 |
Plumbing | $825 |
Oven | $2,200 |
Fridge | $825 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Alamo homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear. Homeowners file 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 repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Included systems are typically electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Most home warranty plans require Alamo homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing, such as:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More robust coverage options also include protection for other items such as spas, well pumps, roof leaks, and pools. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty provider's reputation gives insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Alamo to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in Alamo can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Alamo, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of having to vet technicians on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another benefit of having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
As for the negatives of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another thing to consider is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions and may require an inspection before your coverage can begin. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about these things if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Alamo. Our high-rated home warranty companies' 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 often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Alamo.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, home sellers, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Alamo include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Alamo, where the median value of a home is $2,408,766, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.