Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Clayton can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your systems and appliances need to be repaired or replaced. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, since there are so many companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Clayton for you.
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 is the best overall home warranty for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also 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. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also 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. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Select Home Warranty.
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 is the most customizable home warranty for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also 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. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,500 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of American Home Shield.
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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,500 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of First American Home Warranty.
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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also 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. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,000-$2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Cinch Home Services.
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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Clayton residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also 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. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of The Home Service Club.
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 policy that helps Clayton homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, washers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, locksmiths, septic systems, and even roof leaks. It's important for Clayton homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for electrical, plumbing, AC, heating, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also cover additional items such as roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for 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 if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Clayton and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as smart home device coverage, reduced maintenance fees, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Clayton’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not only can 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 contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One disadvantage of buying a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Clayton. Our top-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 opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically 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 plan protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Clayton.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, landlords, homeowners, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may purchase 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 Clayton is $1,080,414, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
