Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but maintaining it can be costly over time, especially if your home in Erie is on the older side. A home warranty in Erie can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Erie for you.
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 is the most trustworthy home warranty in Erie. The 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage limits from Liberty are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is cheaper than other providers in the Erie area.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 is the best overall home warranty in Erie. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Erie area.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 in Erie. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is cheaper than other providers in the Erie area.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 in Erie. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits 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 Erie area.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 in Erie. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the plan for you. Plus, 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.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage limits from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Erie area.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 in Erie. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits 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 Erie area.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 in Erie. The 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits 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 Erie area.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 | $7,106 |
| Heating | $4,738 |
| Electrical | $711 |
| Toilets | $592 |
| Washer/Dryer | $948 |
| Plumbing | $711 |
| Oven | $1,895 |
| Fridge | $711 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Erie homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to replace or fix 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 provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind because it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. It's important for Erie 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 needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Here are some key home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as roof leaks, pools, well pumps, and spas. Look for companies 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-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair contractors they have in Erie and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the chances of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include bonuses such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Erie can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks suddenly.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you some time by removing the need to research contractors — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
There are also some negatives to buying a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty in Erie can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Erie. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, and investors. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Erie, where the median home value is $738,711, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
