Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can get costly over time, especially if your home in Brandon is on the older side. 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 allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the right protection for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Brandon. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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 in Brandon. Liberty offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the best overall home warranty in Brandon. Choice offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, 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 provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Brandon. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, 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 provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the most customizable home warranty in Brandon. AHS offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Brandon. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the home warranty 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Brandon. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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 home warranty for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Brandon. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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 home warranty 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 Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 | $6,510 |
| Heating | $4,340 |
| Electrical | $651 |
| Toilets | $542 |
| Washer/Dryer | $868 |
| Plumbing | $651 |
| Oven | $1,736 |
| Fridge | $651 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Brandon homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that break down 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 fix. 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 peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and working appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dishwashers, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, washers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Brandon 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 due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must 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 understand before signing, such as:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More robust coverage options also include protection for other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which gets paid per repair request filed. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Good ratings and feedback suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair contractors they have in Brandon and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks increase the chances of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers might include extras such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Brandon 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 Brandon, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may have. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One major drawback of home warranties is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and select one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty in Brandon can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Brandon.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, landlords, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like 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 lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the person 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 be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Brandon is $362,111, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
