Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Wilmington Island can be exciting for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Repairing your home’s appliances and systems can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different coverage — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Wilmington Island.
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
In Wilmington Island, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It 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’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,500 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our detailed 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
In Wilmington Island, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our detailed 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 | $6,535 |
| Heating | $4,357 |
| Electrical | $653 |
| Toilets | $545 |
| Washer/Dryer | $871 |
| Plumbing | $653 |
| Oven | $1,743 |
| Fridge | $653 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Wilmington Island homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out 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 company 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 go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with modern fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, washers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Wilmington Island homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Moreover, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically provide protection for AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as repair timeliness, approval rates, contractor quality, and customer service. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty companies have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Bigger networks increase the chance of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to ask how many technicians they have in Wilmington Island to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies include extras such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These perks can add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Wilmington Island can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of having to vet service 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. 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 plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been benefiting from.
There are also some negatives to getting a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Wilmington Island can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or oven, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Wilmington Island.
A home warranty plan can help real estate agents, home sellers, homeowners, homebuyers, and investors. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different home warranties in Wilmington Island include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Wilmington Island, where the median value of a home is $531,800, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
