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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Being a homeowner in Charleston is an excellent option for those who enjoy nature and quiet neighborhoods. However, as great as Charleston is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of difficulties, such as trying to pay for your appliance and system repairs yourself. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different coverage — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Charleston.
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 Charleston, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. For more information on this provider, 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
In Charleston, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, 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
In Charleston, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, 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
In Charleston, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be 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, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our review of American Home Shield.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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 Charleston, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be 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, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, 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
In Charleston, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also 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 HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be 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, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, 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 | $5,760 |
| Heating | $3,840 |
| Electrical | $576 |
| Toilets | $480 |
| Washer/Dryer | $768 |
| Plumbing | $576 |
| Oven | $1,536 |
| Fridge | $576 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Charleston homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down 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 cost of the repair or replacement exceeds 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 owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, dryers, and more. Included systems are typically plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. It's important for Charleston homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically provide protection for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet 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 providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can give you insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer service. Browse review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair specialists they have in Charleston and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers include extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty plans are a great way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Charleston hitting an average high of 62℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of vetting contractors 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, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One drawback of getting a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read over any contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another possible pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Charleston can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems with home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Charleston. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
A home warranty policy can help investors, homeowners, home sellers, real estate agents, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s 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 want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Charleston, where the median value of a home is $133,976, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
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