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 in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Olney is on the older side. A home warranty in Olney can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Olney.
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 Olney. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard 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. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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 Olney. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty 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. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
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 Olney. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty 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. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
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 Olney. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield 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. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Olney. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services 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. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
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 Olney. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club 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. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
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 | $5,487 |
| Heating | $3,658 |
| Electrical | $549 |
| Toilets | $457 |
| Washer/Dryer | $732 |
| Plumbing | $549 |
| Oven | $1,463 |
| Fridge | $549 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Olney homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair 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 peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Olney homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to understand before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific 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 providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Olney and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty companies may offer extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Home warranties are an affordable way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Olney reaching an average high of 64℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to understand what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
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 besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Olney can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Olney. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, landlords, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Olney include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, 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 will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Olney, where the median value of a home is $112,413, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
