Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

June 2023 Reviews

7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Altoona, IA

Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros

Last Updated June 2023

If you're thinking about getting a home warranty, our list of the top companies in Altoona can help. Owning a home in Altoona has tons of great advantages, but there are, of course, some downsides too. The humid weather can cause problems in a home and destroy some systems and appliances.

A home warranty in Altoona can help cut your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Finding the best home protection plan for your Altoona home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner did the research to help you find the best plan that will work for your home. Keep reading for our home warranty company recommendations.

Preferred Providers

Best Overall
4.5/5
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
4.5/5
  • Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Two months of free coverage
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
4.5/5
  • 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

The 7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Altoona

Choice Home Warranty

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 Altoona, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.

The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Altoona area.

To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.

Basic Plan

Total Plan

Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $45.00
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $53.33
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater , AC , Washer , Dryer , Refrigerator Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer

Select Home Warranty

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 Altoona, 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 comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Altoona area.

Read more by visiting our detailed review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953.

Bronze Care Plan

Gold Care Plan

Platinum Care Plan

Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $62.08
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer , Air conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater , Ceiling fan , Garage door , Plumbing stoppages Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks

American Home Shield

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 for Altoona residents. 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 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.

There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS's service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 for each covered system or appliance.

To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our American Home Shield full review.

ShieldSilver

ShieldGold

ShieldPlatinum

Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $29.27 - $44.27
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $39.27 - $54.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $59.27 - $74.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Roof leaks , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump

The Home Service Club

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 Altoona, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.

The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC's service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 per covered appliance or system.

To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our review of The Home Service Club.

Standard Coverage Plan

Comprehensive Coverage Plan

Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $50.40
Items covered: Air conditioner , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Dryer , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water heater Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $62.90
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm wiring , Attic fans , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Pest control , Phone , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer

Liberty Home Guard

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

Isn’t available in 2 states

Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions

Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty for Altoona residents. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for about 6 years. If you're looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.

The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.

To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information, read our Liberty Home Guard Review.

Appliance Guard

Systems Guard

Total Home Guard

Service fee: $75.00 Monthly cost: $69.99
Items covered: Ceiling Fan , Cooktop exhaust fan , Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Garage door , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser
Service fee: $75.00 Monthly cost: $74.99
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Bath exhaust fan , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser
Service fee: $75.00 Monthly cost: $79.99
Items covered: Ceiling Fan , Cooktop exhaust fan , Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Garage door , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Washer , Air Conditioner , Bath exhaust fan , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser

First American Home Warranty

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 Altoona, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. 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 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American's service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps 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. For more information, read our First American Home Warranty Review.

Basic Plan

Premier Plan

Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $38.00
Items covered: Attic fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Disposal , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Air conditioner , Septic tank , Septic , Well pump , First-class upgrade
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $48.50
Items covered: Attic fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Disposal , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing system , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Water heater , Washer , Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Air conditioner , Septic tank , Septic , Well pump , First-class upgrade

Cinch Home Services

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 Altoona, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.

Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch's plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.

To get 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

Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $34.99 - $50.99
Items covered: Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Dryer , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Trash compactor , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $39.99 - $57.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Smoke alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Vacuum , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $49.99 - $67.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Cost of Common Home Repairs in Altoona

Home Appliance Repair Cost
Air Conditioner $5,983
Heating $3,988
Electrical $598
Toilets $499
Washer/Dryer $798
Plumbing $598
Oven $1,595
Fridge $598

What is a Home Warranty?


A home warranty is a protection plan for home systems and appliances. When your refrigerator breaks down, and the repair will cost several hundred dollars, a home warranty will make sure that you're only responsible for a predetermined service fee. Home warranty companies typically don't require an inspection, and you can generally start using it about 30 days after purchasing the policy.

When you notice a problem with one of your appliances or systems, you can submit a claim with your home warranty provider. Then, a customer service representative will reach out to you about a repair technician coming over to look at the problem.

At this point, you'll pay the service fee, which is usually between $60 and $150, depending on what plan you select. Once the service fee is paid, a service technician will come to your home, assess the issue, and repair it. If the repair is covered by the warranty and it's within the coverage cap, most homeowners will not have to pay any other out-of-pocket costs .

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty offers coverage on your home's major appliances and systems and it can help cut back on the cost of maintenance on your home. The appliances commonly covered under a home warranty plan are the oven, dryer, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, and more. System coverage typically includes electrical systems, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and more.

You can also opt to pay a bit extra for add-on coverage for items such as roof warranty, spas, swimming pools, and septic systems.

A home warranty will only cover normal wear and tear on your home systems and appliances. Things like lack of maintenance, misuse, cosmetic damages, and pre-existing conditions are excluded from the home warranty policy.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Altoona?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Altoona can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Altoona, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only does a home warranty offer some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.

Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won't cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.

Home Warranty Tips


Once you're ready to get a home warranty plan, the first step is deciding what appliances and systems you need coverage for. From there, you can compare plans and contact different home warranty companies to get a free quote. Below is a list of factors that you'll want to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:

  • Service fee: How much will it cost to have a repair person come to your home to repair your damaged system or appliance?
  • Customer service: Some companies send a repair technician within 48 hours after filing a claim, whereas other providers can take up to 72 hours. If you'd rather fast service, consider choosing a company that sends a contractor to your home right away.
  • Check the cost: Not every home warranty policy will cost the same, so be sure to compare. You can choose to make annual or monthly payments, but you might save some money over time if you pay annually.
  • Reputation: Does the home warranty company have a good relationship with its current customers? Check its BBB rating and read reviews from current and past customers.

Preferred Providers

Best Overall
4.5/5
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
4.5/5
  • Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Two months of free coverage
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
4.5/5
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties in Altoona, IA

The best home warranty company in Altoona is Choice Home Warranty. Choice Home Warranty has an expansive network of professional technicians and a respected reputation in the Altoona area.

A home warranty plan will cover either the home's appliances and systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a systems or appliance plan can be useful too if you want to save some money.

The type of home warranty you should look for depends on what's a priority to you. A cheaper plan may have higher deductibles and lower coverage caps, whereas a costlier plan may have lower deductibles and provide more coverage. If you have a home that has new appliances or systems, you may be able to get a cheaper plan. The company's reputation and available plans are the two things to look for when picking a home warranty company.

Most home warranties will cover replacement costs in addition to repair costs. How much the home warranty will cover varies from one plan to the next. Home warranties will give you some money towards a replacement but don't expect to have the entire replacement paid for.

Usually, 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 has to pay the service fees. In Altoona, where the median value of a home is $166,034, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.

The systems and appliances in a home are covered under a home warranty plan in Altoona. Everything from a microwave to a swimming pool can be covered under a home warranty depending on the plan.

Other Altoona, IA Home Services