Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Altoona, IA

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Altoona is on the older side. A home warranty can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.

Finding the best protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Altoona. Read on for our home warranty recommendations.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

The 7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Altoona

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

Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions

Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty in Altoona. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for about 6 years. 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. Liberty offers 3 plans for you to decide between.

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

To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Liberty Home Guard.

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

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

Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in Altoona. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. 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. Choice offers 2 plans for you to decide between.

The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also around $3,000.

To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Choice Home Warranty.

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

Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Altoona. Select has been in the home warranty industry for about 11 years. 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. Select offers 3 plans for you to decide between.

The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also around $2,000.

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

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 in Altoona. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for about 26 years. 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. AHS offers 3 plans for you to decide between.

The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also around $2,500.

To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our thorough review of American Home Shield.

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

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

First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Altoona. First American has been in the home warranty industry for about 39 years. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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. First American offers 2 plans for you to decide between.

The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also around $1,500.

To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our thorough review of First American Home Warranty.

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

Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Altoona. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for about 44 years. 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 offers 3 plans for you to decide between.

The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also around $1,000-$2,000.

To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our thorough 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

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

The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Altoona. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. 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. HSC offers 2 plans for you to decide between.

The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also around $2,000.

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

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Altoona homeowners reduce the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include washers, microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Altoona homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Here are some key home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:

  • Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
  • Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like septic, well pumps, pools, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
  • Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
  • Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
  • Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
  • Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on roof leaks, appliances, air conditioning units, and similar repairs.
Keeping these terms and key points in mind will help you understand pricing and pick a home warranty designed to protect your most important home systems. Discuss coverage details with potential providers when you get a quote to avoid surprise fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty plans vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your home's needs.

Service Fees

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. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable 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.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for top-tier service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Altoona to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Altoona?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Altoona’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.

Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of needing to vet contractors yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. In addition, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One downside of buying a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.

Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in Altoona, IA

A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Altoona. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.

The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of something 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 oven, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Altoona.

Homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.

A home warranty policy will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.

Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.

Generally, 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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Altoona, where the median value of a home is $301,466, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.

Other Altoona, IA Home Services