Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Alexandria can be expensive, especially as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be updated. 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 considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Alexandria. Read on for our home warranty recommendations.
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 for Alexandria residents. Liberty has been in business for around 6 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
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 typically about $3,000 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, 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 for Alexandria residents. Choice has been in business for around 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
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 typically about $3,000 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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 for Alexandria residents. Select has been in business for around 11 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
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 typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty to learn more. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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 for Alexandria residents. AHS has been in business for around 26 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
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 typically about $2,500 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield to learn more. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Alexandria residents. First American has been in business for around 39 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it 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. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,500 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty to learn more. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Alexandria residents. Cinch has been in business for around 44 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
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 typically about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services to learn more. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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 for Alexandria residents. HSC has been in business for around 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it 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 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 typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
Read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club to learn more. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $5,955 |
| Heating | $3,970 |
| Electrical | $596 |
| Toilets | $496 |
| Washer/Dryer | $794 |
| Plumbing | $596 |
| Oven | $1,588 |
| Fridge | $596 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Alexandria homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include dryers, washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Alexandria homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options also offer protection for other items such as roof leaks, spas, well pumps, and pools. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's 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 more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Favorable feedback and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Alexandria and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies include extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Alexandria’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
In addition, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.
One of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and select one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Alexandria. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's usually cheaper 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 plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Alexandria.
A home warranty can help homebuyers, investors, real estate agents, homeowners, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different home warranties in Alexandria include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Alexandria is $287,220, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
