Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in La Plata 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 appliances and systems.
The home warranty market has a variety of 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 La Plata.
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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, Liberty is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard Review.
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 offers the best overall home warranty in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, Choice is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty Review.
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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty Review.
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 offers the most customizable home warranty in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, AHS is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield Review.
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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, First American is the perfect provider for you. Plus, 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty Review.
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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, Cinch is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. 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 call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services Review.
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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in La Plata. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, HSC is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club Review.
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 | $6,649 |
| Heating | $4,433 |
| Electrical | $665 |
| Toilets | $554 |
| Washer/Dryer | $887 |
| Plumbing | $665 |
| Oven | $1,773 |
| Fridge | $665 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps La Plata homeowners reduce the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind 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. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, and more. Included systems are usually plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. La Plata homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improper use of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically provide protection for electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty provider's reputation can give you insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer service. Use review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in La Plata to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device coverage, and reduced maintenance fees. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in La Plata can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in La Plata, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet service technicians yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
As for the downsides of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in La Plata can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. 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 types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced 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 La Plata. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, home sellers, homeowners, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy can cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy 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 La Plata is $463,567, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
