Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Being a homeowner in North Kensington is a great option for those who like nature and quiet neighborhoods. However, as great as North Kensington is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to finance your appliance and system repairs yourself. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, since there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and compiled a list of the top home warranty companies in North Kensington for you.
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 has around 6 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 has around 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 has around 11 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 policies that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of Select Home Warranty.
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
AHS has around 26 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. 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 policies that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,500 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of American Home Shield.
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 has around 39 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. 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 policies that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 for each 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 on this provider, read our full review of First American Home Warranty.
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 has around 44 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,000-$2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of Cinch Home Services.
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
HSC has around 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. 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 policies that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To receive 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 full review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $7,271 |
| Heating | $4,847 |
| Electrical | $727 |
| Toilets | $606 |
| Washer/Dryer | $969 |
| Plumbing | $727 |
| Oven | $1,939 |
| Fridge | $727 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps North Kensington homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or repair 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 company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, microwaves, and more. Protected systems include heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. It's important for North Kensington homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More robust plans also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Look for providers with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which gets paid per service call made. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in North Kensington and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These extras can offer extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Home warranty policies are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in North Kensington hitting an average high of 63℃F, you may find that certain appliances, like your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only can a home warranty offer some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. In addition, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to review what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in North Kensington can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
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. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in North Kensington.
A home warranty can help investors, homeowners, real estate agents, homebuyers, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty can cover your home’s 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 a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
In general, 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 North Kensington, where the median value of a home is $852,466, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
