Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Columbia Heights offers homeowners some great housing options. However, unexpected repair and replacement costs on your home’s appliances and systems can get quite costly. A home warranty policy can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Columbia Heights.
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
In Columbia Heights, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read our review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more.
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
In Columbia Heights, 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 exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read our review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.
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
In Columbia Heights, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read our review of Select Home Warranty to learn more.
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
In Columbia Heights, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
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 caps 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. Read our review of American Home Shield to learn more.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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 Columbia Heights, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: 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 caps come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read our review of Cinch Home Services to learn more.
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
In Columbia Heights, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: 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 for each covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read our review of The Home Service Club to learn more.
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 | $6,089 |
Heating | $4,059 |
Electrical | $609 |
Toilets | $507 |
Washer/Dryer | $812 |
Plumbing | $609 |
Oven | $1,624 |
Fridge | $609 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Columbia Heights homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, and more. Included systems are usually plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. It's important for Columbia Heights homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
There are a number of home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically include heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, well pumps, roof leaks, and spas. Look for a provider that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and 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 providers 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 company's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair technicians they have in Columbia Heights and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the chances of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty companies may offer bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Columbia Heights can hit the negatives in the winter, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your heating system. Having a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may have. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a service technician who carries out the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would rather choose their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers let you choose a contractor.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Columbia Heights can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Columbia Heights. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, real estate agents, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Columbia Heights is $288,459, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.