Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
As much as you may love homeownership in Brandon, there's always that concern about whether your systems and appliances are going to make it through the next few years. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and guard your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Brandon.
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 Brandon. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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 Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty in Brandon. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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 Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Brandon. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty in Brandon. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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 Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Brandon. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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 Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Brandon. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Brandon. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and 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. Read more by visiting 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 | $6,072 |
| Heating | $4,048 |
| Electrical | $607 |
| Toilets | $506 |
| Washer/Dryer | $810 |
| Plumbing | $607 |
| Oven | $1,619 |
| Fridge | $607 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Brandon homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges 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 gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer homes with modern appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, washers, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Brandon homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as pools, well pumps, roof leaks, and spas. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per repair request filed. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies 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 can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, contractor quality, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to ask how many repair professionals they have in Brandon and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers often offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Brandon can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Brandon, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research repair people — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the repair or replacement. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty policy, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another thing to consider is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about these things if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty in Brandon can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Brandon.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, landlords, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Brandon include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers many of your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
In general, the homeowner is the one who 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 Brandon, where the median home value is $275,592, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
