Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Columbus offers homeowners some great living options. However, unexpected repair and replacement costs on your home’s appliances and systems can get quite expensive. 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 protection for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Columbus. Keep reading 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 in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our 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 is the best overall home warranty in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our 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 is the most customizable home warranty in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $2,500 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Columbus. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. When you buy a plan 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 limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our 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 | $5,856 |
Heating | $3,904 |
Electrical | $586 |
Toilets | $488 |
Washer/Dryer | $781 |
Plumbing | $586 |
Oven | $1,562 |
Fridge | $586 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Columbus homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, locksmiths, and central vacuums. Columbus homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by the policy.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More extensive plans may also provide protection for additional items such as spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Columbus and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty companies often offer extras such as maintenance discounts, energy efficiency upgrades, and coverage for smart home devices. These extras can add value beyond just repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Columbus can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Purchasing a home warranty plan 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 give you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Plus, having a home warranty can help make your house more appealing 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 benefiting from.
There are also some drawbacks to buying a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Columbus can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease 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 warranty plans cover problems related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Columbus. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty can help homeowners, investors, home sellers, real estate agents, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty plan will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Columbus is $154,189, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.