Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Owning a home can have many benefits, but it can also come with some downsides like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more likely it is that you'll benefit from a home warranty. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the numerous options available. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty companies in Dayton.
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 Dayton. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for about 6 years. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can benefit from a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage limits from Liberty are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Dayton. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty.
Basic Plan
Total 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 Dayton. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for about 26 years. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits from AHS are about $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Dayton. First American has been in the home warranty industry for about 39 years. The 2 plans from First American are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, 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 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage limits from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Dayton. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for about 44 years. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Dayton. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits from HSC are about $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is lower than other providers in the Dayton area.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 | $5,962 |
| Heating | $3,975 |
| Electrical | $596 |
| Toilets | $497 |
| Washer/Dryer | $795 |
| Plumbing | $596 |
| Oven | $1,590 |
| Fridge | $596 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Dayton homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix 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 finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with functional fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, washers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Dayton 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, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure 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:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically include electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, well pumps, roof leaks, and spas. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $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 waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Favorable reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Dayton and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These perks can add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Dayton’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research contractors — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
One major drawback of home warranties is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different plans and select one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Also, 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 Dayton can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce 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 home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Dayton.
Homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners can all get 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 types of home warranties in Dayton include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items mentioned in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty 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 Dayton is $425,646, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
