Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Dover can be exciting for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Updating your home’s appliances and systems can be an unanticipated financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty policy can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, since there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Dover 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
In Dover, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has about 6 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 3 plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000 at the maximum.
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 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
In Dover, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000 at the maximum.
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 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
In Dover, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has about 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 3 plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
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 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
In Dover, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has about 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,500 at the maximum.
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 review of American Home Shield.
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 Dover, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has about 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 3 plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
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 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
In Dover, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians in the country. 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 2 plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
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 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 | $6,130 |
| Heating | $4,087 |
| Electrical | $613 |
| Toilets | $511 |
| Washer/Dryer | $817 |
| Plumbing | $613 |
| Oven | $1,635 |
| Fridge | $613 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Dover homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to 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 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 reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include washers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Dover homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some key home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty policies can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for AC, heating, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options also extend protection to other items such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's rating gives you insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Dover and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. More extensive networks increase the chances of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers include extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Dover hitting an average high of 57℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system break down.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you some time by eliminating the need to research contractors — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your house sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
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 other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Dover can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems related to systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Dover. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty plan can help investors, home sellers, homebuyers, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Dover 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 washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays 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. In Dover, where the median value of a home is $518,872, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
