Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Durham offers homeowners some beautiful housing options. However, unplanned repair and replacement costs on your home’s appliances and systems can get quite expensive. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and guard your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, as there are so many companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and compiled a list of the top home warranty companies in Durham 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
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Durham. 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 enjoy 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.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Durham homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 Durham. 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 enjoy 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.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Durham homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 Durham. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Durham homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 Durham. 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 enjoy 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.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Durham homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 Durham. 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 enjoy 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Durham homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 per covered system or appliance.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read 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 Durham. 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 enjoy 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.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Durham homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 Durham. 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 enjoy 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 Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Durham homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To get 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 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 | $6,291 |
| Heating | $4,194 |
| Electrical | $629 |
| Toilets | $524 |
| Washer/Dryer | $839 |
| Plumbing | $629 |
| Oven | $1,678 |
| Fridge | $629 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for Durham homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide 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 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 gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Included systems are normally air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Most home warranty plans require Durham homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Moreover, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, 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 learn before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for AC, heating, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also eliminate 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, timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Durham to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Durham can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Durham, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
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 come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to review what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
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 other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Durham. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Durham.
Homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, real estate agents, and homeowners can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Durham include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers 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.
Home warranty plans usually last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Durham, where the median home value is $396,801, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
