Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Kinston gives homeowners some great living options and the opportunity to enjoy bright warm summers. However, scorching temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty plan can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is saturated with a variety of providers — all with different plans — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Kinston.
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 Kinston. Liberty has been in the home warranty business for over 6 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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 Kinston. Choice has been in the home warranty business for over 15 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
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 Kinston. Select has been in the home warranty business for over 11 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
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 Kinston. AHS has been in the home warranty business for over 26 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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 Kinston. First American has been in the home warranty business for over 39 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 2 plans from First American are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
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 Kinston. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for over 44 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
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 Kinston. HSC has been in the home warranty business for over 15 years. When you purchase a policy 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. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
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 | $5,722 |
| Heating | $3,815 |
| Electrical | $572 |
| Toilets | $477 |
| Washer/Dryer | $763 |
| Plumbing | $572 |
| Oven | $1,526 |
| Fridge | $572 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Kinston homeowners cut the expenses 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 reassurance to homeowners because 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 require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems are typically air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Kinston homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Focus on providers with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which gets paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's track record gives insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Kinston and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Kinston can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Having a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down all of a sudden.
Not only does a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
As for the disadvantages of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to review what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Kinston. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, 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 protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Kinston.
A home warranty plan can help home sellers, homebuyers, real estate agents, investors, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different home warranties in Kinston include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the contract.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the one who owns the home pays 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 need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Kinston is $130,679, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
