Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers, working home appliances and systems, particularly HVAC, are extremely important for homeowners in Oak Island. A home warranty in Oak Island can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different offerings — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Oak Island.
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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive 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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive 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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of Select Home Warranty. To receive 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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of American Home Shield. To receive 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 Oak Island. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it 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 policies that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of First American Home Warranty. To receive 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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of Cinch Home Services. To receive 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 Oak Island. 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 policies 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. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting our thorough review of The Home Service Club. To receive 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 | $6,009 |
| Heating | $4,006 |
| Electrical | $601 |
| Toilets | $501 |
| Washer/Dryer | $801 |
| Plumbing | $601 |
| Oven | $1,602 |
| Fridge | $601 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Oak Island homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include refrigerators, dryers, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and more. Included systems are normally heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Oak Island should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are a number of home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More robust coverage options also cover other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, 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 company with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also do away with deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Oak Island to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in Oak Island can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Oak Island, one of the benefits 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.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of vetting contractors by yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you purchased your home warranty through.
There are also some downsides to buying a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Oak Island can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The 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 case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Oak Island.
A home warranty policy can help home sellers, real estate agents, investors, homebuyers, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Oak Island, where the median value of a home is $530,175, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
