Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but maintaining it can get costly over time, especially if your home in Cincinnati is on the older side. A home warranty in Cincinnati can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging, as there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. Liberty has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000.
For more information, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can 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 offers the best overall home warranty in Cincinnati. Choice has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000.
For more information, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Cincinnati. Select has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000.
For more information, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can 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 offers the most customizable home warranty in Cincinnati. AHS has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,500.
For more information, read our review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Cincinnati. First American has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,500.
For more information, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Cincinnati. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,000-$2,000.
For more information, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Cincinnati. HSC has been in the home warranty business for about 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 that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Cincinnati homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000.
For more information, read our review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can 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 | $5,754 |
Heating | $3,836 |
Electrical | $575 |
Toilets | $480 |
Washer/Dryer | $767 |
Plumbing | $575 |
Oven | $1,534 |
Fridge | $575 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Cincinnati homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or swap out 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 arranges a contractor to make the fix 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 reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washers, microwaves, and more. Included systems are typically air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Cincinnati homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are a number of home warranty terms to understand 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 cover heating, plumbing, electrical, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also include protection for other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Focus on providers with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty company's track record provides insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Cincinnati and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These can offer extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Cincinnati’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 can help cover your home’s appliances and systems if 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 only does a home warranty provide some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can increase your home’s real estate 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 have your home warranty with.
One of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to compare the different plans and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about these things if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty in Cincinnati can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease 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 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. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Cincinnati.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, home sellers, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Cincinnati include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Cincinnati, where the median value of a home is $238,714, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.