Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
As much as you may love homeownership in Baldwin, there's always that fear about whether your appliances and systems are going to hold up during the next few years. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the right protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Baldwin. Keep reading for our top provider recommendations.
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 Baldwin, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been in the home warranty business for about 6 years. Liberty has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in the home warranty business for about 15 years. Choice has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in the home warranty business for about 11 years. Select has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in the home warranty business for about 26 years. AHS has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. 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.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in the home warranty business for about 39 years. First American has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 per covered appliance or system.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for about 44 years. Cinch has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. 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.
To read more, visit 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
In Baldwin, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in the home warranty business for about 15 years. HSC has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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 Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. 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.
To read more, visit 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 | $5,914 |
| Heating | $3,943 |
| Electrical | $591 |
| Toilets | $493 |
| Washer/Dryer | $789 |
| Plumbing | $591 |
| Oven | $1,577 |
| Fridge | $591 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Baldwin homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. Newer homes with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Baldwin homeowners to refrain from making claims for 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, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans include protection for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as spas, roof leaks, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Baldwin to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These can offer extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Home warranty policies are an affordable way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Baldwin reaching an average high of 59℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably lower out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
On top of 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 technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair person who handles the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would rather choose a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers let you select a contractor.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Baldwin can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to 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 systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Baldwin.
A home warranty plan can help home sellers, real estate agents, homeowners, investors, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Baldwin is $176,009, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
