Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Although homeownership in College has a lot of perks — such as being surrounded by nature — there are also not so glamorous sides. One major issue many homeowners have to deal with at some point is replacing or repairing their home systems and appliances. A home warranty can help protect you by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging, since there are lots of companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in College 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
In College, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has over 6 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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 has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive 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 College, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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 has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive 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 College, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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 has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty. To receive 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 College, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of American Home Shield. To receive 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 College, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has over 39 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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 has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty. To receive 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 College, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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 has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services. To receive 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 College, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals in the country. When you purchase a plan 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. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club. To receive 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 | $6,012 |
| Heating | $4,008 |
| Electrical | $601 |
| Toilets | $501 |
| Washer/Dryer | $802 |
| Plumbing | $601 |
| Oven | $1,603 |
| Fridge | $601 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps College homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern builds with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include refrigerators, microwaves, washers, dryers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer extra coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. College 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 resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also provide protection for additional 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 home’s 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 lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can give you insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in College to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
College’s cold winters 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 breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research service technicians — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should 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 same protection you’ve been getting.
One drawback of getting a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For example, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read over any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in College. Our top-rated home warranty providers' 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 often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in College.
Homebuyers, home sellers, real estate agents, landlords, and homeowners 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 College include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers many of your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying 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 will pay the service fees. In College, where the median value of a home is $280,740, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
