Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, keeping your home systems and appliances — specifically your HVAC — in working order is extremely important for homeowners in Downingtown. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Downingtown.
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 Downingtown. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. Liberty offers 3 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also about $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard Review. 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 Downingtown. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice offers 2 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also about $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. 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 Downingtown. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select offers 3 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also about $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty Review. 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 Downingtown. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS offers 3 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also about $2,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield Review. 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 Downingtown. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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. First American offers 2 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also about $1,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty Review. 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 Downingtown. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch offers 3 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services Review. 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 Downingtown. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC offers 2 plans for you to choose from.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also about $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club Review. 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 | $6,485 |
| Heating | $4,323 |
| Electrical | $649 |
| Toilets | $540 |
| Washer/Dryer | $865 |
| Plumbing | $649 |
| Oven | $1,729 |
| Fridge | $649 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Downingtown homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind because it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include heating, electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. It's important for Downingtown homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also provide protection for additional items such as spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per repair request filed. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Reach out to possible providers to ask how many contractors they have in Downingtown. This helps you understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These extras can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Since temperatures in Downingtown can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down all of a sudden.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of vetting service technicians on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been getting.
As for the negatives of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to understand what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Downingtown can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically 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 decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover problems with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Downingtown. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
A home warranty can help home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and investors. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans usually last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Downingtown is $521,628, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
