Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Being a homeowner in Lock Haven is a great option for those who love nature and quiet neighborhoods. However, as great as Lock Haven is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of difficulties, such as trying to take care of your appliance and system repairs yourself. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be a challenge because of the many options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty companies in Lock Haven.
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 Lock Haven, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. 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 provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information, read our thorough review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 Lock Haven, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. 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 provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information, read our thorough review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 Lock Haven, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. 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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information, read our thorough review of Select Home Warranty.
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 Lock Haven, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information, read our thorough review of American Home Shield.
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 Lock Haven, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. 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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information, read our thorough review of First American Home Warranty.
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 Lock Haven, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are 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 some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information, read our thorough review of Cinch Home Services.
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 Lock Haven, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. 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 homeowners to choose from.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information, read our thorough review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $5,758 |
| Heating | $3,839 |
| Electrical | $576 |
| Toilets | $480 |
| Washer/Dryer | $768 |
| Plumbing | $576 |
| Oven | $1,536 |
| Fridge | $576 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Lock Haven homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or replace 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, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Protected systems include plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Lock Haven homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover AC, heating, plumbing, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover spas, well pumps, roof leaks, and pools. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Lock Haven and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty companies often include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Lock Haven’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can 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, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty providers do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also offer value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
One disadvantage of getting a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from 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 possible 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 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, about $300 to $600 a year in Lock Haven. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Lock Haven.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, landlords, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Lock Haven include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Lock Haven, where the median value of a home is $181,983, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
