Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a home can have many perks, but it can also come with some downsides like maintenance. The older your house’s systems and appliances are, the more likely it is that you'll benefit from a home warranty. A home warranty policy can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Philadelphia.
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 Philadelphia, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been in the home warranty business for around 6 years. Liberty offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard full review. 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 Philadelphia, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in the home warranty business for around 15 years. Choice offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty full review. 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 Philadelphia, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in the home warranty business for around 11 years. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the provider for you. Plus, it 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 offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty full review. 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 Philadelphia, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in the home warranty business for around 26 years. AHS offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield full review. 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 Philadelphia, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in the home warranty business for around 39 years. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the provider for you. Plus, it 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 offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty full review. 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 Philadelphia, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for around 44 years. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services full review. 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 Philadelphia, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in the home warranty business for around 15 years. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, this is the provider for you. Plus, it 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 offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club full review. 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 | $6,314 |
| Heating | $4,209 |
| Electrical | $631 |
| Toilets | $526 |
| Washer/Dryer | $842 |
| Plumbing | $631 |
| Oven | $1,684 |
| Fridge | $631 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Philadelphia homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds 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 provides 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. Newer homes with functional fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard both your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include garbage disposals, washers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for central vacuums, locksmiths, septic systems, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Philadelphia 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 cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include additional items such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, 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 needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per repair request filed. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can give you insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Philadelphia to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as smart home device coverage, reduced maintenance fees, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in Philadelphia can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Philadelphia, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet contractors by yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can raise 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.
As for the negatives of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your claims being rejected, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Philadelphia. Our high-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 choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's usually cheaper 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 helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Philadelphia.
A home warranty policy can help investors, homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different home warranties in Philadelphia include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the homeowner 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. Considering that the average home value in Philadelphia is $220,168, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
