Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, keeping your home appliances and systems — especially your HVAC — in working order is extremely important for homeowners in State College. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and shield your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in State College.
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 State College. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in State College. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in State College. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in State College. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in State College. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in State College. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in State College. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
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.
For more information, read our thorough 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 | $6,051 |
Heating | $4,034 |
Electrical | $605 |
Toilets | $504 |
Washer/Dryer | $807 |
Plumbing | $605 |
Oven | $1,614 |
Fridge | $605 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps lower expenses for State College homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company 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 goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with modern fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, garbage disposals, washers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require State College 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, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for AC, plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also cover other things such as well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for a provider that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and 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 companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Good ratings and feedback suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in State College and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in State College can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in State College, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may experience. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in State College. Our top-rated home warranty companies' 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. 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 plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects the 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 if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in State College.
A home warranty can help real estate agents, homebuyers, investors, home sellers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like 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 typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in State College is $380,550, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.