Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Upper St. Clair can be expensive, especially as your home ages and your systems and appliances have to be updated or repaired. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, since there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Upper St. Clair 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
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty for Upper St. Clair residents. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. First American is a home warranty company with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. 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.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services 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 generally around $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services full 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 for Upper St. Clair residents. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club 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 generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club full 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 | $6,268 |
| Heating | $4,179 |
| Electrical | $627 |
| Toilets | $522 |
| Washer/Dryer | $836 |
| Plumbing | $627 |
| Oven | $1,672 |
| Fridge | $627 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Upper St. Clair homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives 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 outdated systems. More modern builds with working appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include washers, microwaves, refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. It's important for Upper St. Clair homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover plumbing, heating, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, spas, well pumps, and pools. Look for companies 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 service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per claim you submit. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service 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 company's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair contractors they have in Upper St. Clair and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers include perks such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are a great way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Upper St. Clair reaching an average high of 59℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably lower out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system break down.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet technicians on your own, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing 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.
One drawback of purchasing a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another possible 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 denied, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Upper St. Clair can cost anywhere from $30 to $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 providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
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. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in 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 refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Upper St. Clair.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, investors, home sellers, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty plan can cover your appliances, systems, 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 want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying 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 when using the policy. In Upper St. Clair, where the median home value is $318,026, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
