Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Owning a house can have a lot of advantages, but it can also come with some downsides like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more you may want to consider getting a home warranty. A home warranty policy can help protect you by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in West Chester.
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 West Chester. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for about 6 years. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 3 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our 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
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in West Chester. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 2 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in West Chester. Select has been in the home warranty industry for about 11 years. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 3 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in West Chester. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for about 26 years. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 3 plans for West Chester homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,500.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in West Chester. First American has been in the home warranty industry for about 39 years. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 2 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in West Chester. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for about 44 years. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 3 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in West Chester. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 offers 2 plans for West Chester homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our 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 | $6,639 |
| Heating | $4,426 |
| Electrical | $664 |
| Toilets | $553 |
| Washer/Dryer | $885 |
| Plumbing | $664 |
| Oven | $1,770 |
| Fridge | $664 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps reduce the high costs for West Chester homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds 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 provides security for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer homes with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are garbage disposals, washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, and more. Protected systems include heating, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans offer additional coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. It's important for West Chester homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, 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.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also cover other things such as spas, well pumps, roof leaks, and pools. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also eliminate deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Favorable ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential businesses to ask how many repair technicians they have in West Chester and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in West Chester can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Getting a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For example, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
There are also some negatives to purchasing a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in West Chester. 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 opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's usually cheaper 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 protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. With 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 isn't that common in West Chester.
Homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you need 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 provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty policy 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 West Chester is $586,122, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
