Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Being a homeowner in Wilkes-Barre is a great option for those who enjoy up-and-coming areas. However, as great as Wilkes-Barre is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to take care of your home repairs yourself. A home warranty plan can help protect you by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the many options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the top home warranty companies in Wilkes-Barre.
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 Wilkes-Barre, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been in business for more than 6 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Liberty offers 3 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard 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. The coverage limits from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Choice offers 2 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty 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. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in business for more than 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Select offers 3 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty 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. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in business for more than 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. AHS offers 3 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield 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. The coverage limits from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in business for more than 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. First American offers 2 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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. The coverage limits from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in business for more than 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Cinch offers 3 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services 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. The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 Wilkes-Barre, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. HSC offers 2 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club 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. The coverage limits from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is less than other providers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Read more by visiting 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 | $5,727 |
Heating | $3,818 |
Electrical | $573 |
Toilets | $477 |
Washer/Dryer | $764 |
Plumbing | $573 |
Oven | $1,527 |
Fridge | $573 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Wilkes-Barre homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix 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 policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Wilkes-Barre homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic plans typically cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may look for companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Wilkes-Barre and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies offer extras such as protection for smart home devices, discounts on maintenance, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Wilkes-Barre reaching an average high of 55℃F, you may find that certain appliances, like your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet service technicians on your own, home warranty companies 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 plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
There are also some negatives to purchasing a home warranty policy, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Wilkes-Barre. Our high-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. In addition, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover problems related to systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger insurance that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Wilkes-Barre. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
Homebuyers, home sellers, real estate agents, landlords, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Wilkes-Barre include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who 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 transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Wilkes-Barre, where the median home value is $137,462, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.