Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Wilkinsburg can be gratifying for many, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Updating your home’s systems and appliances can be an unforeseen financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different coverage — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Wilkinsburg.
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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard full review. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield full review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Wilkinsburg 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. 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 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club full review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $6,018 |
Heating | $4,012 |
Electrical | $602 |
Toilets | $502 |
Washer/Dryer | $802 |
Plumbing | $602 |
Oven | $1,605 |
Fridge | $602 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Wilkinsburg homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners peace of mind and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, and others. Protected systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Wilkinsburg homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically cover plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty provider's rating provides insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to ask how many repair specialists they have in Wilkinsburg and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Wilkinsburg can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Having a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks all of a sudden.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. Plus, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
There are also some drawbacks to getting a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Wilkinsburg can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Wilkinsburg. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, and investors. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Wilkinsburg include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers many of your systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Wilkinsburg, where the median home value is $145,791, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.