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 perks, 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 in Portsmouth can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the right protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Portsmouth. Keep reading for our top provider recommendations.
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 Portsmouth. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Portsmouth homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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 Portsmouth. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, 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 Portsmouth homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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 Portsmouth. The 3 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, 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 Portsmouth 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. 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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 Portsmouth. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Portsmouth homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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
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 Portsmouth. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Portsmouth 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. 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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 Portsmouth. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, 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 Portsmouth homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix 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 a more detailed breakdown, 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 | $6,646 |
| Heating | $4,431 |
| Electrical | $665 |
| Toilets | $554 |
| Washer/Dryer | $886 |
| Plumbing | $665 |
| Oven | $1,772 |
| Fridge | $665 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Portsmouth homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect many home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are washers, microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and more. Protected systems include plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Portsmouth should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans cover heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options also extend protection to other items such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage choices, 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 standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers 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 provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Portsmouth and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty companies often offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Portsmouth’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty give you some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also offer value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred between owners during a home sale.
One major drawback of a home warranty is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and sign up for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the affected systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Portsmouth can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects your entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Portsmouth.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, landlords, home sellers, and homeowners can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Portsmouth include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought 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. In Portsmouth, where the median value of a home is $599,261, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
