Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
With hot summers, working home systems and appliances, particularly HVAC, are very important for homeowners in Columbia. A home warranty in Columbia can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Columbia 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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Columbia. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more. To receive 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 offers the best overall home warranty in Columbia. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Columbia. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of Select Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 offers the most customizable home warranty in Columbia. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,500 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of American Home Shield to learn more. To receive 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Columbia. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,500 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of First American Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Columbia. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of Cinch Home Services to learn more. To receive 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Columbia. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
Read our review of The Home Service Club to learn more. To receive 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 | $6,190 |
| Heating | $4,127 |
| Electrical | $619 |
| Toilets | $516 |
| Washer/Dryer | $825 |
| Plumbing | $619 |
| Oven | $1,651 |
| Fridge | $619 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Columbia homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear. Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company 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 delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern builds with modern appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include microwaves, dryers, washers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. It's important for Columbia homeowners to understand 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 resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic plans typically cover plumbing, heating, AC, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Favorable feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty businesses maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Columbia and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks raise the chances of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty providers might include perks such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Columbia can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Columbia, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a repair person to fix your appliance or system, home warranty providers do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair person who takes care of the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to choose their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers let you select a contractor.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, like those due to 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 in Columbia 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. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems related to systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Columbia. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, investors, real estate agents, homeowners, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy 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 Columbia is $221,883, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
