Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Murrells Inlet is on the older side. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Murrells Inlet.
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 Murrells Inlet, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage caps from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our American Home Shield full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services full review.
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 Murrells Inlet, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is lower than other providers in the Murrells Inlet area.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our The Home Service Club full review.
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 | $6,483 |
| Heating | $4,322 |
| Electrical | $648 |
| Toilets | $540 |
| Washer/Dryer | $864 |
| Plumbing | $648 |
| Oven | $1,729 |
| Fridge | $648 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Murrells Inlet homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the fix 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 a sense of security because it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing 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 your household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. Protected systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Murrells Inlet homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically cover heating, electrical, AC, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair contractors they have in Murrells Inlet and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Murrells Inlet reaching an average high of 74℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may come across. 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 companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who does the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty companies allow you to choose a contractor.
Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Murrells Inlet can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Murrells Inlet. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
Homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s 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 helpful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Murrells Inlet, where the median home value is $379,464, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
