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 benefits, but it can also come with some negatives like maintenance. The older your house’s systems and appliances are, the more you may want to consider getting a home warranty. A home warranty can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, since there are so many companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the best home warranty companies in North Charleston 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 North Charleston. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 North Charleston. The 2 plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 North Charleston. The 3 plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 North Charleston. The 3 plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.
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 North Charleston. The 2 plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.
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 North Charleston. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 North Charleston. The 2 plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase 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 Service Club offers 2 plans for North Charleston homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,218 |
| Heating | $4,145 |
| Electrical | $622 |
| Toilets | $518 |
| Washer/Dryer | $829 |
| Plumbing | $622 |
| Oven | $1,658 |
| Fridge | $622 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for North Charleston homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider 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 exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dryers, washers, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and roof leaks. It's important for North Charleston homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, 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 know before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as roof leaks, pools, well pumps, and spas. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in North Charleston and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Home warranty plans are an affordable way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in North Charleston hitting an average high of 74℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly bring down out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only can a home warranty provide some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another downside is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in North Charleston can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for 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 covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in North Charleston.
A home warranty policy can help homeowners, investors, real estate agents, home sellers, and homebuyers. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in North Charleston include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in North Charleston is $292,172, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
