Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Winchester gives homeowners some great housing options and the opportunity to enjoy bright warm summers. However, scorching temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty in Winchester can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
The home warranty market has a variety of providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Winchester.
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 Winchester. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also about $3,000.
To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard full review. To receive 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 Winchester. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also about $3,000.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty full review. To receive 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 Winchester. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also about $2,000.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty full review. To receive 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 Winchester. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also about $2,500.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield full review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Winchester. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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 home warranty plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also about $1,500.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 in Winchester. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also about $1,000-$2,000.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services full review. To receive 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 Winchester. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided excellent customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, 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 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also about $2,000.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club full review. To receive 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 | $5,601 |
| Heating | $3,734 |
| Electrical | $560 |
| Toilets | $467 |
| Washer/Dryer | $747 |
| Plumbing | $560 |
| Oven | $1,494 |
| Fridge | $560 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Winchester homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed 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 buyers of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include microwaves, washers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, dryers, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Winchester homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to know before signing, such as:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans include protection for AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also offer coverage on other items such as spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your 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 providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty company's reputation gives you insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Winchester and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Winchester’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of vetting contractors yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Plus, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
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 Winchester can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Winchester.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, home sellers, landlords, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Winchester include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase 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. Considering that the average home value in Winchester is $318,063, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
