Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
As much as you may love homeownership in Killeen, there's always that fear about whether your appliances and systems are going to need repairs over the next few years. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with a lot of providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Killeen.
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 Killeen. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, Liberty is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage limits from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is lower than other providers in the Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, Choice is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, AHS is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits 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 Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, First American is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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 plans from First American are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage limits from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, Cinch is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits 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 Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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 Killeen. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, HSC is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits 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 Killeen area.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $5,958 |
Heating | $3,972 |
Electrical | $596 |
Toilets | $496 |
Washer/Dryer | $794 |
Plumbing | $596 |
Oven | $1,589 |
Fridge | $596 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Killeen homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working 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 fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, refrigerators, dryers, and more. Covered systems are normally plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Killeen homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Here are some key home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also include other things such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for a provider that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per claim you submit. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, contractor quality, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Killeen and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks raise the chances of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These extras can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in Killeen can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Killeen, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a contractor to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also give value in other ways. For example, some policies can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a service technician who carries out the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would rather choose their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans allow you to select 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 other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Killeen can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers 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 types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Killeen.
A home warranty policy can help investors, home sellers, real estate agents, homeowners, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty can cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans generally provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Generally, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Killeen, where the median home value is $226,859, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.