Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
As much as you may enjoy owning a home in Richardson, there's always that concern about whether your appliances and systems are going to make it through the next few years. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Richardson. Keep reading for our home warranty recommendations.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it 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 differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read our Liberty Home Guard full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it 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 differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read our Choice Home Warranty full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it 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 differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read our Select Home Warranty full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read our American Home Shield full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. 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 home warranty plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read our First American Home Warranty full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read our Cinch Home Services full review to learn more.
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 Richardson. 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, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. 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 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read our The Home Service Club full review to learn more.
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 | $6,533 |
| Heating | $4,355 |
| Electrical | $653 |
| Toilets | $544 |
| Washer/Dryer | $871 |
| Plumbing | $653 |
| Oven | $1,742 |
| Fridge | $653 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps reduce the high costs for Richardson homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace 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 company then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with functional fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Richardson homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, well pumps, roof leaks, and pools. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also do away with deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer service. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Richardson and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Richardson can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Richardson, 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.
Not only does a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
One drawback of buying a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.
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 impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Richardson. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Richardson.
Homebuyers, home sellers, real estate agents, homeowners, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Richardson include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Richardson is $445,360, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
