Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Being a homeowner in Washington Terrace is an excellent option for those who like nature and quiet neighborhoods. However, as great as Washington Terrace is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to take care of your appliance repairs yourself. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Washington Terrace.
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 Washington Terrace, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, 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 options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, 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 options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, 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 options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it 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.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, 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 options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it 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.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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
In Washington Terrace, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, 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 options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information on this provider, read our detailed 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 | $5,896 |
| Heating | $3,931 |
| Electrical | $590 |
| Toilets | $491 |
| Washer/Dryer | $786 |
| Plumbing | $590 |
| Oven | $1,572 |
| Fridge | $590 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Washington Terrace homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, 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 go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, washers, and others. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Washington Terrace 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 cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are multiple home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans cover electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also cover other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's rating gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Favorable ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Washington Terrace and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies offer extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Washington Terrace’s cold winters 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 needed repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not only does a home warranty give you 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 deals with this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
One disadvantage of 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 over the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Washington Terrace. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Washington Terrace. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, landlords, real estate agents, and home sellers 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.
The different types of home warranties in Washington Terrace include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the contract.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Generally, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Washington Terrace, where the median home value is $378,317, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
