Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a house can have a lot of perks, but it can also come with some downsides 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 give you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in Martinsville 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 is the most trustworthy home warranty in Martinsville. Liberty has been operating for around 6 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To get 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 Martinsville. Choice has been operating for around 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To get 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 Martinsville. Select has been operating for around 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To get 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 Martinsville. AHS has been operating for around 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information, read our review of American Home Shield. To get 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 Martinsville. First American has been operating for around 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To get 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 Martinsville. Cinch has been operating for around 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To get 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 Martinsville. HSC has been operating for around 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. The 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Martinsville homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information, read our review of The Home Service Club. To get 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 | $5,652 |
| Heating | $3,768 |
| Electrical | $565 |
| Toilets | $471 |
| Washer/Dryer | $754 |
| Plumbing | $565 |
| Oven | $1,507 |
| Fridge | $565 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Martinsville homeowners cut the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind and can help avoid costly 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 cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and more. Included systems are typically electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Martinsville should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover additional items such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for a provider that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per repair request filed. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers 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 contractor quality, approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Martinsville and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide perks such as protection for smart home devices, discounts on maintenance, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Martinsville can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Getting a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks unexpectedly.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of having to vet contractors by yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair technician who handles the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to select their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty providers let you choose a contractor.
Another downside is that home warranties may not include some repairs, like those due to 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 policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Martinsville. Our top-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. Additionally, 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 warranties cover problems related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Martinsville. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, landlords, home sellers, and homeowners can all get 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 home warranties in Martinsville include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers your home systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, the homeowner is the one who 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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Martinsville, where the median home value is $116,879, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
