Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Roanoke is on the older side. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the many options out there. If you're overwhelmed by trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty companies in Roanoke.
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 Roanoke. Liberty has around 6 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
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.
For more information, read our Liberty Home Guard 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 Roanoke. Choice has around 15 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
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.
For more information, read our Choice Home Warranty 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 Roanoke. Select has around 11 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
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.
For more information, read our Select Home Warranty 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 Roanoke. AHS has around 26 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
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.
For more information, read our American Home Shield 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 Roanoke. First American has around 39 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 2 plans from First American are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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 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.
For more information, read our First American Home Warranty 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 Roanoke. Cinch has around 44 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
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.
For more information, read our Cinch Home Services 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 Roanoke. HSC has around 15 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. 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 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.
For more information, read our The Home Service Club 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 | $5,905 |
| Heating | $3,936 |
| Electrical | $590 |
| Toilets | $492 |
| Washer/Dryer | $787 |
| Plumbing | $590 |
| Oven | $1,575 |
| Fridge | $590 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Roanoke homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. It's important for Roanoke homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
There are a number of home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically include plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for a company that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Positive reviews and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Roanoke and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty providers often include extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These extras add value beyond just repair coverage. Added perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Roanoke’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair technician who does the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans let you select a contractor.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty in Roanoke can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce 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 the entire home in case of something 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 refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Roanoke.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, real estate agents, and landlords 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.
A home warranty will 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 a good idea if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Roanoke, where the median home value is $250,327, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
