Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
As much as you may enjoy homeownership in South Riding, there's always that worry about whether your appliances and systems are going to need to be replaced in the next few years. A home warranty can help protect homeowners by cutting the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different price points — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in South Riding.
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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty in South Riding. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 offers the best overall home warranty in South Riding. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in South Riding. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Select Home Warranty.
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 offers the most customizable home warranty in South Riding. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our thorough review of American Home Shield.
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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in South Riding. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our thorough review of First American Home Warranty.
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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in South Riding. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our thorough review of Cinch Home Services.
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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in South Riding. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also 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 has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our thorough review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $7,621 |
Heating | $5,080 |
Electrical | $762 |
Toilets | $635 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,016 |
Plumbing | $762 |
Oven | $2,032 |
Fridge | $762 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps South Riding homeowners reduce the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit 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 goes 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 owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect many household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. South Riding homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, 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.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically provide protection for electrical, plumbing, AC, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also remove deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, claim approval rates, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to learn how many technicians they have in South Riding. This helps you understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty providers provide bonuses such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
South Riding’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 in the event 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 necessary repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty offer some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty in South Riding can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover issues related to home 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 plan that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in South Riding. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty plan can help home sellers, investors, homeowners, real estate agents, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Generally, 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 will pay the service fees when using the policy. In South Riding, where the median home value is $663,632, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.