Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
As much as you may enjoy homeownership in Oak Harbor, there's always that concern about whether your appliances and systems are going to make it through the next few years. A home warranty in Oak Harbor can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the numerous options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the top home warranty companies in Oak Harbor.
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 Oak Harbor, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. When you purchase a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our American Home Shield full review.
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 Oak Harbor, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our First American Home Warranty full review.
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 Oak Harbor, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. When you purchase a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services full review.
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 Oak Harbor, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. When you purchase a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club 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 HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our The Home Service Club full review.
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 | $6,228 |
| Heating | $4,152 |
| Electrical | $623 |
| Toilets | $519 |
| Washer/Dryer | $830 |
| Plumbing | $623 |
| Oven | $1,661 |
| Fridge | $623 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Oak Harbor homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company 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 goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of 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 help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, dryers, washers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and even roof leaks. Oak Harbor homeowners should 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 that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improper use of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by the policy.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for a company that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific 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, you may want to choose a company with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers 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. Look at review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to ask how many repair technicians they have in Oak Harbor and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Oak Harbor can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Oak Harbor, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may come across. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One drawback of buying a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For example, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Oak Harbor can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. 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 warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements 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 Oak Harbor. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty can help home sellers, homeowners, homebuyers, investors, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays 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 when using the policy. In Oak Harbor, where the median value of a home is $491,081, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
