Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
SeaTac gives homeowners some great housing options and the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons. However, temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the many options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in SeaTac.
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 SeaTac. 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 comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. 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.
For more information on this provider, read our full 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 SeaTac. 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 comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. 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.
For more information on this provider, read our full 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 SeaTac. 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 comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: 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 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.
For more information on this provider, read our full 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 SeaTac. 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 comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. 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.
For more information on this provider, read our full 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 | $6,586 |
| Heating | $4,391 |
| Electrical | $659 |
| Toilets | $549 |
| Washer/Dryer | $878 |
| Plumbing | $659 |
| Oven | $1,756 |
| Fridge | $659 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for SeaTac homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, washers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. SeaTac should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically include heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per service call made. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides 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 Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in SeaTac to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
SeaTac’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help 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, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
In addition, 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 carry out the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
One major drawback of home warranties is not every home system and appliance you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and select one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in SeaTac can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan protects against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in SeaTac.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in SeaTac include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought 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 SeaTac, where the median value of a home is $658,652, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
