The Best Home Warranty Companies
Introduction
Homeownership is a significant investment that comes with numerous responsibilities, and ensuring your home stays in good condition is one of them. You can prevent unexpected home repair costs by having a home warranty. Home warranties protect your wallet from costly repairs by covering systems and appliances that have failed due to normal wear and tear. However, choosing the best home warranty company can be challenging due to the number of options available.
In this article, we will give detailed explanations of the best home warranty companies on the market. We will also highlight their strengths and weaknesses and answer frequently asked questions about home warranties.
1. American Home Shield 🔒
American Home Shield (AHS) is a home warranty company that has served homeowners for over 50 years. It has several home warranty plans for systems and appliances. With AHS, you can customize your plan and add optional coverage for items such as pools or spas.
Strengths:
- Large network of contractors
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Flexible service call fees
Weaknesses:
- Some customers have reported slow response times
- High cancellation fee
- May not cover pre-existing conditions
2. Choice Home Warranty 🛡️
Choice Home Warranty is a home warranty provider that covers systems and appliances, including air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. The company offers two plans: Basic and Total.
Strengths:
- 24/7 customer service
- Covers appliances and systems regardless of age
- Low service call fees
Weaknesses:
- May not cover pre-existing conditions
- Cancellation fee
- Some customers report long wait times for repairs
3. First American Home Warranty 💯
First American Home Warranty offers multiple home warranty plans that cover systems and appliances. It also has optional coverage for additional home items.
Strengths:
- Covers essential home systems such as air conditioning and heating
- Provides coverage for newly purchased or renovated homes
- Offers discounts when you purchase optional coverage
Weaknesses:
- Some customers have reported difficulty getting repairs scheduled
- May not cover pre-existing conditions
- High cancellation fee
4. HomeServe USA 🌎
HomeServe USA offers home repair plans and annual home maintenance plans to protect your home from unexpected repair costs. The company has emergency repair services available 24/7.
Strengths:
- 24/7 emergency repair service
- Multiple plan options available
- Provides annual maintenance plans
Weaknesses:
- Restricted service areas
- Long wait times for repairs
- Customers have reported issues with billing and cancellation
Best Home Warranty Companies Comparison Table
| Company | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | Large network of contractors, Comprehensive coverage options, Flexible service call fees | Slow response times, High cancellation fee, May not cover pre-existing conditions |
| Choice Home Warranty | 24/7 customer service, Covers appliances and systems regardless of age, Low service call fees | May not cover pre-existing conditions, Cancellation fee, Long wait times for repairs |
| First American Home Warranty | Covers essential home systems, Provides coverage for newly purchased or renovated homes, Offers discounts with optional coverage | Difficulty scheduling repairs, High cancellation fee, May not cover pre-existing conditions |
| HomeServe USA | 24/7 emergency repair service, Multiple plan options available, Provides annual maintenance plans | Restricted service areas, Long wait times for repairs, Billing and cancellation issues reported |
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties
1. What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of systems and appliances in your home that have failed due to normal wear and tear.
2. Are Home Warranties Worth It?
Home warranties can be worth it if you want to avoid unexpected repair bills. They can also provide peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong in your home, it can be quickly addressed by a professional.
3. What is Covered Under a Home Warranty?
Home warranty coverage varies depending on the company and the plan you choose. Generally, they can cover systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating, as well as appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves.
4. How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
The cost of a home warranty can vary depending on your location, the age of your home, and the level of coverage you need. On average, they can range from $300 to $600 per year.
5. Can You Purchase a Home Warranty at Any Time?
Yes, you can purchase a home warranty at any time, but they are typically purchased when you buy or sell a home.
6. Do Home Warranties Have Deductibles?
Yes, home warranties have a service fee or deductible that you pay when you request a service call.
7. How Do You File a Claim With a Home Warranty Company?
To file a claim with your home warranty company, you typically need to contact them by phone or online. They will then send a qualified technician to assess the issue and make necessary repairs or replacements.
8. What Happens if a System or Appliance Cannot be Repaired?
If a system or appliance covered by your home warranty cannot be repaired, then the warranty company may replace it with a similar model.
9. How Long Does it Take for Repairs to be Completed?
The time it takes for repairs to be completed can vary depending on the company, the type of repair, and the availability of parts. However, the average repair time is typically 2-3 days.
10. What Happens if You Sell Your Home?
If you sell your home, you can typically transfer your home warranty to the new homeowner. Some home warranty companies may charge a fee for transferring the warranty.
11. Can You Choose Your Own Contractor?
Most home warranty companies have a network of qualified contractors that they work with. However, some companies may allow you to choose your own contractor, but they may not cover the entire repair cost.
12. Can You Cancel Your Home Warranty?
Yes, you can cancel your home warranty at any time. However, there may be a cancellation fee, and you may lose coverage for any repairs that were in progress.
13. How Do You Choose the Best Home Warranty Company?
The best way to choose the best home warranty company is to do your research, compare plans and pricing, and read customer reviews. You should also consider the company's reputation, coverage options, and customer service.
Conclusion
Choosing the best home warranty company is important to protect your home and wallet from unexpected repair costs. In this article, we have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of some of the best home warranty companies on the market. We have also answered frequently asked questions about home warranties. Use the information we provided to make an informed decision when choosing the best home warranty for your home.
Remember, read the fine print in each of the company's options available before deciding on the best home warranty company that suits your needs.
🏠Protect your home today with a home warranty from one of the best companies!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The writer has done their best to provide accurate information, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Before making any decision, please read the company's contract agreement.