Best Home Warranty Companies of October 2023

These home warranty companies can help you prepare for appliance and system repairs

When it comes to safeguarding your home against unexpected appliance and system breakdowns, the choice of a reliable home warranty company becomes paramount. In this report, we'll explore the best home warranty companies for October 2023, helping you make an informed decision to protect your investments and maintain peace of mind.

• Best for Customer Satisfaction: Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty
• Best for Customization: American Residential Warranty
• Best for Transparency: Home Warranty Inc.
• Best for Claim Response Time: First Premier Home Warranty
• Cheapest Plan Cost for CA, FL: Cinch Home Services
• Best Low Service Fee: America's Preferred Home Warranty
• Best for Highest Payout Cap: Sears Home Warranty

1. Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty: Customer Satisfaction Reigns Supreme

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Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty has secured its position as the top pick for customer satisfaction in October 2023. This distinction is not arbitrary but based on its impressive average Better Business Bureau customer review rating of 4.63, derived from over 1,200 verified reviews. Liberty's unwavering commitment to treating its customers well has set it apart.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Multi-year discounts available on select plans.
-A wide array of optional add-ons.
-User-friendly website.
-Transparent pricing.
-Efficient live-chat customer service.
-Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A rating.

Cons:

-Limited choice in selecting service technicians.
-Relatively lower payout benefit cap.
-Coverage and Plans

Liberty Home Guard offers three fundamental plans:

Appliance Guard: Covers appliances like washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and more.

Systems Guard: Includes systems such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical.
Total Home Guard: Offers comprehensive coverage, encompassing both appliances and systems.

Liberty Home Guard is accessible in all states, except Washington and Wisconsin, making it widely available to homeowners across the nation.

Customization Options

One of Liberty Home Guard's standout features is its extensive list of optional add-ons. This enables you to tailor your plan according to your specific needs, whether it's for a second refrigerator, swimming pool coverage, or even a wine cooler.

2. American Residential Warranty: Personalized Protection

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American Residential Warranty takes the spotlight for customization. With a competitive average annual cost of $554.88 and service fees ranging from $55 to $75, it offers flexible plans to meet your unique requirements.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Affordable plans.
-Transparent pricing.
-Nationwide coverage.
-Positive customer reviews.

Cons:

-Additional charges for washer and dryer coverage.
-Limits on some appliances and systems.

Coverage and Plans

American Residential Warranty's plans include:

Kitchen Plus: Covering kitchen appliances and more.
Platinum Premier: Extensive coverage, including heating, cooling, and plumbing.
4-in-1 Bundle: A comprehensive package covering various aspects of your home.

American Residential Warranty is available in all 50 states, making it a versatile choice for homeowners across the nation.

Customization Options

This provider allows you to customize your plan with add-ons such as ceiling fans, additional HVAC units, and even a washer and dryer.

3. Home Warranty Inc.: A Transparent Approach

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Home Warranty Inc. earns its reputation for transparency in October 2023. With an average annual cost of $479.33 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, it offers clear pricing and a faster-than-average claims response time.

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

-No limitations on square footage.
-Choose your technician.
-Quick claims response times.

Cons:

-Limits on some appliances and systems.
-No coverage for specific damages.

Coverage and Plans

Home Warranty Inc. provides three basic plans, ensuring you have options to suit your needs:

Home Protection: Covering heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and more.
Appliance Protection: An à la carte plan for individual appliances.
Supplemental Home Protection: Enhancing your existing insurance.

This provider operates in 44 states, giving homeowners extensive accessibility.

Customization Options

Home Warranty Inc. lets you add enhanced HVAC coverage, jetted bathtubs, or even coverage for your septic tank, offering a tailored approach to your home's needs.

4. First Premier Home Warranty: Speedy Claim Response

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For those valuing swift claim responses, First Premier Home Warranty is your ideal choice in October 2023. With an impressive 20-minute response time, it ensures your repairs are addressed promptly.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Lightning-fast claim response times.
-Cost-effective plans and service fees.
-Generous payout caps.

Cons:

-Limited track record as a newer player.
-Fewer plan options compared to competitors.
-Coverage and Plans

First Premier Home Warranty offers two comprehensive plans:

Premier: Covering plumbing, electrical, appliances, and more.
Premier Platinum: Expanding coverage to include air conditioning, heating, and additional appliances.

While not available in California and Iowa, it operates in all other states.

Customization Options

You can customize either plan with various add-ons, such as additional A/C systems, spa coverage, or septic pumping.

5. Cinch Home Services: Affordable California and Florida Plans

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Cinch Home Services stands out in October 2023 for offering the cheapest plan cost in California and Florida. With prices under $500 per year, it provides affordability without compromising on coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Protection for unknown pre-existing conditions.
-180-day service guarantee.

Cons:

-Slightly higher service fees.
-Above-average costs in some states.
-Coverage and Plans

Cinch Home Services offers three plans:

Home Appliances Warranty: Covering essential appliances.
Built-in Systems Warranty: Encompassing various home systems.
Complete Home Warranty: Combining both appliances and systems.

This provider operates in 47 states, making it accessible to a broad range of homeowners.

Customization Options

Cinch allows you to enhance your plan with a Premier Upgrade Package or add coverage for your septic system, spa, swimming pool, and more.

6. America's Preferred Home Warranty: Low Service Fees

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In the realm of service fees, America's Preferred Home Warranty takes the lead with the lowest-in-industry $50 service fee option. With the ability to choose your service fee, you can design a plan tailored to your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Select your licensed technician.
-A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Cons:

-Limited plan variety.
-Coverage and Plans

America's Preferred Home Warranty offers two plans with varying service fee options:

Standard Coverage: Covering a range of home components.
Preferred Upgrade: Expanding coverage and including additional benefits.

This provider operates in 19 states, providing valuable options for homeowners in those regions.

Customization Options

While offering fewer plan options, America's Preferred Home Warranty allows you to choose your service fee, offering flexibility in managing your coverage.

7. Sears Home Warranty: Highest Payout Cap

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Sears Home Warranty boasts the highest payout cap in the industry, with an impressive $50,000 annual limit. For those seeking extensive coverage, this provider stands out.

Pros & Cons

Pros:1

-80-day service guarantee.
-Product replacements available.

Cons:

-Some customer complaints.
-Parent company, Sears Holdings, in bankruptcy.
-Coverage and Plans

Sears Home Warranty offers three comprehensive plans:

Appliance Plan: Covering kitchen and laundry appliances.
Systems Plan: Including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Whole House Plan: Combining appliances and systems for complete coverage.

This provider is available in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and Washington.

Customization Options

You can enhance your plan with add-ons like well pump coverage or a second refrigerator.

Compare Providers

Company	Average Annual Cost	Service Fees	Response Time	Payout Cap	No. of States	Pricing Available Online
Liberty Home Guard LLCBest for Customer Satisfaction	$587.49	$80 - $125	24 - 48 hours	$2,000 per item	46 states	No
American Residential WarrantyBest for Customization	$554.88	$55 - $75	24 - 48 hours	$2,500 per item	50 states	Yes
Home Warranty IncBest for Transparency	$479.33	$75	4 - 48 hours	$15,000 Annual	45 states	Yes
First Premier Home WarrantyBest for Claim Response Time	$424	$60 - $75	20 hours	$15,000 Annual	48 states	No
Cinch Home WarrantyCheapest Plan Cost for CA, FL	$567.49	$100 - $150	2 - 24 hours	$10,000 Aggregate	47 states	No
America's Preferred Home WarrantyBest Low Service Fee	$517	$50 - $100	N/A	$25,000 Annual	20 states	No
Sears Home WarrantyBest for Highest Payout Cap	$719.88	$75 - $100	2 - 24 hours	$50,000 Annual	48 states	No

Guide to Choosing the Best Warranty Companies

Finding the best home warranty can be tricky with so many companies and plans to consider. When you're ready to buy a home warranty, be sure to go through these steps:

• Compare online quotes.
• Find the plan covers the appliances and systems you want, and confirm it's offered in your zip code.
• Examine the coverage limits a company offers. Reputable home warranty companies generally cover at least $2,000 per item per year. 
• Weigh the cost of the policy against the service fee that home warranties charge. For example, if you anticipate a lot of repairs, you might come out ahead with a more expensive policy that offers a lower service fee. 
  
• Find companies with an easy claims process. When something goes wrong, it should be quick and easy to submit a service claim, either by phone or online.

After choosing a plan, service fee, and any add-on coverage, you pay upfront for the entire year or set up monthly payments. Most companies have a waiting period of 15 to 30 days after buying the plan before coverage takes effect.

Once that waiting period is over, you're free to start using the home warranty. If you bought or were given a home warranty as part of a home purchase, your coverage typically begins when you close on your new home.

While the specifics depend on the company, here's a general rundown of how a home warranty works:

1. If a covered appliance or system breaks down, you submit a claim with your         home warranty company online or by phone. Most companies have 24/7/365         customer service representatives ready to help you.    

2. Your home warranty company chooses a service provider.

1. 3. The service provider contacts you to set up an appointment.
2. 4. The technician comes to your home to diagnose the problem. If it's covered, the technician repairs or replaces the item.
3. 5. You pay the service fee to your home warranty company or directly to the technician (depending on your plan). The home warranty company covers the rest.

How to Read a Home Warranty Service Contract

Like most contracts, your home warranty contract will detail everything you need to know about your contract. It will list what the warranty covers, what it doesn't covers, and show you how much your coverage limits are for various repairs and replacements. Additionally, the contract should tell you:

• -Your warranty's waiting period
• -How to request service
• -How much a service call costs
• -The limits to which your policy will cover your home
• -How to cancel your policy
• -Special rules or limits for your state (if applicable)1

Read over your contract line-by-line and ask questions if something doesn't make sense.

Conclusion

Selecting the best home warranty company involves careful consideration of your unique needs and preferences. In October 2023, these top contenders offer a range of options to protect your home and provide peace of mind. Remember to review each provider's terms, conditions, and pricing to make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities.

FAQ

1. What is a home warranty, and why do I need one?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. It provides financial protection against unexpected breakdowns, saving you money on repair costs.

2. How do I choose the right home warranty company?

To select the best home warranty company, consider factors like coverage options, cost, customer reviews, and your specific needs. Compare plans and providers to find the one that suits you best.

3.What are add-ons, and why should I consider them?

Add-ons are optional coverage items you can include in your home warranty plan. They allow you to customize your coverage to include items like a swimming pool, second refrigerator, or spa. Adding them can provide more comprehensive protection.

4. Are there any limitations to home warranty coverage?

Yes, most home warranty plans have limitations. They may not cover pre-existing conditions, items with insufficient maintenance, or certain types of damages. Review your contract to understand what's included and excluded.

5. How do service fees work with home warranty companies?

Service fees are the amounts you pay for each service request or repair visit. They typically range from $50 to $125 per visit. Understanding your service fee is important, as it affects your overall cost.

6. What is the "bottom line" for choosing a home warranty company?

The bottom line in choosing a home warranty company is finding the right balance between coverage, cost, and customer service. Look for a provider that meets your specific needs, offers transparent pricing, and has a good reputation for customer satisfaction.

7. Are home warranties available in all states?

No, not all home warranty companies operate in every state. It's essential to check if the provider you're interested in offers coverage in your state before making a decision.

8. How can I make the most of my home warranty?

To maximize the benefits of your home warranty, keep up with regular appliance and system maintenance, report issues promptly, and read your contract thoroughly to understand what's covered.

9. Can I cancel my home warranty at any time?

Most home warranty contracts have a cancellation policy. Typically, you can cancel within a certain period (e.g., 30 days) for a full refund. After that, you may be subject to a pro-rated refund or cancellation fee.

10. Is it worth having a home warranty if I have homeowner's insurance?

Yes, home warranties and homeowner's insurance serve different purposes. While homeowner's insurance covers damage from unforeseen events like fires or natural disasters, a home warranty focuses on the repair and replacement of home systems and appliances due to wear and tear.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that choosing the right home warranty company involves careful consideration of your individual needs, budget, and preferences. Research and compare providers to make an informed decision that provides peace of mind for your home protection needs.