Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Charleston, South Carolina

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

Our Methodology

We've ranked the top 7 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Charleston. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.

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Home warranties give you a financial buffer to fix or replace appliances that suddenly fail. For a monthly fee, these policies cover items such as refrigerators and AC units when they stop working from regular wear and tear.

Many crucial home components start having issues before hitting the 10 to 15-year mark, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically last just seven to 25 years. Water heaters normally last six to 12 years, and most appliances today stop working after about 20 years.

If your Charleston home has a furnace, dishwasher or any other everyday appliance within that age range, you will likely experience an untimely breakdown. The top three home warranty companies listed below offer generous coverage at affordable rates.

Charleston's wet, cool weather strains roofs and HVAC systems, so we advise getting a home warranty to protect yourself from sudden breakdown repair costs. The providers we recommend offer strong coverage options and even a few added perks.

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

3.8

Our Rating

Charges low premiums
Includes roof-leak coverage
Offers solid HVAC coverage

Explore Plans

Find the best home warranty for you in Charleston

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Charleston:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty pairs its three coverage plans with flexible service call fees. It also offers coverage perks, including an appliance color-match program and an "Even If" service fee guarantee. With this guarantee, 2-10 will refund your service call fee if your covered item can’t be fixed or replaced.

What we like

Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements

What we don't like

Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers the largest number of optional add-ons compared to any provider in this article — 38 in total. It also has plans featuring a 60-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs.

What we like

Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Offers an extensive list of 40+ add-on coverages
Provides an easy claims process

What we don't like

Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions

Elite Home Warranty

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty has a fully customizable coverage plan you can design based on your coverage needs. It also includes a lengthy 90-day workmanship guarantee.

What we like

Allows you to choose your technician
Extends a 90-day workmanship guarantee
Offers more than 25 add-ons

What we don't like

Charges higher service fees for high-end appliances
Doesn't provide an online quote
Limits repair and replacement coverage caps for older items

American Home Shield

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

Founded in 1971, American Home Shield was one of the country's first home warranty companies. Today, it offers three coverage plans and six supplementary add-ons.

What we like

Offers generous coverage caps
Allows customers to build their own plans
Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay

What we don't like

Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Offers limited add-on options

First American Home Warranty

4.2/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00

First American is known for its comprehensive appliance coverage caps. With an Essential or Premium plan that has the First American Advantage upgrade, you could also get coverage for miscellaneous components, including appliance knobs and dials.

What we like

Allows you to choose your service call fee
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
Accepts 24/7 service calls
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair

What we don't like

Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
Charges higher for coverage compared to other providers

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch is known for offering unique perks such as homeowners insurance deductible reumbursement and adjustable service fees and premiums.

What we like

Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extends a long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Provides generous $10,000 aggregate coverage limit

What we don't like

Charges high service fees of $100-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Select Home Warranty plans have low premiums, and each one includes coverage for roof leaks.

What we like

Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option

What we don't like

Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps

Cost of a home warranty in Charleston

The cost of a home warranty is around the same as the national average, and it largely depends on how often you choose to make payments. The national average is in the range of $40.91 to $77.05 per month, or $563.62 to $927.43 per year. We calculated the average by requesting hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

With a home warranty, you'll have extra coverage for major systems and home appliances. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll discuss what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

Built-in microwaves
Refrigerators
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Washing machines
Clothes dryers

Kitchen items and outdoor appliances make up the first group of items that a home warranty covers. This includes the following items: The second category of covered items under a home warranty is major systems. Not every plan covers the same major systems. However, you can find coverage for any of these items:

Central vacuum
HVAC
Water heater
Plumbing
Electrical

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

As with many other service contracts, home warranties won't cover certain components or appliances. These are called exclusions. One thing that home warranties don't cover is damage outside normal wear and tear. For example, the warranty company could deny a claim for an AC breakdown if a dirty air filter is the cause. This is because replacing the air filter is a part of routine maintenance. Home warranties also don't cover hazardous waste, cosmetic damage, improper system or appliance installation, preexisting conditions, rust or corrosion damage and acts of nature.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Charleston

Ask each home warranty provider these questions before you purchase a plan.

What items does my policy cover?

First, figure out what items need coverage before requesting a home warranty quote. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage, so verify that the company has plans to meet your particular needs. Most home warranty companies also sell optional add-ons for things like central vacuum and well pumps. Evaluate what add-ons you might need and how much they'll add to the home warranty cost.

How long is my home warranty good for?

A typical home warranty plan is valid for one year from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. The 30-day waiting period acts as a way to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You may extend the 12-month policy term by purchasing a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

When researching a home warranty company, ask which service contractors it partners with in your area. Many home warranty providers will let you select your own local contractor if they don’t have an in-network provider near you. The contractor must be licensed and registered in Charleston to get repair approval from the home warranty provider. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Each company's claims process will differ from the others. If a covered issue strikes, you could file a claim via their website or over the phone. Most companies try to respond to claims within one to two days, though there might be processing delays if you filed outside normal working hours. After you file your claim, a staff member will review it and connect you with a networked repair service. The contractor's team will schedule a meeting with you to examine the appliance and diagnose the problem. Once the company grants final approval, the contractor can proceed with repairs.

Can I transfer my policy to the next owner of my home?

Most home warranty providers allow you to transfer your policy to a new person who moves into the home the policy covers. Generally, transferring a home warranty policy to a new homeowner is complimentary, although some companies charge a transfer fee to offset administrative costs. Some home warranty companies also provide special coverage plans that are easily transferred to prospective buyers. Home sellers acquire these home warranty plans to increase their home's appeal.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before buying a home warranty, examine the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you decide whether they're a suitable choice for you. It'll also help you stand up for your rights if you need to file a claim. Look for these key stipulations and clauses:

Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on how to cancel your policy and get a refund. If you cancel within the initial waiting period before coverage takes effect, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
Exclusions: Be sure to read more about component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of a device might be excluded even if the appliance itself is generally covered under the policy.
Workmanship guarantee: Home warranties usually include workmanship guarantees that are at least 30 days long. If an in-network technician attempted to fix your appliance or system, and you continue to experience issues with it, the company will not charge an additional service call fee for new repairs.
Service call fee: Whenever you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will levy a service call fee. These fees usually run from $75 to $125.
Coverage limit: Your home warranty's coverage limit is the limit on how much the company will pay per claim. A warranty contract could also have other stipulations, like annual coverage limits.

Facts about Charleston

Average High in July

89°F

Charleston

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

42°F

Charleston

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

76%

Charleston

69%

National Average

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

3.8

Our Rating

Charges low premiums
Includes roof-leak coverage
Offers solid HVAC coverage

Explore Plans

Our methodology for selecting home warranty providers

We review national home warranty providers against our full home warranty methodology. We score warranty providers based on coverage options and limits, price, brand reputation, customer service, extra features and availability.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

7 best home warranty companies in Charleston, South Carolina

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