Home Warranty

6 best home warranty companies in Dover, Delaware

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

Our Methodology

We've ranked the top 6 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Dover. 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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Consider a home warranty to financially protect your home's essential items. These policies cover the replacement or repair of major household systems and appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, for a monthly fee.

Many key home systems break down before hitting the 10 to 15-year mark. HVAC systems typically last just seven to 25 years. The normal lifespan for water heaters is only six to 12 years, and most major appliances today fail after 20 years, say the experts at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

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

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover appliance failures due to normal wear and tear, so having a home warranty can provide you a supplementary buffer against the unexpected. We've done the research to determine what home warranty firms have the best major appliance and system coverage.

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 Dover

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 has three coverage plans with flexible service call fees and perks like appliance color matching. The company also has an "Even If" guarantee that refunds your service call fees 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 38 different coverage add-ons – the most of any home warranty company we researched. Each covered repair also comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

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 offers fully customizable plans with 90-day workmanship guarantees. Customers can build a unique coverage solution that meets their needs.

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

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch has some unique home warranty offerings and coverage perks, including homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Just like many other companies, it also offers flexible service fees that give you a greater say in your premium.

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 pairs all plans with roof-leak repair coverage. It also charges low plan premiums.

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 Dover

The typical monthly cost of a home warranty in Dover ranges from $41 to $70, around the same as the national average. If you're paying on an annual basis, expect to spend roughly $563.62–$927.48 per year. To calculate national cost data, we requested hundreds of quotes for 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state that the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

Home warranties cover a variety of major systems and home appliances. We'll offer a general overview of the two main coverage categories.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

Washing machines
Clothes dryers
Refrigerators
Built-in microwaves
Cooktops
Dishwashers

Kitchen items and outdoor appliances make up the first group of items that a home warranty provides coverage for. This includes the following items: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will vary between different plans. However, most consist of the following:

Plumbing
Electrical
Water heater
Central vacuum
HVAC

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Like other service contracts, home warranties won't cover certain appliances or components. These are called exclusions. One thing that home warranties don't cover is damage outside of 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 considered routine upkeep. Additionally, home warranties won't cover cosmetic damage, rust or corrosion damage, acts of nature, hazardous waste, preexisting conditions and improper system or appliance installation.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Dover

Before you purchase a home warranty plan, discuss these crucial questions with each provider you're considering.

What items are covered by my policy?

Before asking a home warranty provider for a quote, write down the specific systems and appliances that you need covered. Then, verify the company has plans meeting your needs. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for additional refrigeration or spas. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Generally, a home warranty plan is valid for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period to deter customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. A home warranty may last longer than 12 months if you purchase a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

When you're researching home warranty providers, be sure to ask about which service contractors they use. Each repair team must follow specific licensing requirements and standards to get repair approval from the warranty company. If there are no partner contractors in your area, the warranty terms might allow you to pick your own repair company. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Knowledge of your warranty company's claim process can make all the difference between an approval and a denial. If you're facing a covered issue, you can usually file a claim over the phone or through the web. While most claims should have a one to two-day turnaround, there might be delays if you filed outside standard business 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 begin the repair work.

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

Most home warranty companies 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 levy a transfer fee to offset administrative costs. Home warranty companies may also sell separate, special coverage plans that you can easily transfer to prospective homebuyers. Sellers can purchase these plans to enhance their home's appeal in a competitive market.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before purchasing a home warranty, research the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you determine if 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:

Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that limits how much money the company will pay per claim. There might also be an annual coverage limit or other stipulations.
Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on cancellation and refunds. If you cancel within the initial waiting period before coverage takes effect, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and component-specific ones. Even if a device or system is generally covered, your warranty could still exclude some specific parts if they become damaged. Read your sample contract carefully to understand the exclusions.
Workmanship guarantee: The workmanship guarantee is the period during which the home warranty company will not charge an additional service call fee for a repair if an in-network technician has recently serviced the item. The industry standard is 30 days, though some companies offer longer workmanship guarantees.
Service call fee: Whenever you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will charge a service call fee. These fees usually run from $75 to $125.

Facts about Dover

Average High in July

83°F

Dover

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

29°F

Dover

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

66%

Dover

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.

6 best home warranty companies in Dover, Delaware

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