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7 best home warranty companies in Montgomery, Alabama
Jesus Sanchez GarciaHome improvement writer
Jesus Sanchez Garcia is a senior writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His expertise focuses on home ...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard
We've ranked the top 7 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Montgomery. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
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 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 go kaput after about 20 years.
If your Montgomery home has a furnace, dishwasher or any other everyday appliance within that age range, you will likely experience an unexpected breakdown. The top three home warranty companies listed below offer generous coverage at affordable rates.
Montgomery's scorching hot summers make an air conditioner failure pricy and even dangerous. You can have extra peace of mind with a home warranty that has major system and appliance coverage. The national companies below carry top plans and benefits.
- Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Holds high customer ratings
- Offers customization with 38 add-ons
- Covers rust and corrosion damage
- Offers comprehensive coverage limits
- Provides flexible service fees
- Charges low premiums
- Includes roof-leak coverage
- Offers solid HVAC coverage
Find the best home warranty for you in Montgomery
Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Montgomery:
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
Plan Name
Simply HVAC
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$50 - $39
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Simply Kitchen
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$31 - $22
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Essential Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$61 - $51
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Complete Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$60 - $51
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Drain line stoppages, Plumbing system, Plumbing valves, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Doorbells, Electrical systems, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Pinnacle Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$80 - $71
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Drain line stoppages, Hose bibs, Plumbing system, Plumbing valves, Polybutylene and PEX plumbing systems, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Attic and bathroom exhaust fans, Burglar and fire alarms, Doorbells, Electrical systems, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
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
Plan Name
Appliance Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$49
Items covered
Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling and exhaust fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwashers, Garbage disposals, Garage door openers, Ranges/ovens/cooktops, Refrigerator with ice maker and display.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
Plan Name
Systems Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$54
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating, Electrical, Plumbing, Water heaters.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
Plan Name
Total Home Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$59
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating, Electrical, Plumbing, Water heaters, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling and exhaust fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwashers, Garbage disposals, Garage door openers, Ranges/ovens/cooktops, Refrigerator with ice maker and display.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
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
Plan Name
Elite Appliances
Service Fee
$70
Monthly Cost
$48
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Oven, Range, Refrigerator, ice maker, and water dispenser.
Add-on items
annual maintenance, attic exhaust fan, central vacuum, effluent pump, ejector pump, freestanding freezer, freestanding icemaker, freestanding spa equipment, generator, geothermal heating and cooling system, grinder pump, guest house, jetted hot tub, lawn sprinkler system, lift pump, limited roof-leak repair, pool and spa equipment, pool equipment, premium appliances, premium benefits, premium systems, premium systems plus, service line, septic system, sump pump, swamp cooler, water filtration system, water softener, well pump, wine cooler.
Plan Name
Elite Systems
Service Fee
$70
Monthly Cost
$54
Items covered
Electrical system, Garage door opener, Air conditioning system, Heating system, Plumbing fixtures, Plumbing stoppages, Plumbing system, Water heater.
Add-on items
annual maintenance, attic exhaust fan, central vacuum, effluent pump, ejector pump, freestanding freezer, freestanding icemaker, freestanding spa equipment, generator, geothermal heating and cooling system, grinder pump, guest house, jetted hot tub, lawn sprinkler system, lift pump, limited roof-leak repair, pool and spa equipment, pool equipment, premium appliances, premium benefits, premium systems, premium systems plus, service line, septic system, sump pump, swamp cooler, water filtration system, water softener, well pump, wine cooler.
Plan Name
Elite Complete
Service Fee
$70
Monthly Cost
$59
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Oven, Range, Refrigerator, ice maker, and water dispenser, Electrical system, Garage door opener, Air conditioning system, Heating system, Plumbing fixtures, Plumbing stoppages, Plumbing system, Water heater.
Add-on items
annual maintenance, attic exhaust fan, central vacuum, effluent pump, ejector pump, freestanding freezer, freestanding icemaker, freestanding spa equipment, generator, geothermal heating and cooling system, grinder pump, guest house, jetted hot tub, lawn sprinkler system, lift pump, limited roof-leak repair, pool and spa equipment, pool equipment, premium appliances, premium benefits, premium systems, premium systems plus, service line, septic system, sump pump, swamp cooler, water filtration system, water softener, well pump, wine cooler.
Plan Name
Customize Your Own
Service Fee
$70
Monthly Cost
Varies
Add-on items
annual maintenance, attic exhaust fan, central vacuum, effluent pump, ejector pump, freestanding freezer, freestanding icemaker, freestanding spa equipment, generator, geothermal heating and cooling system, grinder pump, guest house, jetted hot tub, lawn sprinkler system, lift pump, limited roof-leak repair, pool and spa equipment, pool equipment, premium appliances, premium benefits, premium systems, premium systems plus, service line, septic system, sump pump, swamp cooler, water filtration system, water softener, well pump, wine cooler.
Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99
American Home Shield was one of the first home warranty companies, having been in business since 1971. It provides three base plans and six 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
Plan Name
ShieldSilver
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$29 - $39
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Ceiling fans, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Heating units, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Plan Name
ShieldGold
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$49 - $59
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryers, Clothes washers, Dishwashers, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Garbage disposals, Heating units, Instant hot/cold water dispensers, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Ranges/cooktops, Refrigerators, Ovens, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Plan Name
ShieldPlatinum
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$79 - $89
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryers, Clothes washers, Dishwashers, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Garbage disposals, Heating units, Instant hot/cold water dispensers, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Ranges/cooktops, Refrigerators, Roof-leak repairs, Ovens, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00
First American Home Warranty has comprehensive coverage caps for appliances in each plan. Additionally, First American includes its First American Advantage upgrade in its Essential and Premium plans. This upgrade provides coverage for miscellaneous items, such as 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
Plan Name
Starter Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$47 - $67
Items covered
Ductwork, Heating system, Refrigerant, Electrical systems, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Built-in microwave, Dishwasher, Kitchen range hood, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Plan Name
Essential Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$52 - $72
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating system, Mini-split ductless systems, Refrigerant, Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, Electrical systems, Garage door opener, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Water heaters, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwasher, Kitchen range hood, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator, Trash compactor.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Plan Name
Premium Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$67 - $87
Items covered
Air conditioning, Central vacuum system, Ductwork, Heating system, Mini-split ductless systems, Refrigerant, Registers, grills and filters, Window AC unit, Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, Electrical systems, Garage door opener, Garage door springs, hinges and transmitters, Faucets, Hose bibs, Install ground-level cleanout, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Shower head/shower arm, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Water heaters, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Instant hot water dispenser, Kitchen range hood, Luxury appliance, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator, Trash compactor.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99
Cinch Home Services provides coverage perks other companies don’t, such as a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Like most home warranty companies, Cinch offers flexible service fees that raise or lower your plan 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
Plan Name
Appliances Plan
Service Fee
$150 - $100
Monthly Cost
$38 - $48
Items covered
Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Freestanding ice maker, Microwave (built-in), Range, Range exhaust hood, Refrigerators, Trash compactor (built-in), Wall oven, Air conditioner or refrigerator filter credit, Food center (built-in).
Add-on items
Pool (Heater Included), Spa (Heater Included), Pool with Spa (Heater Included), Septic Tank/Pumping, Well Pump, Premier Upgrade Package.
Plan Name
Built-in Systems Plan
Service Fee
$150 - $100
Monthly Cost
$43 - $55
Items covered
Air conditioning, including ductwork, Central vacuum, Doorbell, Heating system, including ductwork, Attic fans, Ceiling fans, Electrical system, Garage door openers, Smoke detectors, Plumbing system, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Whirlpool/jetted tub (built-in), Air conditioner or refrigerator filter credit, Garbage disposal, Instant hot/cold water dispenser.
Add-on items
Pool (Heater Included), Spa (Heater Included), Pool with Spa (Heater Included), Septic Tank/Pumping, Well Pump, Premier Upgrade Package.
Plan Name
Complete Home Plan
Service Fee
$150 - $100
Monthly Cost
$54 - $66
Items covered
Air conditioning, including ductwork, Central vacuum, Doorbell, Heating system, including ductwork, Attic fans, Ceiling fans, Electrical system, Garage door openers, Smoke detectors, Plumbing system, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Whirlpool/jetted tub (built-in), Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Freestanding ice maker, Microwave (built-in), Range, Range exhaust hood, Refrigerators, Trash compactor (built-in), Wall oven, Air conditioner or refrigerator filter credit, Food center (built-in), Homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement, Garbage disposal, Instant hot/cold water dispenser.
Add-on items
Pool (Heater Included), Spa (Heater Included), Pool with Spa (Heater Included), Septic Tank/Pumping, Well Pump, Premier Upgrade Package.
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
Plan Name
Bronze Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$44
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Refrigerator, Stove/oven.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
Plan Name
Gold Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$44
Items covered
AC/cooling, Ductwork, Heating system, Plumbing system, Water heater, Electrical system.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
Plan Name
Platinum Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$47
Items covered
AC/cooling, Ductwork, Heating system, Plumbing stoppages, Plumbing system, Water heater, Ceiling fan, Electrical system, Garage-door openers, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Refrigerator, Stove/oven.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
Cost of a home warranty in Montgomery
The average cost of a home warranty in Montgomery is on par with the national average, running from $40.91 to $77.05 per month. If you prefer to pay an annual premium, expect to pay between $563.62 and $927.43 per year. To calculate national averages, we requested hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.
Home warranty coverage
Home warranties protect various home appliances and major systems, but they're not a substitute for homeowners insurance. Below, we'll summarize what's generally covered in a home warranty and what isn't.
What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?
- Dishwashers
- Clothes dryers
- Refrigerators
- Built-in microwaves
- Washing machines
- Cooktops
The first category of items a home warranty covers is kitchen items and outdoor appliances. This covers the following: The second coverage category is major systems, which often consist of the following:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Central vacuum
- Water heater
What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?
Each home warranty has exclusions, which are the items and circumstances it will not cover. Your contract will outline each exclusion upfront, so read carefully before you sign. Generally, home warranties won't cover item breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, if your air conditioner stops working due to a dirty air filter, home warranty companies probably won't cover the repairs since air filter replacement falls under routine maintenance. Additionally, home warranties won't cover hazardous waste, improper system or appliance installation, preexisting conditions, cosmetic damage, acts of nature and rust or corrosion damage.
Questions to ask home warranty providers in Montgomery
We recommend asking each home warranty provider you're considering the following questions about their plans, terms and policies.
What items are covered by my policy?
Assess your coverage requirements before requesting a quote from a home warranty provider. Once youknow what items need coverage, confirm that the provider includes them in its packages. Some companies separate appliance and systems coverage into different plans, so ensure you choose the right one. Most home warranty companies also sell optional add-ons for things like well pumps and central vacuum. 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 effective for one year from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. The 30-day waiting period is designed as a way to deter customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. Purchasing a multiyear plan extends protection beyond the standard 12-month term.
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 Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors database.
How does your claims approval process work?
Knowing more about your warranty company's claims process can improve your chances of getting an approval. Most companies accept claims online or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will aim to reply within 24 to 48 hours. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to processing delays. If the home warranty company grants initial approval to your claim, they'll match you with a service contractor from their network. The contractor will schedule a consultation with you to inspect and diagnose the problem. Once they get final approval from the warranty company, they'll do the repair work and handle billing on your behalf.
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 homeowner if you need to move. Sometimes, transfers are free, and other times, the company will levy a transfer fee for the service. Home warranty companies may also sell separate, special coverage plans that you can easily transfer to prospective homebuyers. Sellers might opt for these plans to boost 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 decide whether they're a suitable choice for you. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Pay attention to these key stipulations and clauses:
- Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and ones specific to components. Even if an appliance or system is generally covered, your warranty might not cover some specific parts if they become damaged. Read your sample contract carefully to understand the exclusions.
- Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that limits the total dollar amount that 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 first 30 days of signup, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
- Service call fee: The service call fee is the amount you'll pay the home warranty company or service provider each time you file a claim. Fees typically range from $75–$125 per claim.
- Workmanship guarantee: Workmanship guarantees temporarily shield you from additional service call fees if an in-network technician failed to completely fix a covered issue. Most guarantees are 30 days long, but some companies offer longer periods.
Facts about Montgomery
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
- Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Holds high customer ratings
- Offers customization with 38 add-ons
- Covers rust and corrosion damage
- Offers comprehensive coverage limits
- Provides flexible service fees
- Charges low premiums
- Includes roof-leak coverage
- Offers solid HVAC coverage
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
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