Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Portsmouth, Virginia

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 Portsmouth. 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 common household systems and appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, for a monthly fee.

Many essential home components won't last over 10–15 years before needing service, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically operate for seven to 25 years. Water heaters tend to last just six to 12 years on average, and most major appliances go kaput in under 20 years.

If your Portsmouth 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.

A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover normal appliance wear and tear. With supplementary coverage from one of these home warranty companies, you'll have additional peace of mind in case of a surprise breakdown.

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 Portsmouth

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

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 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 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

First American Home Warranty

4.2/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00

First American provides generous appliance coverage maximums in every plan. If you add the First American Advantage upgrade, miscellaneous items like appliance knobs and dials could also get protection.

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 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

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 Portsmouth

The average cost of a home warranty in Portsmouth 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 cover 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
Built-in microwaves
Cooktops
Washing machines
Clothes dryers
Refrigerators

The first category of items home warranties cover is kitchen items and outdoor appliances. This category includes the following: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will differ between different plans. However, most consist of the following:

Electrical
Water heater
HVAC
Central vacuum
Plumbing

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Each home warranty includes specific exclusions, or things it will not cover. Your contract will outline each exclusion upfront, so read carefully before you sign. One thing that home warranties exclude 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 considered routine upkeep.

Preexisting conditions
Improper system or appliance installation
Cosmetic damage
Acts of nature
Hazardous waste
Rust or corrosion damage

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Portsmouth

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

What items would my policy cover?

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 lawn sprinkler systems or septic tank pumping. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Generally, home warranty contracts are active for one year after the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies require this 30-day waiting period to prevent 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?

Be sure to ask about the warranty company's network of licensed service contractors. Companies will usually have strict licensing requirements and other standards for a contractor to get repair approval. If there are no partner contractors near where you live, the company might let you choose your own. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Understanding the way a company’s claims process works can be the difference between claim approval and denial. Home warranty providers typically accept claims via their website or a 24/7 claims hotline. Typical response times are within one to two days of filing, though there may be processing delays if you file a claim outside normal business hours. Once you submit your claim, the warranty company will review it and connect you to an in-network service contractor. The contractor will set up an appointment to diagnose the problem, and then get final approval from the warranty company for any required repair work.

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

If you need to move, most home warranty contracts feature a clause permitting you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer for free, though others will charge a transfer fee. Home warranty coverage can be reassuring to new homebuyers. Some companies offer sellers special coverage plans that are readily transferable to buyers.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before committing to a home warranty, we strongly recommend reading a sample contract. Learning more about the company's terms and conditions will help you make an informed decision. It'll also help you be a better advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Search for these key terms and clauses in your research:

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.
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.
Workmanship guarantee: Most workmanship guarantees last for 30 days from a warranty repair, though some companies offer longer guarantee periods. If you have more issues with an appliance that an in-network technician recently attempted to repair for you, the home warranty company won't charge an extra service call fee for a new claim.
Service call fee: Whenever you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will assess a service call fee. These fees typically range between $75 and $125.
Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and component-specific ones. Even if an appliance or system is generally covered, your warranty could still exclude some specific parts if they become damaged. Read your sample contract carefully to know what's excluded.

Facts about Portsmouth

Average High in July

83°F

Portsmouth

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

33°F

Portsmouth

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

71%

Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth, Virginia

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