Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Sumter, 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 Sumter. 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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A home warranty gives you financial protection if a major home system or appliance suddenly breaks down. For a monthly fee, the warranty company covers repair and replacement costs for items such as HVAC units and refrigerators when they break down from normal wear and tear.

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 Sumter house contains any aging furnaces, dishwashers or other appliances, you'll likely face a surprise breakdown. These best home warranty providers offer robust coverage at reasonable prices.

With the scorching summer heat in South Carolina, air conditioner breakdowns in Sumter are that much more taxing for homeowners. A home warranty from one of the national companies below will give you an easy and economical path to the future repairs you might need.

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 Sumter

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 offers flexible service fees and perks like an appliance color-match program. Through its "Even If" guarantee, it also refunds service fees if repairing or replacing a covered item isn't possible.

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 plans with a 60-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs. Compared to other providers in this piece, it also provides the largest number of coverage add-ons – 38 in total.

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

An industry veteran, American Home Shield has been in business since 1971. It provides three coverage plans and six optional 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 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 Sumter

The typical monthly cost of a home warranty in Sumter 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

With a home warranty, you'll have additional coverage for home appliances and major systems. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some limitations 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
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Clothes dryers
Washing machines
Cooktops

Kitchen items and outdoor appliances form the first group of items that a home warranty provides coverage for. This includes the following items: When you purchase a home warranty, you're also getting coverage for major home systems. While different plans have different coverage scopes for this category, the following systems may be covered:

Water heater
Central vacuum
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Just like other service contracts, home warranties will not provide coverage for certain items or events. These are referred to as exclusions. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside normal wear and tear. For example, home warranties will likely not cover an air conditioner breakdown caused by a dirty air filter. This is because replacing the filter is part of routine maintenance. Home warranties also don't cover hazardous waste, acts of nature, improper system or appliance installation, preexisting conditions, cosmetic damage and rust or corrosion damage.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Sumter

Before purchasing a home warranty coverage plan, we recommend asking providers the following questions.

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, confirm the company has plans meeting your needs. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Companies might also offer additional coverage, like roof leak and spa protection, as add-ons. Consider what supplements you might need and how much they'll add to the cost.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Standard home warranty contracts last for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is usually 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies include this 30-day waiting period to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You can get coverage beyond 12 months with a multiyear plan.

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 South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Understanding how a company’s claims process works often makes the difference between an approved claim and a denied one. Home warranty providers typically accept claims via an online portal or a round-the-clock support line. Typical response times are within 24 to 48 hours of filing, though there may be processing delays if you file a claim outside normal business hours. Once the provider receives your claim, someone will examine the details and connect you with a partner service contractor. The contractor will book an appointment with you, diagnose the problem, and then request final approval from the home warranty provider before starting repairs.

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

If you need to move, most home warranty contracts include a clause permitting you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer at no charge, though others will charge a transfer fee. Some home warranty companies also offer special coverage plans that are easily transferred to prospective buyers. Home sellers purchase these home warranty plans to boost their home's appeal.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before buying a home warranty, review the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you decide whether they're a good fit for you. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Look for these key stipulations and clauses:

Workmanship guarantee: Most workmanship guarantees are valid 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: Just like copays at the doctor or pharmacy, you'll have to pay a service call fee every time you file a home warranty claim. Many providers have fees between $75 and $125 per claim.
Cancellation: Each home warranty company has a cancellation policy in its terms and conditions. Many companies will refund your annual premium in full if you cancel within the first 30 days of enrollment.
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.
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 suffer damage. Read your sample contract carefully to be aware of what is not covered.

Facts about Sumter

Average High in July

91°F

Sumter

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

36°F

Sumter

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

72%

Sumter

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 Sumter, South Carolina

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