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7 best home warranty companies in Wake Forest, North Carolina

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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You might be considering a home warranty to protect essential home systems and appliances. For a monthly fee, these policies cover repair and replacement costs when items such as AC units and refrigerators break down from normal wear and tear.

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 go kaput in under 20 years, say the experts at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If your Wake Forest home contains aging dishwashers, furnaces or other appliances, you'll probably encounter a surprise failure. These top-rated home warranty firms provide robust coverage at fair prices.

Wake Forest's fiercely hot summers make an air conditioner breakdown expensive and even dangerous. You can have additional peace of mind with a home warranty that has major appliance and system coverage. The national companies below offer top plans and perks.

Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
$150 Off Any Plan
Explore Plans
Provider logo
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 Wake Forest

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

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

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

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

Elite Home Warranty

4.4/5

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite lets you fully customize a plan for your exact coverage needs. It also provides an exceptionally long 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

American Home Shield

4.4/5

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

First American Home Warranty

4.2/5

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
Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

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

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

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 Wake Forest

The cost of a home warranty is in line with the national average, and it heavily relies on how frequently you want to make payments. The national average is roughly $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

Home warranties protect 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
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators
  • Clothes dryers
  • Cooktops

The first category of items home warranties cover is kitchen and living appliances. This category includes the following: The second coverage category is major systems, which often include the following:

  • Electrical
  • Central vacuum
  • Water heater
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Home warranties, similar to other service contracts, include certain limitations. Generally, home warranties don't cover item breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, if your air conditioner malfunctions 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 the following:
  • Cosmetic damage
  • Preexisting conditions
  • Acts of nature
  • Hazardous waste
  • Improper system or appliance installation
  • Rust or corrosion damage

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Wake Forest

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

What items are covered by my policy?

Make a list of the appliances and systems you need covered before getting home warranty quotes. This way, you can seek out a provider that includes them. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage. Companies might also offer additional coverage, like roof leak and additional refrigeration 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?

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. A home warranty may last longer than 12 months if you purchase a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

Ask potential home warranty companies about their network of local service contractors. A contractor must have the proper local and state licensing to access the company's network. If there are no in-network contractors near you, the warranty company may let you choose your own. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the North Carolina 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 a claim approved. Most companies accept claims through the web or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will aim to reply within one to two days. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to a slower process. After you file your claim, a staff member will review it and connect you with a networked repair service. The contractor's team will book an appointment 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?

If you need to move, most home warranty contracts contain a clause allowing you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer for free, though others will charge a transfer fee. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is a straightforward way to make your home more attractive to your home in a competitive real estate market and offer the buyer added confidence.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before purchasing 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 stand up for your rights if you need to file a claim. Pay attention to these key stipulations and clauses:

  • Workmanship guarantee: Workmanship guarantees help protect you from additional service call fees if an in-network technician doesn't adequately address a covered issue. Most guarantees are 30 days long, though some companies offer longer periods.
  • Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that establishes how much a company will cover per individual claim. Warranty contracts could also have annual coverage limits.
  • Exclusions: Be sure to learn more regarding component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of equipment may be excluded even if the appliance itself is usually covered under the policy.
  • 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. Most companies charge from $75 to $125 per claim.
  • 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 fully refund your annual premium.

Facts about Wake Forest

Average High in July
89°F
Wake Forest
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
31°F
Wake Forest
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
68%
Wake Forest
69%
National Average
Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
$150 Off Any Plan
Explore Plans
Provider logo
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.

Contact us at feedback@homefront.usatoday.com if you have questions or feedback on this article

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.

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