Best Home Warranty Companies in South Carolina (2024)
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South Carolina is humid year-round, so a working air conditioner is crucial to keeping your home comfortable. An unexpected breakdown can lead to unpleasant living conditions and expensive repairs. You can protect yourself from these burdens by investing in a home warranty, which minimizes or even eliminates repair and replacement costs for your AC and other critical home systems and appliances.
We compared 57 home warranty companies to find the best options for South Carolinians. We recommend Liberty Home Guard for its extensive add-on coverage catalog and well-rated customer service team. American Home Shield also tops our list thanks to its comprehensive coverage and high coverage caps. Keep reading to discover our complete list of top home warranty companies for South Carolina homeowners.
Key Takeaways
South Carolina’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
The highest rated home warranty companies in SC include:
When determining the best home warranty companies in South Carolina, we looked at levels of coverage, pricing, industry reputation, customer reviews, and more. Here are our top five recommended picks.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in South Carolina
| Monthly Cost in SC | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Home Guard | | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | Up to 48 hours | NR | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | | $39–$99 | $100–$125 | Up to 48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| Elite Home Warranty |  | $44–$58 | $70 | Up to 48 hours | A+ | VISIT SITE |
| Select Home Warranty |  | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | 48-84 hours | B- | VISIT SITE |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $57–$97 | $75–$125 | 4-48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost in SC | $49–$59 |
| Service Fee | $65–$125 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | NR |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Monthly Cost in SC | $39–$99 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Elite Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost in SC | $44–$58 |
| Service Fee | $70 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost in SC | $44–$47 |
| Service Fee | $60–$75 |
| Response Time | 48-84 hours |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost in SC | $57–$97 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| Response Time | 4-48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost in SC | Service Fee | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $39–$99 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $57–$97 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE |
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,050-square-foot, single-family home in Charleston, South Carolina. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina home warranties cost an average of $51 monthly but can range from $46–$62 or $552–$744 annually. Your premium costs can vary based on several factors, including coverage type and add-on selections.
You’ll also need to pay a service call fee for each service technician visit. Based on our survey of 1,000 home warranty plan holders, most companies charge $60–$150 for these visits. While some providers have only one set fee, others offer flexible service call fees that can raise or lower your monthly premium.
Most home warranty companies have in-network technicians who fulfill service requests at a reduced rate. Companies that allow you to choose your service provider have more expensive coverage plans on average.
We recommend requesting sample quotes from multiple providers and comparing premium pricing, add-on rates, and service call fees.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a South Carolina Home Warranty
You should consider several factors before signing up with a home warranty company to ensure you choose the right provider. For instance, rental property owners may have different needs than homeowners who want a cheap home warranty. Below is a list of tips to help you buy the best home warranty:
- Build your budget: Determine how much you can spend annually on a coverage plan. Keep in mind that selecting add-ons will increase your total costs. You’ll also pay more for a comprehensive coverage plan than an appliance-only or system-only plan. Avoid overpaying for coverage that you don’t need. Our home warranty cost calculator can give you an estimated cost for owning a home warranty.
- Consider coverage needs: Evaluate your coverage needs and choose a plan that matches them. For instance, our survey found that most South Carolina homeowners opted for plans that included air conditioning and heating systems coverage. Your potential home warranty company should offer enough coverage to offset repair costs for key system components. It’s not uncommon for companies to cover an item while excluding essential components. Read the company’s sample contract for coverage terms and exclusions.
- Research company reputation: Do your due diligence and read customer reviews for each provider you’re considering. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party review sites for insights into the customer experience. Also, look up company licenses on South Carolina’s business directory to ensure you sign up with a reputable company.
South Carolina Home Warranty Company Reviews
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Elite Home Warranty
Best for Flexible Coverage
Select Home Warranty
Best Value
First American Home Warranty
Best Appliance Coverage
Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Dehumidifier |
$50–$200 |
$1,300–$2,800 |
|
Microwave |
$50–$400 |
$60–$2,000 |
|
Dishwasher |
$50–$500 |
$400–$3,000 |
|
Exhaust Fans |
$16–$300 |
$250–$950 |
|
Electric Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
|
Gas Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
|
Dryer |
$100–$400 |
$450–$2,300 |
|
Oven |
$100–$430 |
$400–$3,000 |
|
Washer |
$50–$450 |
$400–$2,300 |
|
Freezer |
$90–$500 |
$160–$2,900 |
|
Refrigerator |
$40–$350 |
$200–$5,000 |
Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a company’s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your home’s size, type, and location.
Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot
What’s Not Covered Under A Home Warranty?
There are certain items in your home that aren’t typically covered by a home warranty plan. Items such as windows, walls, doors, window air conditioning units, and garage doors typically aren’t covered.
There are also certain types of damage that aren’t classified as “normal wear and tear,” such as the following:
- Preexisting conditions
- Damage from misuse
- Improper installation, modification, or maintenance
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s Department of Insurance (SCDOI) oversees home warranty regulation. According to South Carolina statute §§ 38-78-10 to 38-78-120, companies that sell home service contracts must first register with the SCDOI and pay an annual licensing fee. The SCDOI also outlines requirements home warranty companies must follow. For instance, a company must promptly issue its service contract to consumers or face license suspension.
The SCDOI provides a complaint form you can fill out if you believe your home warranty company is neglecting its contractual obligations.
Our research shows there are separate organizations overseeing home warranty regulation, such as the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). The SCIC comprises member companies in multiple industries, including the home warranty industry. The SCIC works alongside state legislators to create laws and regulations that benefit companies and consumers alike.
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
We asked several industry experts for their takes on questions homeowners have about home warranties. Here is what they had to say:
- Are there specific factors to consider before signing up for a South Carolina home warranty company? We interviewed Arthur Chartrand, who is of counsel to the National Home Service Contract Association, and he gave us several tips. The first: “Look for a company who lists their full name, address, and who their management is.” His second tip centers on reading a company’s sample contract. “Make sure it’s what you need,” he says.
- Is there a difference between a basic plan and a comprehensive plan? According to Danny Margagliano, a Realtor for World Impact Real Estate, you should find out if a home warranty offers both basic and comprehensive plans. “Depending on the age of your home appliances, the cheapest plan may be good,” he says. “A more expensive plan that covers more parts of the home may be a better choice for someone else.”
- Should I buy a South Carolina home warranty if I own an older home? According to Dave Bringer, owner and head technician of Bringer Appliance Repair, you should consider a home warranty if you own an older home. “Older homes need home warranties because their appliances and systems have most likely used their manufacturer’s warranty coverage,” he says.
Our Conclusion
We rated Liberty Home Guard as the best home warranty company for South Carolina residents at 4.5 out of 5 stars. We selected the provider due to its specialized coverage options and extensive add-on catalog. We chose American Home Shield as our runner-up with 4.4 out of 5 stars. It stands out for its comprehensive protections, including coverage of preexisting conditions.
We recommend getting a free quote from all of the companies featured on this list before committing to one so that you can compare pricing and coverage specific to your area.
Other Resources for Residents in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a South Carolina home warranty cost?
A home warranty costs between $300–$600 per year, depending on the type of coverage you choose, the size of your home, and where you live. Customers are also required to pay a service call fee between $75–$125 every time they request service for a covered system or appliance.
Do home warranties cover termites?
Home warranties typically only cover home systems and appliances, meaning pest control for termites and bed bugs isn’t included. However, some providers offer pest control in their home warranty plans, such as The Home Service Club, which offers pest control in its Comprehensive Coverage Plan.
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for top cities in South Carolina:
Find Home Warranties in SC
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using the Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options to choose your technician.
- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
