We chose American Home Shield as the best home warranty company in North Carolina because of its comprehensive system coverage, which includes protection for items with preexisting damage. This can benefit homeowners worried about unexpected HVAC, electrical, or plumbing system breakdowns. With North Carolina’s hot, humid summers, occasional winter freezes, and frequent storms, essential home systems and appliance can experience extra wear and tear year-round.
To find the best home warranty providers in North Carolina, we reviewed coverage options, pricing, customer service, and more. We also surveyed 2,000 home warranty customers nationwide and analyzed responses from North Carolina homeowners specifically to better understand their coverage priorities, claims experiences, and satisfaction levels. Check out our full list of the top home warranty providers in North Carolina to find the right protection for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield is our top home warranty recommendation in North Carolina because of its comprehensive system protection and coverage of preexisting conditions.
- The average home warranty cost in North Carolina ranges from $50–$79 per month or $587–$932 annually, based on quotes we pulled from top-ranked companies.
- In our 2026 national survey of 2,000 home warranty users, 38% of North Carolina homeowners purchased coverage for their air conditioning system, making it the most commonly protected item.
Top Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
After researching and reviewing 13 national home warranty providers, we chose the following top companies for North Carolina homeowners:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Comparing the Best Home Warranty Providers in North Carolina
The table below shows our top home warranty picks for North Carolina, comparing key factors such as our ratings, national average monthly costs, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and workmanship guarantees. These guarantees offer additional protection for repairs if issues arise after service is completed. To ensure pricing accuracy, we collected sample quotes from more than 4,000 homes across the United States, including properties both below and above 4,000 square feet.
| Provider | Our Score | Service Call Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$100–$125 | 24–48 hours | B | ||
$100 | 24–48 hours | B | ||
$65–$125 | 24–48 hours | D+ | ||
$100–$125 | 4–48 hours | B+ | ||
$75–$125 | 24-48 hours | B |
Our Reviews of Top Home Warranty Providers in North Carolina
We reviewed home warranty companies in North Carolina with an emphasis on the coverage homeowners prioritize most. Because air conditioning and roof leak protection ranked among the top concerns in our survey, we paid close attention to each provider’s HVAC coverage, coverage limits, and optional roof leak protection when making our recommendations.
American Home Shield
Coverage Overview
- Bundles a free HVAC tune-up and roof leak coverage with its highest-tier plan
- Covers key systems, including electrical and HVAC, in every plan
- Includes coverage for items with preexisting conditions, a rare benefit
- Offers video chat support from technicians to troubleshoot issues quickly
Keep in Mind
- Charges slightly higher prices for its most comprehensive plan than other providers we reviewed
- Offers a limited selection of add-on options
Our Review
If you’re a North Carolina homeowner dealing with older or heavily used home systems and appliances, American Home Shield (AHS) could offer a good choice for your coverage needs. The company extends $5,000 coverage limits for heating, cooling, and ductwork, along with unlimited caps for plumbing and electrical systems. One standout feature is its coverage of undetectable preexisting conditions, or problems that existed before coverage began, a benefit many other providers leave out. These generous protections make the company especially appealing in North Carolina, where HVAC systems often work overtime in the heat, which can cause unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
However, American Home Shield’s extensive coverage has a higher price tag. The highest-tier plan, ShieldPlatinum, is the most expensive comprehensive plan in this review. The company also has a limited add-on catalog, providing only six options. North Carolina homeowners seeking more customizable or budget-friendly options might consider alternative providers.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s a breakdown of the plans offered by American Home Shield:
- ShieldSilver ($40 per month): This system-focused plan includes 14 key home systems, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
- ShieldGold ($60 per month): A mid-tier comprehensive plan that protects 14 systems and nine major appliances, including clothes washers, refrigerators, and built-in microwaves.
- ShieldPlatinum ($90 per month): This comprehensive plan offers ShieldGold coverage plus added benefits, such as roof leak coverage and a free HVAC tune-up.
After reviewing an American Home Shield sample contract, we found that the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans provide $2,000 in appliance coverage, while ShieldPlatinum doubles this coverage to $4,000. However, all plans include the same coverage limits for systems, which we listed above. You can select a $100 or $125 service call fee with your plan. Opting for the higher service call fee lowers your monthly costs, while the lower fee increases them.
The company’s catalog of six add-on options ranges between $3–$24, offering varying coverage limits depending on the item, generally from $500–$3,000. Notably, the company includes $1,000 in roof leak coverage, double the typical $500 limit other providers offer.
We’ve highlighted some key add-on options that may benefit North Carolina homeowners below:
- Electronics protection plan
- Guest unit
- Pool and spa
- Roof leak repair
- Well pump
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Extends a longer repair guarantee than some companies, with 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor
- Offers generous $3,000 coverage caps for most items
- Provides the most budget-friendly coverage in this review
Keep in Mind
- Excludes several essential items from its base plan, including air conditioning
- Currently involved in a pending lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Our Review
If you’re searching for a home warranty that balances affordability with solid coverage, Choice Home Warranty is worth a look. The company’s top-tier plan costs just $55 per month, making it one of the most affordable options for comprehensive coverage on our list. Although Choice’s coverage limits fall below competitors such as American Home Shield, the company still offers enough coverage to reduce major repair costs. Choice also offers 10 add-ons, such as well pump and septic system coverage—features that can benefit owners of homes in rural or suburban areas of the state.
However, the Basic Plan doesn’t include key items such as air conditioning, refrigerators, or laundry appliances—common items found in North Carolina households. You’ll need to upgrade to the higher-tier plan for an additional $8 per month to cover these items.
Plan Details and Cost
Below is an outline of Choice Home Warranty’s available plans:
- Basic Plan ($64 per month): The lowest-tier combination plan includes eight major systems and six home appliances, including garbage disposals, ovens, and water heaters.
- Total Plan ($72 per month): This plan extended coverage to nine appliances and nine systems, adding air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, and refrigerators.
When reviewing a Choice Home Warranty sample contract, we found that the company does not cover known or unknown preexisting conditions. This is important to keep in mind if your North Carolina home has older systems or appliances. All covered systems and appliances come with a $3,000 coverage limit, and Choice charges a standard $100 service call fee with no flexibility for customization.
Choice offers 10 add-on options, which gives you more flexibility than American Home Shield. Monthly costs range from $3–$15, and coverage limits for these add-ons range from $250 to $500. The company provides a standard $500 limit for roof leak coverage, lower than the $1,000 limit offered by American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty.
Here is a list of some of Choice’s add-on options:
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
First American Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Covers damaged or improperly installed items under its First American Advantage upgrade
- Includes unlimited coverage caps for HVAC and plumbing systems
- Offers up to $7,000 in coverage for appliances with its highest plan
Keep in Mind
- Excludes several key systems and appliances from its lowest plan, including air conditioning
- Limits plan options to comprehensive plans only
Our Review
If you’re a North Carolina homeowner looking for high coverage caps, First American Home Warranty is a good option. Its plans offer unlimited coverage for most essential systems, including HVAC, and up to $7,000 for appliances. This makes the company ideal if you need coverage for high-end appliances or have complex home systems in North Carolina. Plus, the free First American Advantage upgrade covers items damaged by improper installation or modification—something many other providers we reviewed don’t offer.
However, First American Home Warranty doesn’t offer appliance-only or system-only plans, so you’ll only have access to comprehensive coverage. This means you may end up paying for coverage you don’t need. Another downside is that the Starter Plan excludes some key items, including air conditioning, water heaters, and clothes washers and dryers. While you can add central air conditioning coverage to this plan for an extra cost, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan to cover the other home items.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s a breakdown of First American’s plan options:
- Starter Plan ($66 per month): The company’s most affordable comprehensive plan covers eight appliances and four systems, including built-in microwaves, plumbing stoppages, and heating systems.
- Essential Plan ($88 per month): The mid-tier option expands coverage to 11 appliances and six systems, including cooling systems, clothes washers, clothes, dryers, and water heaters.
- Premium Plan ($117 per month): The highest coverage plan protects 11 appliances and eight systems, including faucets, instant hot water dispensers, and luxury appliances.
According to a First American Home Warranty sample contract, the Starter and Essential plans provide $3,500 in appliance coverage, while the Premium Plan doubles this amount to $7,000. Most systems have unlimited coverage, but the company caps water heaters at $1,000 under the Essential Plan. This cap does not apply to the Premium Plan. First American offers two service call fee options of $100 or $125, and your monthly costs adjust based on the rate you select.
The company offers 12 add-on options, which is average for a home warranty provider. Pricing ranges from $2–$21 per month, lower than competitors such as American Home Shield. Coverage limits for add-ons range between $500 and $2,500. First American Home Warranty also provides $1,000 of roof leak coverage at no additional cost with its Premium Plan. Additionally, the First American Advantage upgrade is free with the Essential and Premium Plans, but isn’t available with the Starter Plan.
Below is a sample of available add-on options from First American Home Warranty:
- Additional refrigeration
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Pool and spa equipment
- Septic tank system/pumping
AFC Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Lets you choose your own service technician for repairs
- Provides a plan-length workmanship guarantee, the longest in this review
- Includes free roof leak coverage with every plan, a benefit considering North Carolina’s climate
Keep in Mind
- Includes lower coverage limits for some appliances than other providers we reviewed
- Only offers its lowest plan, the Silver Plan, when enrolling over the phone
Our Review
AFC Home Warranty is a good choice for North Carolina homeowners who value the flexibility to use their own repair technicians. The company lets you pick your technician from the start, offering the option to work with a local professional you know and trust. Plus, all repairs come with a workmanship guarantee that lasts as long as your plan is active. This can help lower costs for any covered items that might need additional repairs, saving you money on service call fees. With no cap on HVAC coverage, AFC Home Warranty can help ensure your heating and cooling system stays in top shape year-round, which is important for handling North Carolina’s hot summers and cooler winters.
That said, AFC Home Warranty may not offer the best option if your home has older systems or appliances. The company has a depreciation policy that reduces payouts for items over five years old, which could mean higher out-of-pocket repair expenses. In addition, AFC Home Warranty does not list all of its plans in the online quote tool. For instance, the Silver Plan, the company’s most basic option, is only available by phone, making it less convenient to compare your coverage options online.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s a breakdown of each available AFC Home Warranty plan in North Carolina:
- Silver Plan (call for a quote): This appliance-only plan covers nine major appliances, including kitchen appliances and garage door openers.
- Gold Plan ($44): This mid-range combination plan includes nine appliances and six home systems, such as air conditioners, ductwork, and water heaters.
- Platinum Plan ($51): The plan extends coverage to 19 home items, adding key coverage such as plumbing stoppages, faucets, and refrigerator ice makers.
- Diamond Plan ($82): The highest plan tier features 22 covered items, including electronics, exterior sewer lines, and exterior water lines.
Based on our review of an AFC Home Warranty sample contract, coverage limits differ between appliances and systems. Appliance coverage ranges from $150–$3,000, while most systems—aside from unlimited coverage for heating, cooling, and water heaters—have caps between $150 and $500, which is lower than many competitors. Service call fees range from $75–$125. While the $75 option is more affordable than providers such as American Home Shield or First American Home Warranty, the $125 rate aligns with those companies’ higher-end options.
AFC Home Warranty offers eight add-on options, fewer than many competitors. Unlike other companies that price add-ons per month, AFC Home Warranty lists costs annually, breaking each price into monthly rates when added online. Annual costs range from $25–$150. While all plans include free roof leak coverage, the coverage is capped at $250—the lowest limit among providers in this review.
We’ve included a sample of AFC Home Warranty’s add-ons below:
- In-ground pool
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Well pump
Testing Home Warranties: Our Experience Filing Claims
As part of our research, we tested the claims process for American Home Shield, a featured North Carolina home warranty provider. We filed a claim ourselves to gain firsthand insights into the process, ensuring we understood the experience from a consumer’s perspective. Below, we summarize our tester’s experience with American Home Shield.
Testing American Home Shield
Our American Home Shield tester filed a claim for a leak in his bathroom and kitchen floor, finding the process quick and easy. He submitted the claim online through his smartphone and received immediate email and text confirmation. A local contractor contacted him within five minutes, offering flexible appointment times. The contractor arrived early, repaired the leak in under two hours, and went above and beyond by offering advice on a potential mold issue.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in North Carolina?
Home warranty costs in North Carolina range from $50–$79 per month or $587–$932 annually. Based on this range, the average cost of a home warranty plan in the state is about $65 per month, slightly above the national average of $56 per month. Factors such as your location, the size of your home, selected coverage, and optional add-ons such as roof leak protection can impact your total price. We recommend getting sample quotes from at least three providers to find affordable options tailored to your specific needs and budget.
You can use the following chart to compare monthly price ranges across our top-rated companies.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $40–$90 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $64–$72 | $100 |
| First American Home Warranty | $66–$117 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $57–$97 | $75–$125 |
Comparing North Carolina Home Warranty Costs to Nearby States
The average monthly home warranty cost in North Carolina is $65, which is 16% more expensive than the national average cost of $56. This cost is the same as the closest five states’ average cost of $65.
| State | Average Monthly Cost | % Cost Difference from NC |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $63 | -3% |
| Tennessee | $66 | +2% |
| Georgia | $61 | -6% |
| South Carolina | $72 | +11% |
| Kentucky | $61 | -6% |
How We Determined Home Warranty Pricing
To better estimate home warranty costs in North Carolina and nationwide, we gathered nearly 4,000 quotes from 13 companies in all 50 U.S. states. We used sample addresses for single-family homes under and over 4,000 square feet in each state to determine average pricing. For North Carolina, this included requesting quotes for homes in Raleigh, Charlotte, Cary, and Enfield. As a result, our state averages encompass various homeowner demographics by including both urban and rural areas. We then averaged together the cost of a home warranty in each state to determine a national price range.
North Carolina Home Warranty Coverage Needs and Trends
North Carolina residents can face many home maintenance challenges, from hot, humid summers to severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hurricane activity along the coast. These conditions can place additional strain on air conditioning systems, electrical components, plumbing, and roofing materials, increasing the likelihood of unexpected repairs.
Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners manage unexpected repair costs and protect important home systems and appliances. In our 2026 survey, coverage was the top priority for North Carolina homeowners when shopping for a plan, far outpacing price and other buying factors.
Comparing North Carolina Coverage Needs to Nearby States
Coverage preferences often reflect local climate conditions and weather risks. In our survey, roof leak protection was selected by 46% of North Carolina homeowners, making it one of the state’s most popular home warranty add-ons. By comparison, interest in this add-on was lower in Virginia (41%), Georgia (40%), Kentucky (39%), and South Carolina (29%).
North Carolina homeowners were more likely to select roof leak coverage than homeowners in nearby states. Given the state’s mix of heavy rain, coastal storms, and hurricane activity, it’s not surprising that many homeowners prioritize this protection.
Pro Tip
- Frequent rain and seasonal storms can accelerate roof wear in North Carolina. Before purchasing roof leak coverage, review a company service agreement carefully. Most home warranty plans cover leaks caused by normal wear and tear, while storm-related damage is typically handled through homeowners insurance.
Regional North Carolina Coverage Guide
Because North Carolina’s geography ranges from the humid coast to the cool mountain regions, your home warranty needs can vary depending on where you live. Choosing a plan that matches your area’s conditions helps you protect your systems and appliances year-round.
Coastal North Carolina
If you live along the coast in places like Wilmington or the Outer Banks, your home faces high humidity, salt air, and frequent storms that can wear down HVAC systems and plumbing components. We recommend looking for a plan that includes HVAC and plumbing system coverage. Also consider buying optional roof leak protection if available, which can help cover minor leaks caused by deterioration.
Sandhills Region
In the Sandhills area, including Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and Pinehurst, hot, dry summers and sandy soil can stress your home’s plumbing lines and HVAC units. We recommend choosing a plan that includes air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical coverage, which most standard home warranty plans cover. Optional roof leak coverage can also help offset the cost of small, wear-related leaks, though home warranty plans typically exclude damage from wind or heavy storms.
Piedmont Region
If you’re in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Greensboro, you’ll experience long, humid summers and short, cold winters. Consider a plan with comprehensive HVAC coverage for both heating and cooling systems, as well as plumbing and appliance protection. If you’re a Piedmont homeowner living in a new development, make note of when any builder warranties expire, which may cover some of your home’s major systems. Choosing a home warranty with solid appliance repair coverage can provide extra peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.
Western North Carolina
In mountain towns like Asheville, Boone, or Hendersonville, cooler weather and rural locations can lead to challenges with heating and plumbing systems. We recommend a home warranty plan that covers heating systems, water heaters, and plumbing repairs. If your home relies on a well or septic system, consider optional add-ons for well pump or septic tank coverage.
What Home Warranty Add-Ons Offer Value in North Carolina?
Beyond regional climate differences, many North Carolina homes include features that can benefit from optional or add-on home warranty coverage. These add-ons can help protect systems and equipment that a standard plan otherwise excludes from coverage.
- Roof leak repair: Helps cover leaks over living areas not typically included in standard home warranty plans. This was the most popular add-on among North Carolina homeowners in our 2026 survey.
- Septic systems: Provides protection for homes that rely on private wastewater systems, which are common in rural areas and are typically excluded from base coverage.
- Well pump coverage: Helps cover repairs for homes that use well water instead of municipal water service.
- Sewer and water line coverage: Protects underground exterior lines that can become expensive to repair or replace when damaged by tree roots, shifting soil, or age.
- Additional systems coverage: Extends protection to extra heating or cooling units, which can benefit owners of larger homes or properties with detached living spaces.
- Smart home and electronics coverage: Covers connected devices like smart thermostats, security equipment, and other home technology otherwise excluded from standard home warranty plans.
Homeowners Insight
North Carolina homeowners frequently customize their home warranty coverage. In our 2026 survey, 80% of respondents purchased at least one add-on, while only 20% relied solely on their base plan.
Our Survey Insights from North Carolina Homeowners
We surveyed North Carolina homeowners as part of our 2026 national home warranty study to learn how residents evaluate coverage, choose plans, and navigate the claims process. Their responses reveal what matters most when selecting a home warranty and how well their coverage performs when repairs are needed.
Why North Carolina Homeowners Buy Home Warranties
North Carolina homeowners purchase home warranties for a variety of reasons, including protecting older systems and appliances, avoiding future repair costs, and gaining peace of mind. In our survey, 58% of respondents lived in pre-owned homes, while 37% lived in newly constructed homes. Protecting older systems and appliances was the most common reason for purchasing coverage (33%), followed by coverage after a costly repair or replacement (21%) and protecting newer systems from future breakdowns (19%).
Coverage was the most important factor for 60% of respondents when shopping for a home warranty, while only 17% prioritized price. Other homeowners received coverage as part of a home purchase (18%) or continued protection after a builder or seller warranty expired (9%).
Coverage Insights
We learned more about coverage preferences among North Carolina homeowners in our survey. Here are some of the most notable findings:
- Top system priorities: Air conditioning, electrical systems, and plumbing ranked highest among coverage priorities.
- Top appliance priorities: Refrigerators and cooking appliances were the most commonly protected appliances.
- Popular add-ons: Roof leak coverage, septic system protection, sewer or water line coverage, and additional systems coverage were among the most frequently selected upgrades.
- Base plan confidence: Twenty percent of respondents did not purchase any add-ons, suggesting satisfaction with their standard coverage.
- Comprehensive protection: Nearly 72% of North Carolina homeowners selected combination plans that cover both systems and appliances.
Claims Experiences
In addition to asking homeowners about coverage and costs, our survey explored their experiences filing claims and working with home warranty providers.
- High approval rates: Around 93% of North Carolina homeowners reported that their most recent claim was approved.
- Common claim types: Most claims involved repairs or replacements for covered systems, followed by appliance-related issues.
- Fast resolutions: More than half of approved claims were resolved within one week.
- Resolution outcomes: Repairs were the most common claim outcome, followed by replacements and cash payouts.
- Strong satisfaction: More than 93% of homeowners reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of their most recent claim.
Advice From North Carolina Homeowners
Home warranties can offer peace of mind in North Carolina, where homeowners deal with sweltering summers and unpredictable weather that can strain their systems and appliances over time. However, navigating the claims process can be tricky, and understanding the fine details is key to avoiding delays and frustration when something breaks. We spoke with two North Carolina homeowners who shared their home warranty experiences, offering some helpful advice on what to keep an eye on during the claim process.
Sonia C., a homeowner in Raleigh, thought she had submitted her claim for a broken garbage disposal but later found out the process was delayed.
“I filled out the claim online and was told I could pay the service fee right away to be given priority,” she said. “It wasn’t urgent, so I decided to wait for my provider to reach out.”
After two weeks with no word from the provider, Sonia called and discovered that while her claim was opened, it hadn’t been processed because the service fee hadn’t been paid. Sonia’s advice is to make sure you confirm exactly what’s needed for claim completion, especially when it comes to payment.
Similarly, Meg B., a homeowner in Cary, learned the importance of checking all the details when submitting a claim for a low-pressure faucet in her bathroom. The online process was simple, but she made an error in her claim.
“The company denied my claim because the ‘last time the item worked properly’ was outside of the coverage dates,” she said. “I entered the wrong month when filing the claim, and to get it fixed, I would need to contact support.”
Meg advises double-checking your claim details, such as the dates, to avoid similar issues down the road.
Both homeowners emphasize the importance of fully understanding the claims process and staying proactive. Reading the fine print and asking for clarification when needed can help keep things moving smoothly when it’s time to file a claim.
FAQs About Home Warranties in North Carolina
Do home warranties cover wear and tear?
Yes, home warranties typically cover normal wear and tear, which is the natural degradation of systems and appliances over time. However, coverage can vary by plan, so it’s important to review the specifics of your provider’s terms to learn more.
What is the cost of a home warranty in North Carolina?
The average cost of a home warranty in North Carolina is around $65 per month or $760 annually, depending on the level of coverage and provider. Costs may vary based on your coverage level, add-ons, and location. Service fees typically range from $65–$125 per visit.
Can I transfer my home warranty if I sell my North Carolina?
Yes, many home warranty providers allow you to transfer your coverage to a new owner when you sell your home. Transfer policies vary by company, so it’s best to check with your provider for specific requirements.
Can I get a home warranty for an older home in North Carolina?
Yes, you can purchase home warranties for older homes in North Carolina—and some providers even offer coverage for systems and appliances with preexisting conditions. It’s important to ensure the warranty covers the specific needs of an older home. Always check the provider’s terms for coverage on older appliances and systems.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed methodology that objectively evaluates each provider. For this North Carolina guide, our research included reviewing coverage options, analyzing sample contracts, assessing state-specific coverage needs, and gathering insights through focus groups and direct provider research.
To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to learn more about their experiences. We’ve also signed up for home warranty plans with 11 leading providers over a two-year span to directly experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looks at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage is, including whether it covers unique items. Companies that cover the most items and have higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or have depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies offering pricing at or below the industry average that don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deducted points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points to providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
