The best home warranty in South Carolina is American Home Shield, which earned a 4.9 score in our testing for its preexisting coverage protection and high HVAC limits ideal for the state’s humid climate. A home warranty in South Carolina costs $57 to $84 per month on average, and our top pick starts at $50 per month. We also like Choice Home Warranty, thanks to its $3,000 coverage limits and affordable plan pricing set under $70 per month.
Given the state’s hot and humid summers and mild winters, HVAC systems face constant demand, making a home warranty useful in protecting against costly repairs. Explore our full list of top South Carolina home warranty providers and find the right plan to meet your protection needs.
Top Home Warranty Companies in South Carolina
We reviewed 13 top home warranty companies to find these top picks for South Carolina residents:
- 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 Top Providers
In the table below, we compare our top South Carolina home warranty providers based on several important factors. These include monthly cost, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and service call fees, which you pay each time a technician visits your home for an assessment or repair. We also included workmanship guarantee lengths, which cover additional work if a repair fails.
| 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 |
Note: Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of the time of publishing.
Our Reviews of Top Providers in South Carolina
When evaluating each home warranty in South Carolina, we prioritized factors relevant to the state’s climate, including HVAC system coverage for the humid summers and fluctuating temperatures that stress cooling and heating systems year-round. This coverage is particularly helpful for the cooler winters in the Upstate region, where temperature swings can impact home systems over time. We also prioritized home warranty providers that offer roof leak coverage, as coastal areas, including the Lowcountry, can experience heavy rainfall during hurricane season.
American Home Shield
Coverage Overview
- Doesn’t exclude coverage for items with existing damage and issues, a rare feature
- Includes free roof-leak coverage with its highest plan, ShieldPlatinum
- Offers up to $5,000 in heating and cooling coverage, a benefit considering South Carolina’s climate
- Offers on-demand video chat with experienced repair specialists
Keep in Mind
- Limits its workmanship guarantee to 30 days, shorter than many competitors
- Restricts coverage customization with only six add-on options
Our Review
American Home Shield (AHS) is a solid choice for South Carolina homeowners, especially if you’re dealing with older systems or appliances. Unlike most home warranty companies, it covers undetectable preexisting conditions, so you don’t have to worry about prior issues being excluded from your plan. Plus, it offers up to $5,000 in HVAC coverage—a huge benefit in South Carolina, where heating and cooling systems work hard year-round. The company’s top-tier plan, ShieldPlatinum, adds even more perks, such as a free annual HVAC tune-up and $1,000 in roof-leak coverage.
However, AHS has some coverage limitations. The company’s 30-day workmanship guarantee matches the industry standard but falls short of competitors. It also offers only six add-on options, so if you want to cover extras such as a second fridge or sprinkler system, you might find its plans a bit limited.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s an overview of AHS’s plan options:
- ShieldSilver ($50 per month): This plan offers system-only coverage for 14 major systems, such as your HVAC, plumbing, and water heaters.
- ShieldGold ($70 per month): The company’s lowest comprehensive plan includes 14 systems and nine home appliances, including clothes washers, dryers, and cooktops.
- ShieldPlatinum ($100 per month): The highest plan tier offers ShieldGold coverage plus additional perks, including roof-leak coverage and a free HVAC tune-up.
We reviewed an AHS sample contract and noted key details about its coverage. HVAC systems and ductwork include protection up to $5,000, while plumbing and electrical systems have no specified cap. ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans include $2,000 in coverage for major appliances, with ShieldPlatinum increasing this limit to $4,000. You can choose between a $100 or $125 service fee—opting for a lower fee increases the monthly premium and vice versa.
AHS offers six add-on options, fewer than the industry average of 8–12. Add-on pricing ranges from $5–$24 per month, with coverage amounts varying from $500–$3,000 based on the item. You can add roof-leak coverage to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans for $10 per month.
Below are some of the available add-ons offered by AHS:
- Guest unit
- Pool and built-in spa equipment
- Roof-leak repair
- Septic pump
- Well pump
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Backs repairs with a 90-day guarantee for parts and 60 days for labor
- Includes 11 add-on options, including roof leak and septic system coverage
- Offers $3,000 limits on most covered items, including cooling and heating systems
Keep in Mind
- Charges a flat $100 service call fee for all repairs
- Limits coverage to two comprehensive coverage options
Our Review
Choice Home Warranty is a budget-friendly option for South Carolina homeowners who need comprehensive coverage on both systems and appliances. With $3,000 limits on covered items such as air conditioners and kitchen appliances, Choice offers solid protection for your home essentials. Its top-tier plan costs just $67 per month, making it slightly more affordable than similar plans from other providers. Plus, Choice backs its repairs with longer guarantees—90 days for parts and 60 days for labor—which is better than what AHS and First American Home Warranty provide. This means you have coverage for repairs for longer, giving you added peace of mind.
However, Choice isn’t as flexible as other providers. The company only offers two comprehensive plan options, which might result in you having more coverage than you need if you only want to protect systems or appliances. It also charges a flat $100 service call fee for repairs, with no flexible rate options. In addition, Choice is currently involved in a lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office over deceptive sales practices, which is worth considering when choosing a provider.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s a breakdown of Choice’s home warranty coverage:
- Basic Plan ($59 per month): The lowest comprehensive plan tier includes six appliances and eight systems, including plumbing systems, dishwashers, and garage door openers.
- Total Plan ($67 per month): The highest plan includes nine appliances and nine systems, adding air conditioners, washing machines, clothes dryers, and refrigerators.
The Choice Home Warranty sample contract outlines a $3,000 limit that includes access, diagnosis, and repair costs, regardless of whether you choose a monthly or annual plan. The Basic Plan doesn’t cover air conditioning systems, refrigerators, or clothes washers and dryers—you’ll need to upgrade to the Total Plan to include those important protections.
The company’s add-on catalog features 10 options, with prices ranging from $5–$15 per month. However, add-ons have lower coverage limits, typically between $250 and $500 per item. For example, roof-leak coverage maxes out at $500, which is considerably lower than what First American and AHS provide. For South Carolina homeowners, this could mean higher out-of-pocket costs for major repairs on certain items.
Here are a few add-ons Choice offers:
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
First American Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Offers up to $7,000 in coverage for appliances, the highest limit in this review
- Includes no coverage caps for heating and cooling systems
- Provides coverage for roof leaks with its highest plan
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer system-only or appliance-only plan options
- Excludes air conditioning coverage from its lowest plan tier
Our Review
First American Home Warranty could offer a solid choice if you need coverage for high-end appliances or complex home systems. The company provides up to $7,000 in appliance coverage under its Premium Plan, which is useful for South Carolinians with luxury kitchen appliances. Plus, it offers unrestricted coverage limits for most systems, including air conditioning and heating, so you can feel secure knowing you have protection for these important home components. First American also offers the First American Advantage upgrade, giving you extra peace of mind by covering items damaged due to improper installations or modifications—something not many other home warranty companies offer.
However, First American has some coverage limitations. Like Choice, it doesn’t offer separate plans for systems and appliances, which means you may end up paying for coverage you don’t need. The Starter Plan also excludes air conditioning, laundry appliances, and water heaters. While you can add central air conditioning coverage as an add-on, you’ll need to upgrade to a more expensive plan to cover those other items.
Plan Details and Cost
Below is a breakdown of First American’s plan options:
- Starter Plan ($78 per month): This comprehensive plan covers eight appliances and four systems, such as plumbing stoppages, ranges, and electrical systems.
- Essential Plan ($103 per month): This plan covers 11 appliances and six systems, including air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, and water heaters.
- Premium Plan ($133 per month): The highest plan tier protects 11 appliances and eight systems, including full garage door systems, faucets, and luxury appliances.
According to a First American Home Warranty sample contract, the Starter and Essential plans have a $3,500 coverage limit per appliance. The Premium Plan increases the appliance limit to $7,000 per covered item. For system coverage, the Essential Plan provides a $1,000 limit for water heaters, while the Premium Plan offers unlimited coverage for this item. Plans include either a $100 or $125 service call fee, which is similar to AHS.
First American offers 12 add-on options, ranging from $2–$21 per month, with coverage limits between $500 and $2,500. Adding roof leak coverage to the Essential and Premium plans costs $8 per month for South Carolina homeowners. This is more affordable than AHS, which offers the same amount of $1,000 in coverage.
Here are a few of First American’s add-on options:
- Additional refrigeration
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- HVAC tune-up
- Limited roof-leak
- Well pump
AFC Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Doesn’t set a coverage limit for HVAC systems, a benefit in South Carolina
- Includes a plan-length workmanship guarantee
- Lets you choose your own repair technician
Keep in Mind
- Offers lower plan coverage for certain items, including plumbing
- Has a depreciation policy that can reduce payouts for older items
Our Review
AFC Home Warranty could offer a good fit for South Carolina homeowners who value reliability and flexibility with their home repairs. The company’s plan-length workmanship guarantee sets it apart from other providers that only cover repairs for 30–90 days, offering added peace of mind throughout your contract. The ability to choose your own repair technician is another standout feature, allowing you to work with a trusted local professional instead of being restricted to the company’s network. Plus, AFC Home Warranty’s unlimited coverage for heating, cooling, and water heaters provides homeowners in South Carolina with valuable protection against costly repairs. The company also includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan tier, a rare benefit.
However, First American’s coverage for other systems is relatively limited, with caps ranging from $150–$500. For instance, the company’s $500 plumbing repair limit is significantly lower than many competitors, which could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses. The company also applies a depreciation policy that can reduce payouts for older systems and appliances, which might leave owners with aging homes with less comprehensive coverage.
Plan Details and Cost
Below is an overview of AFC Home Warranty’s coverage plans:
- Silver Plan (call for a quote): This plan covers nine major appliances, including stoves, dishwashers, and kitchen refrigerators.
- Gold Plan ($44 per month): This mid-tier plan includes nine appliances and six home systems, including electrical, heating, and plumbing.
- Platinum Plan ($51 per month): A mid-plan tier that includes 19 home items, such as ceiling and exhaust fans, built-in microwaves, and refrigerator ice makers.
- Diamond Plan ($82 per month): The highest plan level covers 22 items, adding electronics, exterior sewer line, and exterior water line coverage.
After reading through an AFC Home Warranty sample contract, we discovered that many of the company’s coverage limits vary between items. For appliances, you receive coverage limits between $150–$3,000. Other providers, including AHS and Choice, offer more consistent caps for covered items. However, AFC Home Warranty offers flexible service call fees of either $75 or $125, allowing you to choose a rate that works best for your budget.
AFC Home Warranty offers eight add-ons for its plans, which is typical for a home warranty company. Most add-ons have an annual rate, except for electronics coverage, which is billed monthly. Prices for add-ons range from $25–$150 per year, with coverage amounts varying between $150 and $500 depending on the item. The complimentary roof leak coverage provides $250 in coverage, which is lower than what many other providers offer.
We’ve highlighted a few of AFC’s add-on options below:
- In-ground pool
- Roof-leak coverage
- Septic system
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in South Carolina?
The average cost of a home warranty in South Carolina is around $57–$84 per month, or $673–$991 annually. This is slightly higher than the national average of $47–$82 per month or $564–$984 per year. Factors such as your optional add-ons, location, plan choice, and service call fee rate can influence your total price. We recommended comparing free quotes from multiple providers to save money and choose a plan that fits your home’s specific needs.
Compare the cost of each of our top-rated South Carolina home warranty providers in the chart below.
| Provider | Monthly Cost in South Carolina | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $50–$100 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $59–$67 | $100 |
| First American Home Warranty | $78–$133 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
<br>How We Determined Home Warranty Pricing
- To estimate home warranty costs in South Carolina and nationwide, we gathered nearly 4,000 quotes from 13 companies across all 50 U.S. states. Using sample addresses for single-family homes under 4,000 square feet, we collected data from urban and rural areas in South Carolina, including Batesburg, Charleston, Columbia, and Mount Pleasant. We then averaged these costs to determine state and national price ranges. National pricing is also based on sample quotes we pulled for single-family homes less than 4,000 square feet in size.
How Do South Carolina Home Warranty Costs Compare to Nearby States?
The average monthly home warranty cost in South Carolina is $72, which is 29% more expensive than the national average cost of $56. This cost is 16% more expensive than the closest five states’ average cost of $62.
| State | Average Monthly Cost | % Difference from South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $55 | -24% |
| Georgia | $61 | -15% |
| North Carolina | $65 | -10% |
| Tennessee | $66 | -8% |
| Virginia | $63 | -12% |
Note: Data based on a 2025 survey of recent home warranty buyers
Home Warranty Survey Insights from South Carolina Homeowners
In 2026, 2026, we surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to better understand their experiences shopping for and using home warranty plans. Among South Carolina respondents, air conditioning was the most important home system to cover (38%), followed by electrical systems (21%). Refrigerators topped appliance coverage priorities (48%), followed by ovens, ranges, and cooktops (22%).
Coverage was the most important consideration when shopping for a home warranty, cited by 54% of South Carolina respondents. Protecting older systems and appliances was the most common reason for purchasing a plan (28%), followed by having coverage included with a home purchase (26%). Roof-leak protection was the most popular add-on (29%), followed by sewer or water line coverage (25%). However, 35% reported purchasing no additional coverage.
Regarding claims, system repairs or replacements were more common than appliance claims. Overall, 85% of respondents said their most recent claim was approved, while 8% were still awaiting a decision. Most homeowners reported positive experiences with their plans, with 71% satisfied or very satisfied and 81% planning to renew their coverage.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
To gain insight into real homeowner experiences with home warranties, we surveyed 2,000 home warranty plan holders nationwide. The survey was conducted in 2026 and included participants from all 50 U.S. states. Our survey focused on why homeowners purchased warranties, their satisfaction with coverage options, and their experiences filing claims and interacting with customer service. Our survey also explored factors such as pricing, add-on coverage selections, and renewal intentions.
FAQs About Home Warranties in South Carolina
What are the benefits of having a home warranty in South Carolina?
A home warranty offers benefits in South Carolina by covering repair and replacement costs for essential systems and appliances, especially HVAC systems that work hard in the state’s climate. Home warranty coverage offers peace of mind by offsetting unexpected repair expenses and helping homeowners address breakdowns quickly and affordably.
What does a home warranty cover in South Carolina?
A home warranty in South Carolina covers breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. More specifically, a home warranty typically covers major systems such as plumbing, electrical, and your HVAC, as well as appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers. Exact coverage depends on the plan, with optional add-ons available for items such as pools or septic systems.
How much does a South Carolina home warranty cost?
A South Carolina home warranty typically costs around $57–$84 per month, or $673–$991 annually, depending on the plan and add-ons. Basic plans, which typically cost less, cover either systems or appliances, while comprehensive plans cover both and are higher priced. Additionally, companies charge service fees ranging from $70–$125 per claim.
Do home warranty companies provide a workmanship guarantee?
Yes, most home warranty companies provide a workmanship guarantee, typically lasting 30–90 days. This guarantee covers follow-up repairs at no additional cost if issues recur within that period.
Our Rating Methodology for South Carolina Home Warranty Providers
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed methodology designed to objectively evaluate each provider. Our research includes reviewing coverage options, analyzing sample contracts, and researching providers directly. In 2025, we collected over 4,000 quotes from 13 home warranty companies across all 50 states, using sample addresses for homes of different sizes to analyze pricing.
For our South Carolina recommendations, we conduct additional research to understand the needs and experiences of homeowners in the state. We analyze responses from South Carolina homeowners in our 2026 nationwide survey of 2,000 home warranty policyholders, focusing on factors such as coverage priorities, plan choices, claims experiences, and satisfaction. We also research local home and climate considerations that may affect coverage needs and analyze quotes from different parts of the state to evaluate local pricing.
We supplement this research with hands-on testing. We test providers’ online quote tools and customer support, and over two years, we purchased home warranty plans from 11 leading providers to experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves.
We use these findings to evaluate each provider across 23 factors in six weighted categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%). Each factor receives a point value based on its importance to homeowners, for a total possible score of 100 points. We then convert each provider’s score to a 5-star rating.
