The This Old House team 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 conditions and damage. Another solid choice for North Carolina homeowners is Choice Home Warranty, offering the most affordable comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances.
With the state’s fluctuating weather—from hot summers to cold winters—your home’s systems can experience strain, making a home warranty an essential safeguard against unexpected repair costs. Check out our full list of the top North Carolina home warranty providers to find the right protection for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield is our top home warranty recommendation in North Carolina for its comprehensive system protection and coverage of preexisting conditions.
- The average home warranty cost in North Carolina ranges from $49–$81 per month or $588–$972 annually, based on quotes we pulled from top-ranked companies.
- In our 2025 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
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Comparing Top Providers
The table below shows our top home warranty picks for North Carolina, comparing key factors such as our ratings, 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 based on a 2,055-square-foot, single-family home in Greensboro, North Carolina.
| Provider | Our Score (Out of 5) | Service Call Fee* | Response Time | BBB Rating** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$100–$125 | Up to 48 hours | B | ||
$100 | 24–48 hours | B | ||
$70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | Up to 48 hours | B | ||
$100–$125 | 4–48 hours | B | ||
$75–$125 | 24-48 hours | B |
*Pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, and type and your plan choices.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2025.
Our Reviews of Top Providers in North Carolina
According to our 2025 survey of 2,000 home warranty plan holders, 38% of respondents from North Carolina prioritized air conditioning as a key system when shopping for coverage. Roof leak coverage was also a top concern, with 36% of respondents selecting this protection as a priority. As a result, we focused on each company’s HVAC and roof leak coverage in our reviews.
American Home Shield
Monthly Cost: $39–$99
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
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
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 AHS especially appealing in North Carolina, where HVAC systems often work overtime in the heat, which can cause unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
However, AHS’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 AHS:
- ShieldSilver ($40–$50 per month): This system-focused plan includes 14 key home systems, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
- ShieldGold ($60–$70 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–$100 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 AHS 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, AHS 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
Monthly Cost: $46–$55
Service Fee: $100
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days on parts, 60 days on labor
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 AHS, 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 $9 per month to cover these items. In addition, Choice has faced a lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 2019, which alleges that the company denied claims unfairly. While Choice provides affordable coverage with flexible options, we recommend considering these concerns when deciding if it’s the right fit for your North Carolina home.
Plan Details and Cost
Below is an outline of Choice Home Warranty’s available plans:
- Basic Plan ($46 per month): The lowest-tier combination plan includes eight major systems and six home appliances, including garbage disposals, ovens, and water heaters.
- Total Plan ($55 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 pre-existing 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 AHS. 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 AHS 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
Elite Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $44–$59
Service Fee: $70
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Coverage Overview
- Backs repairs with a 90-day workmanship guarantee, longer than AHS and First American Home Warranty
- Features an extensive add-on catalog with over 30 items
- Offers a fully customizable plan option to match your exact home needs
Keep in Mind
- Does not cover out-of-network repair work under its workmanship guarantee
- Includes a $15,000 annual limit for aggregate or overall claim payouts
Our Review
If you’re a North Carolina resident looking for flexible coverage options, Elite Home Warranty is a good option. Along with three pre-designed plans, the company offers a fourth customizable option, letting you choose to cover only the necessary systems and appliances. Elite also stands out with an impressive add-on catalog of 30 items, including annual HVAC maintenance. This flexibility helps you obtain essential coverage without paying for unnecessary options. Additionally, Elite offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee, meaning the company will cover follow-up repairs for free if any issues arise within 90 days of service.
However, the 90-day guarantee only applies to technicians in Elite’s network, not work performed by outside contractors. In addition, the company has a $15,000 annual claim limit for combined system and appliance coverage, which you can’t exceed during your plan period. If you file multiple high-cost claims, you could reach the cap and have to pay the rest of the repairs out of pocket. Homeowners anticipating several big-ticket claims over the course of a year might benefit from considering a different provider.
Plan Details and Cost
Below is an overview of Elite’s predesigned plan options:
- Elite Appliances ($45 per month): This appliance-only plan covers 10 appliances, such as ceiling fans, built-in microwaves, and cooktops.
- Elite Systems ($50 per month): The system-only plan includes eight systems, including heating, cooling, and electrical systems.
- Elite Complete ($60 per month): The highest plan tier includes comprehensive protection, covering all 18 items listed above.
Based on Elite Home Warranty’s sample contract, coverage limits range from $500–$3,000 for appliances and $750–$4,000 for systems. It’s important to review the coverage cap for each item included in your plan to ensure you have sufficient protection. We also learned that the company charges a standard $70 service fee for most repairs, but the fee increases to $150 for after-hours, weekend, or high-end appliance repairs. This higher fee also applies to several add-ons, including pool and spa, sump pump, and well pump coverage.
Elite offers the largest add-on catalog in this review, with 30 options. Coverage limits for these items vary between $500 and $7,000, and pricing may differ depending on your location. We recommend requesting a sample quote to get an accurate estimate of your monthly costs. Elite’s roof leak protection is set at $1,000, which is comparable to AHS and First American Home Warranty.
Below is a sample of Elite’s extensive add-on catalog:
- Central vacuum
- Freestanding freezer
- Limited roof-leak repair
- Pool and spa equipment
- Water softeners
First American Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $42–$82
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
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 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 ($45–$50 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 ($60–$65 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 ($80–$85 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 AHS. Coverage limits for add-ons range between $500 and $2,500. First American 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:
- Additional refrigeration
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- Limited roof-leak
- Pool and spa equipment
- Septic tank system/pumping
AFC Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $57–$97
Service Fee: $75–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: Plan lifetime
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 ($49–$58): This mid-range combination plan includes nine appliances and six home systems, such as air conditioners, ductwork, and water heaters.
- Platinum Plan ($58–$67): The plan extends coverage to 19 home items, adding key coverage such as plumbing stoppages, faucets, and refrigerator ice makers.
- Diamond Plan ($89–$50): 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 AHS 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
Our Experience Filing Claims
As part of our research, we tested the claims process for AHS, 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 AHS.
Testing American Home Shield
Our AHS 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.
Home Warranty Costs in North Carolina
Home warranty costs in North Carolina range from $49–$81 per month or $588–$972 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 | $39–$99 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $46–$55 | $100 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $44–$59 | $70 |
| First American Home Warranty | $42–$82 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $57–$97 | $75–$125 |
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 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 in North Carolina. 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.
Advice From 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 $62 per month or $744 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 took a deep dive into finding the best home warranty providers for North Carolina homeowners. To do this, we consulted with industry experts to gather key insights, requested sample quotes from each provider, and reviewed sample contracts to understand what each company covers.
We also looked at real homeowner experiences, analyzing customer reviews on sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and signed up for plans with 11 leading home warranty providers.
Each company was then evaluated by our team using our rating methodology, which includes six key factors. These ratings helped us assign a final 5-star score to each provider.
Here’s how we narrowed down the top home warranty options for North Carolina residents:
- Coverage: North Carolina’s hot summers and fluctuating weather demand home warranty plans with robust coverage, especially for HVAC systems. We also prioritized companies offering roof leak coverage since the state’s frequent rainstorms can lead to costly repairs if leaks don’t get addressed quickly. Home warranty companies scored higher in our review for offering high coverage caps and including key protection for HVAC and roof leaks.
- Cost: Many homeowners may prioritize finding the right balance between extensive coverage and cost-effectiveness. Companies rated better on our list for providing flexible service fee options and competitive pricing, while those with high fees or expensive plans were rated lower.
- Trustworthiness: It is important to choose a provider with a strong reputation and customer review scores. Companies scored higher for having positive customer reviews and transparent policies. We did not consider providers with unresolved complaints or poor ratings.
- Plan transparency: Clear contracts and upfront pricing make it easier to know exactly what’s covered by a home warranty, ensuring no surprises when you file a claim. Providers offering detailed sample contracts and transparent terms scored higher in our review, while those with unclear or hidden details scored lower.
- Customer support: Quick, efficient claims processes and responsive customer service can give you peace of mind, with top companies offering multiple ways to get assistance when needed. North Carolina providers rated better for offering 24/7 support and user-friendly online portals, while those with slow response times or limited support options received lower ratings.
- Flexibility: Having a range of plans, plenty of add-ons, and the option to choose your own repair technicians allows you to customize your coverage to fit your specific needs and preferences. Companies scored higher for having multiple plan options and customizable add-ons, while those with rigid plans or fewer choices scored lower.
