Best Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina (2024)
Functioning home systems are essential for North Carolina residents who experience hot Outer Banks summers and cold Blue Ridge Mountain winters. If your air conditioner or heating system breaks down, your home may be vulnerable to harsh conditions and emergency repair bills. A home warranty protects you against home emergencies, helping to minimize repair and replacement costs.
We compiled a list of the country’s best home warranty service providers and chose our preferred providers for North Carolina residents. Our top pick is American Home Shield, which offers HVAC coverage in all plans. Keep reading to learn our full list of the best home warranty companies for your North Carolina home.
Key Takeaways
- After researching 13 home warranty providers, we selected American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard as the best home warranty companies in North Carolina.
- A North Carolina home warranty costs $712 annually on average, or $38–$109 per month, depending on your selected provider, coverage plan, and location.Â
- According to our recent survey, 44.6% of respondents stated that selecting the right plan coverage was more crucial than price or brand reputation.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
Summary of Top Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
American Home Shield provides comprehensive coverage for most major systems and appliances, plus roof-leak coverage add-ons. Liberty Home Guard offers roof-leak protection and unique coverage options, such as multiple AC units. We’ve listed our top choices for home warranty companies in North Carolina below:
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for High-End Items: First American Home Warranty
- Best Plan Flexibility: AFC Home Warranty
- Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty
Comparing the Best Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
Our table below compares key factors of the top North Carolina home warranty companies.
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#1 out of 16 companies | #2 out of 16 companies | #3 out of 16 companies | #4 out of 16 companies | #5 out of 16 companies | |
NR | B | B- | B | B | |
Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$47 | $47–$87 | $34–$92 |
Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $60–$75 | $75–$125 | $75–$125 |
Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 48-84 hours | 4–48 hours | 24-48 hours |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. |
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems. |
Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | $150 Off Any Plan | Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off + 2 months free | $200 Off with Code FA200 | Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage |
Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty | AFC Home Warranty |
Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Customer Support |
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Flexibility |
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost in NC | Service Fee | Visit Site |
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NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $49–$109 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $47–$87 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $38–$64 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE |
The pricing information in this article is based on a 2,217-square-foot, single-family home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Your monthly premium may vary based on your location, home size, and plan and add-on choices.
How We Rated Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
Our process of identifying North Carolina’s top home warranty companies began by consulting with local real estate agents, repair technicians, and home builders. They helped us identify the common home repairs and replacements faced by residents. We then spoke with representatives from each home warranty company, analyzed service plans, gathered sample quotes, and reviewed policy terms.
Next, we scored each provider against our review standards in six categories: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. To assess coverage, we looked for HVAC and roof-leak protection in base policies or through add-on options to assess coverage. We compared premiums against the value of coverage offered. We researched brand reputation and customer reviews on third-party sites. Finally, we examined policy factors such as claims processing speed, customer support, and filing procedures.
Are Home Warranties Worth It in North Carolina?
Home warranties help North Carolinians reduce costly repairs and replacements of essential home appliances and systems.
According to a survey of 1,000 home warranty policyholders across the country, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and roof-leak coverage are among the most crucial areas for home protection in the state.
Our survey revealed that 69.2% of policyholders had coverage for their air conditioning units, while 55.8% opted to insure their heating systems. Additionally, roof-leak coverage was the most popular add-on selection, with 56% of homeowners choosing to include it.
The state experiences hot summers and freezing winters, making it essential to have a reliable HVAC system to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. In addition, North Carolina’s diverse climate, ranging from coastal hurricane-force rains to heavy snowfall in mountainous regions, can damage roofs, making roof-leak protection necessary.
In addition to HVAC and roof leaks, we’ve also identified other home systems and appliances North Carolina homeowners often repair and replace:
Item | Average Cost to Repair | Average Cost to Replace |
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Gas furnace | $30–$150 | $3,800–$10,000 |
Air conditioning | $100–$650 | $2,500–$15,000 |
Heat pumps | $100–$650 | $1,500–$5,000 |
Plumbing leaks | $150–$450 | $200–$5,000 |
Roof leaks | $150–$2,000 | $5,000–$13,000 |
Data sourced from The Home Depot
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in North Carolina?
A home warranty in North Carolina costs $59 per month on average, or $480–$900 annually. Multiple factors affect your home warranty coverage costs, such as your home’s size and type, location, and plan selections.
We explain additional factors that affect home warranty costs below:
Home warranty companies factor in home size in your premium costs. After pulling more than 100 home warranty quotes across North Carolina, we found providers charge more for homes larger than 5,000 square feet.
Most home warranty providers in North Carolina charge the same monthly fee for various home types, such as single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. However, some companies may exclude coverage for manufactured homes and similar home types.
Your location within North Carolina can affect your plan’s total cost. If you live in more historic areas, such as Raleigh or Charlotte, you may be charged slightly more because your home is older. Coastal homes may be charged more due to flooding and hurricane vulnerability. Home warranty companies usually charge more for homes in high-risk areas.
Home warranty providers charge more for plans that cover more items, and add-on coverage can also raise your monthly premium. Our home warranty survey revealed that 44.6% of respondents prioritized item coverage when selecting a plan. We recommend selecting coverage based on your immediate needs to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage.
Reviews of the 5 Best North Carolina Home Warranty Companies
How To Choose a Home Warranty in North Carolina
The best North Carolina home warranty company is one offering the coverage and customer service that fits your needs. Consider these factors before you buy a home warranty:
- Review brand reputation: Look up providers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Avoid home warranty companies with patterns of complaints or a score lower than a C.
- Verify customer service: Call each home warranty company with coverage questions to learn how the customer service team handles your inquiries and how promptly they address concerns. We also recommend reading third-party reviews to gauge customer satisfaction with each company.
- Read sample contracts: Providers should offer sample contracts on their websites for the sake of transparency. We recommend shortlisting three home warranty companies and reading their sample contracts to compare their coverage plans, service fees, exclusions, and limitations. Ensure the coverage caps are high enough to cover an item replacement, not just a repair. Request free quotes from each company and compare premiums, available discounts, and add-on costs.
- According to our survey of 1,000 home warranty policyholders, 92.5% were satisfied with the outcome of their most recent claim.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) oversees home warranty regulation within North Carolina. However, our research shows that the NCDOI specifically regulates home appliance service contracts. According to General Statute §§ 66-371–372, companies that offer home appliance service agreements must maintain a detailed claims register to record each claim they receive from consumers.
We also found there isn’t clear legislation that oversees service home warranty contracts covering major systems. However, you can file a complaint with the NCDOI if you believe your provider isn’t meeting its contractual obligations.
Alongside government oversight, home warranty companies self-regulate. Industry associations such as the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) are one of several organizations that oversee service contract companies. It works closely with North Carolina legislators to develop laws centered on consumer protection.
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.
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
Other Resources for Residents in North Carolina
FAQ About Home Warranties in North Carolina
What is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?
The difference between a home warranty and home insurance comes down to protections. A home warranty offers financial relief from repair costs for normal wear and tear on appliances and systems. Home insurance protects your entire home and belongings against natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
What are the cons of a home warranty plan?
Some cons of home warranty plans include limiting your technician choices, excluding certain item conditions, and restricting coverage caps. Some warranty contracts require proof of regular maintenance for appliances and systems for claim approval. Some companies also take several days to process a claim and issue a technician, making it ineffective for urgent home repairs.
What does a home warranty cover in North Carolina?
A home warranty cover in North Carolina typically covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. Depending on the provider, your plan may cover just systems or just appliances, or offer combined protection. We recommend reviewing your home warranty plan to understand your exact coverage terms and exclusions.
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