Our team selected American Home Shield as the best home warranty company in South Carolina because of its preexisting coverage protection, which is ideal for owners of older systems and appliances. 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.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield is our top pick, which aligns with our 2025 home warranty survey, in which nearly 49% of South Carolina homeowners also chose the provider.
- The average home warranty cost in South Carolina ranges from $57–$84 per month, or $673–$991 annually.
- Our survey revealed that 28% of South Carolina homeowners chose air conditioning as the most important system when considering home warranty coverage.
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
- 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
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 (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 is based on sample quotes obtained in all 50 U.S. states for single-family homes over and under 5,000 square feet. Costs were averaged together to determine typical price ranges. Pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, and your coverage choices.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of April 2025.
Our Reviews of Top Providers in South Carolina
When scoring home warranty companies in South Carolina, we considered key factors relevant to the state’s climate, such as HVAC system coverage, which is important due to the state’s humid summers and fluctuating weather. 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
Monthly Cost: $50–$100
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
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
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 such as Elite Home Warranty, which offers up to 60 days. 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
Monthly Cost: $59–$67
Service Fee: $100
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days on parts, 60 days on labor
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 Elite. 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
Elite Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $45–$60
Service Fee: $70
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Coverage Overview
- Offers three standard plans and one fully customizable option
- Provides up to $3,000 for heating and cooling systems and $5,000 for HVAC systems
- Has the largest add-on catalogs of any provider we reviewed
Keep in Mind
- Charges a higher $150 service fee for certain repairs
- Limits heating and cooling coverage for the first 90 days of service
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty is a good option if you’re looking for flexibility with your home warranty. It provides appliance-only, system-only, and comprehensive plans, allowing you to select the coverage that best fits your home needs. For South Carolina homeowners, this means you can choose the right amount of protection, whether for your HVAC system or your entire home. With the “Customize Your Own” plan, you can handpick the items that matter most to you. Elite covers up to $3,000 for separate heating and cooling units or up to $5,000 for a full HVAC system. You can also choose from 30 add-ons to further tailor your coverage, including options for HVAC annual maintenance and upgrades to expand coverage on appliances and systems.
However, Elite charges a $150 service call fee for after-hours or weekend repairs, high-end appliances, and some add-ons such as septic systems, well pumps, and pools or spas. Additionally, heating, cooling, and water heater coverage is limited during the first 90 days of service. So, if you need repairs right away, you might have to cover most of the costs yourself.
Plan Details and Cost
Here’s an overview of Elite’s home warranty plans:
- Elite Appliances ($45 per month): The lowest plan covers 10 appliances, including garbage disposals, built-in microwaves, and ovens.
- Elite Systems ($50 per month): The system-only plan protects eight systems, including HVAC, plumbing systems, and garage door openers.
- Elite Complete ($60 per month): The highest plan includes all 18 systems and appliances.
While reviewing an Elite Home Warranty sample contract, we found that the company imposes a $15,000 aggregate or overall limit for covered repairs annually. This means that once you’ve reached $15,000 in claims payouts, you will have to pay any additional repair costs for the remainder of your plan term out-of-pocket. Plans include a $70 service call fee for most repairs, except for the situations mentioned earlier. Coverage limits vary, with appliances ranging from $250–$3,000 and systems from $250–$5,000.
Elite also offers an extensive catalog of more than 30 add-ons, with coverage limits ranging from $500–$7,000. Add-on costs depend on your location and selected plan, so we recommend requesting a sample quote for accurate pricing.
We’ve highlighted a few available add-ons below:
- Annual HVAC maintenance
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Limited roof-leak repair
- Water softeners
- Well pump
First American Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $78–$133
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
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
Monthly Cost: $44–$82
Service Fee: $75–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: Plan lifetime
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
Our Experience Filing Claims
We supplemented our South Carolina home warranty research by testing the claims process of one of our selected providers: Elite Home Warranty. Below, we’ve detailed our tester’s claims experience and noted recent changes to Elite Home Warranty’s online portal.
Testing Elite Home Warranty
Our Elite Home Warranty tester filed a claim online for his high-end European-brand dishwasher, providing the serial number and manufacturer. Within 30 minutes, he received a call back to schedule a next-day appointment. The technician arrived on time, inspected the dishwasher, and recommended parts replacement. After waiting a few days for parts to arrive, the technician returned to complete the repair. The entire process took four business days, and despite the wait for parts, our tester found the experience smooth and hassle-free.
Since our tester’s claims filing experience, Elite Home Warranty’s online portal has become temporarily unavailable due to system updates. The company advises customers to contact the company’s dedicated claims concierge to file new claims or check updates on existing ones.
Home Warranty Costs 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 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $45–$60 | $70 |
| First American Home Warranty | $78–$133 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
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.
Survey Insights from South Carolina Homeowners
In 2025, we surveyed 2,000 home warranty users nationwide to better understand their experiences with shopping for and using home warranty plans. Among South Carolina homeowners, 28% said air conditioning was the most important system to cover, which makes sense given the state’s year-round need for reliable climate control. Electrical systems were also a top priority, with 23% of respondents optings for coverage. When it comes to appliances, 38% focused on protecting their refrigerators, and 33% opted for coverage for their water heaters.
Many South Carolina homeowners also decided to add extra coverage to their baseline plans. Over 38% selected additional protection for home systems, such as extended cooling or heating. Other popular add-ons included roof leak coverage and septic tank pumping, which is particularly helpful for homeowners in rural areas who rely on septic systems for waste management.
We also looked at homeowner satisfaction with their plans. Nearly 85% of South Carolina homeowners reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their home warranty, and 64% plan to renew their current contract. Most recent claims were for system repairs or replacements, and an impressive 92% of those claims were approved. These findings highlight the value of a home warranty in offering financial protection and peace of mind for South Carolina homeowners.
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 2025 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.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
To identify the top home warranty providers in South Carolina, we researched each company by requesting sample quotes and reviewing sample contracts and coverage details.
We also read through customer reviews on third-party sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot and tested home warranty websites. In addition, we contacted customer support teams, tested online quote tools, and signed up for service with 11 top home warranty providers to gather firsthand experience.
Each company was scored based on six factors using our detailed rating methodology and assigned a final 5-star score.
- Coverage: In South Carolina, selecting a home warranty plan with strong HVAC coverage is important due to the state’s hot, humid summers and cooler winters in the Upstate region. Roof leak coverage is another beneficial feature, particularly for coastal homeowners who face frequent storms and heavy rainfall. Providers offering robust protections for major systems and appliances, including HVAC and roof leaks, received higher scores.
- Cost: South Carolina homeowners may prioritize affordable home warranty plans that don’t compromise on coverage. We rated providers based on service fee rates, monthly premiums, and additional charges, scoring those that balanced affordability with solid coverage more favorably.
- Trustworthiness: Choosing a reliable company with a strong reputation is important for homeowner peace of mind. We rated providers based on customer reviews, brand reputation, and workmanship guarantees to ensure each company can deliver on its promises.
- Plan Transparency: Transparent pricing and detailed contracts can offer added value for South Carolina homeowners. Providers that clearly outlined coverage limits, exclusions, and terms in sample contracts and online pricing earned higher scores, while vague policies and unclear details resulted in lower ratings.
- Customer Support: The best South Carolina home warranty companies feature user-friendly claim portals, fast response times, and multiple customer service options. Companies that score highly in this category provide prompt and effective support for resolving homeowner concerns.
- Flexibility: Top providers offer a variety of plans and customizable add-ons, such as HVAC maintenance or roof leak coverage upgrades. We also assessed flexibility in technician selection policies. Providers with fewer plan options, limited add-ons, or restricted technician choices received lower scores.
