Peace of mind is the biggest selling point for a Tennessee home warranty. Also called a home protection plan, it ensures you can afford a repair or replacement when one of your major home systems or appliances breaks down. Home warranties also connect you to vetted service providers who can fix your issues in a matter of days.
We reviewed the best home warranty companies in the nation and determined our top picks in the Volunteer State. Below, we provide an in-depth look at company plans, add-on options, and pricing.
Tennessee’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
The highest-rated Tennessee home warranty companies include the following:
- American Home Shield: Best Coverage Caps
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
- America’s First Choice Home Club: Best for Customization
Note: Cost information in this article is based on a quote we pulled for a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
Our team compared our top providers on several factors in the table below. Each company’s cost data is the average of 120 sample quotes we pulled across various states.
What Is the Cost of a Home Warranty in Tennessee?
Our research shows the average cost of a home warranty in Tennessee is $55 per month. Annually, expect to pay an average of $660 for a coverage plan. In addition to plan premiums, you must pay a service call fee each time you file a claim. Expect to pay roughly $75 to $125 for a service fee.
The main factors affecting plan costs are the following:
- Coverage caps
- Extent of coverage
- Service call fee (if applicable)
- Your location
- Your home’s size and type
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
How Home Warranties Work in Tennessee
Home warranties are service agreements that cover the repair or replacement costs of your home’s major systems and appliances. Suppose a covered item fails, you file a claim, and the company’s service technician determines the breakdown occurred due to normal wear and tear. In that case, the home warranty will cover the repair or replacement of the item up to its established coverage limit.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a Tennessee Home Warranty
Before you begin researching home warranty companies in Tennessee, we recommend considering the following factors:
Home Age
Consider the age of your home before buying a home warranty. Tennessee’s New Home Warranty Act requires home builders to include a one-year warranty on the workmanship and installation of a new home’s systems. If you are moving into a new construction, you likely don’t need a home warranty plan for your first year of homeownership.
Company Reputation
Research a provider’s overall reputation before signing up for a coverage plan. We highly recommend choosing providers with BBB accreditation. Also, look for companies associated with industry organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA).
Contract Terms
Carefully review sample contracts. Reputable providers display them on their websites or send them via email upon request. Seek answers to the following questions: Are there limits on how much the provider will pay per covered item? Does it require maintenance records before offering coverage? Reading the fine print beforehand helps avoid claim denials in the future.
Service Response Time
When an unexpected breakdown occurs, you want it repaired quickly. Confirm a provider will process a service request within 24 to 48 hours. Also, ask how quickly it sends a service technician to your home outside normal business hours.
Are Home Warranties Worth It in Tennessee?
Every situation is different. For instance, a home warranty can be a wise investment for individuals who own many aged systems and appliances. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors, home appliances last an average of five to 20 years, depending on the item. If you know your appliances are within that age range, a home warranty can help reduce appliance repair or replacement costs.
How To Choose the Best Home Warranty Company in Tennessee
The best home warranty for your home depends on several factors. Here are a few criteria to consider:
- Plan type: It’s important to know the type of coverage you need before purchasing a home warranty plan. It wouldn’t make sense to purchase an appliance-only plan if you recently upgraded your home appliances.
- Local vs. national providers: Consider the type of company you wish to purchase a plan from. Local providers may use contractors you’re familiar with but may lack national brands’ standard features, such as an expansive coverage list.
- In-network contractors vs. your own: Consider how you prefer handling claims with your provider. If you’re more hands-on, consider a company that allows you to choose your service technician. If you’d rather let the home warranty take care of it, a provider with in-network technicians makes sense. Note that some home warranty companies don’t provide a workmanship guarantee for service providers you hire.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Tennessee?
Home warranty regulations vary significantly from state to state. In Tennessee, the Department of Commerce and Insurance doesn’t clearly indicate it regulates home service contracts. However, it provides consumers with information on how to avoid home warranty scams. The state’s Attorney General’s Office also provides consumer protection. You can file a complaint on the Tennessee Attorney General’s website.
In states where there isn’t clear government intervention, industry associations take up that role. The Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) is a major organization that oversees home warranties. It has a member directory where you can find information on reputable and compliant home warranty companies.
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
Our team reached out to experts in industries associated with home warranties, such as real estate and appliance repair. We sent them some frequently asked questions, and these were their responses:
- Are there questions I should ask about the claims process? According to David Tully, founder of LPT Realty, you should confirm how long the company will take to respond to your claim. “You need to understand how to file a claim to your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them.” He adds, “Also, get to know the turnaround time they would take for the repairs and replacements.”
- Do home warranties provide cash reimbursement? Kurt Walker, a Mill City Home Buyers real estate expert, says most companies will offer cash reimbursements instead of repairs or replacements. “However, you must be aware that the cash payout might not cover the cost of replacement,” he warns.
- Why should I buy a Tennessee home warranty? Marcus Fernandez, attorney and co-owner of Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire Law, recommends buying a home warranty even if you already own a home insurance plan. “They go beyond what your homeowners insurance covers by catering to the inevitable wear and tear of home systems and appliances, which typically isn’t covered by insurance.”
What Other Home Warranty Companies Are Available in Tennessee?
While American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard are your best options for Tennessee home warranty companies, other providers are available. Some providers offering coverage in Tennessee are First American Home Warranty and America’s First Choice Home Club.
Our Conclusion
American Home Shield is our top pick for Tennessee homeowners due to its comprehensive policies, flexible plans, and service fees. We also recommend Liberty Home Guard due to its 60-day workmanship guarantee and extensive add-ons. Select Home Warranty is another good choice for customers on a budget due to its affordable pricing and included roof-leak coverage. We recommend getting quotes from all three companies to compare pricing and find the best plan that fits your budget.
Other Resources for Residents in Tenessee
- Best Homeowners Insurance in Tenesse
- Best Solar Companies in Tennessee
- Best Moving Companies in Tenessee
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major U.S. city below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Home Warranties
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.