6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia (2024)
As a homeowner in Virginia, you know well how the changing seasons take a toll on your home. The right home warranty helps lower expensive repairs or replacements and keeps your home running year-round. Based on our research, we recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for covering multiple air conditioners and its added roof-leak coverage. American Home Shield (AHS) is another top provider, thanks to its generous home system and appliance coverage.
To determine our recommendations for Virginia, we reviewed 13 top-tier home warranty companies based on consumer needs, industry research, and secret shopping. We scored each home warranty provider on more than 30 key factors, then chose the top six options for Virginia homeowners. Keep reading to explore our complete list of top Virginia home warranty providers.
Key Takeaways
- The best home warranty companies in Virginia are American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
- A home warranty in Virginia costs $684 annually on average, or $45-$79 per month, depending on your provider and coverage.
- Our survey revealed 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their current home warranty plan.
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.
What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in Virginia?
We reviewed 13 home warranty providers to find the best options for Virginia residents. Based on our research, we chose the top six providers below:
When comparing Virginia home warranty providers, we used a scorecard with over 30 ranking factors, including pricing, response time, and service fees. The table below compares our top choices based on some of these key factors.
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#1 out of 13 companies | #2 out of 13 companies | #3 out of 13 companies | #4 out of 13 companies | #5 out of 13 companies | #6 out of 13 companies | |
NR | B | A+ | B | B | B | |
Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$59 | $44–$47 | $47–$87 | $46–$55 |
Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $70 | $60–$75 | $75–$125 | $100 |
Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal |
Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | 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 Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who want fully customizable plans and extensive add-on coverage options. |
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 Choice Home Warranty for homeowners who want an affordable basic plan with generous coverage limits for most items. |
Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | Labor Day Sale: 50% OFF Select Plans | $150 off + 30-day free trial | Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off + 2 months free | $200 Off with Code FA200 | $50 off + 1 month free |
Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Elite Home Warranty | Select Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty | Choice Home Warranty |
Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Flexibility |
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost in VA | Service Fee in VA | Visit Site |
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NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $49–$109 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | Visit Site | |
B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $42–$82 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $46–$55 | $100 | VISIT SITE |
*We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,470-square-foot, single-family home in Richmond, Virginia. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
The 6 Best Virginia Home Warranty Companies
We’ve provided detailed reviews of Virginia’s best home warranty providers below.
*All BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2024.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Virginia?
A Virginia home warranty costs $57 per month on average, or $546-$948 annually. Your actual cost can vary significantly based on your home’s size and type, location, plan, and add-on selections.
To help you save on your home warranty plan, consider the following:
- Choose add-ons wisely: Optional add-ons can quickly increase your monthly premium. Only purchase the add-on coverage options you think you’ll need. You can also save money by buying an appliance-only or systems-only plan. For most companies, you’ll need add-on coverage to receive roof-leak protections.
- Consider bundled coverage: In some cases, you may save more by purchasing a company’s most comprehensive plan since it bundles coverage you’d otherwise have to pay separately via add-ons. We recommend running quotes for comprehensive plans and comparing the costs of a specialized plan with your desired add-ons.
- Look for sign-up discounts: Some providers offer discounts for new policyholders. Others provide additional coverage months or a reduced rate when you pay your premium annually rather than monthly.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Virginia?
Virginia residents should consider a home warranty if they own a home and want it protected against unexpected system failures. For example, Virginia receives all four seasons, including humid summers. Around 95% of Virginia residents own air conditioning equipment, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). If your air conditioning fails unexpectedly and you don’t have home warranty coverage, you could pay hundreds of dollars in repair fees or thousands in replacement costs.
We’ve researched the most common home system and appliance repairs and replacements faced by Virginia residents. We’ve listed our results below:
What Does a Virginia Home Warranty Cover?
Virginia home warranty covers your essential home appliances and systems when they break over time. These policies cover the gradual wear and tear you get from these items. Homeowners insurance does not cover this type of protection, so having both a home warranty and homeowners insurance provides more complete coverage for unexpected problems.
Although Virginia home warranty coverage varies between providers, most companies offer similar protection, exclusions, and supplemental coverage. We’ve listed these standard protections below.
Our Home Warranty Research Process
To choose Virginia's best home warranty providers, we began by speaking with home warranty experts to understand common issues Virginia homeowners face. We then reached out to companies to learn more about their plan offerings. We evaluated their plan options, obtained sample quotes, and reviewed contract terms. We also conducted secret shopping and tested the claims process with several providers.
We then scored each provider against our review standards in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We checked for solid HVAC and roof leak protection offered through base plans or add-ons. We compared premium costs against provided coverage, ensuring affordable options were available. When reviewing trust and transparency, we researched brand reputation and read through third-party customer reviews. Finally, we examined the claims filing process, processing times, and customer service availability.
Our Home Warranty Experts
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
While rating the top home warranty companies for Virginia, we ruled out providers with restricted plan options, limited coverage, availability issues, and poor reputations. Although they didn’t make our list, these are legitimate companies that may be an option for Virginia homeowners with very specific coverage needs.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty includes an unlimited coverage cap for system coverage, including HVAC and plumbing. The company also provides unlimited workmanship coverage for its repairs and replacements. However, the company applies a depreciation policy for items that are five years or older. Its plans are not suitable for Virginia homeowners with older systems and appliances. AFC Home Warranty might be a better fit for homeowners needing system-only coverage and plan-length repair guarantees.
Cinch Home Services
Although Cinch Home Services does provide HVAC coverage under two of its plans, it's limited to $1,500, which falls below many other reviewed providers. In addition to the lower coverage cap, the company limits term claims to $10,000. The company also lacks roof-leak coverage within its standard plans and as an add-on option. Cinch could be a good alternative if you need baseline HVAC coverage only.
HomeServe
HomeServe offers 17 system-only plans but no add-on options. Available plans and exclusions vary by location, with differing coverage caps per system. However, most plans waive service call fees and have a 1-year workmanship guarantee. HomeServe is best for Virginia residents who want specialized coverage for one or two essential systems.
How Do You Choose a Home Warranty in Virginia?
There are several ways to choose the right Virginia home warranty. We’ve outlined our team’s top recommendations below:
- Determine coverage needs: We recommend listing all systems and appliances that need coverage and using that information as a guide as you shop. If you need mostly system coverage, consider a system-only plan. If you own older items, consider a policy that covers preexisting conditions and physical damage.
- Request multiple quotes: Get quotes from at least three home warranty providers and compare their options. Look for companies with multiple service fees, annual and monthly premiums, and promotional discounts.
- Check coverage caps: Read sample contracts to understand your coverage limits per system and appliance. Cabrera says, “Homeowners should understand what specific items, parts, or situations the company excludes from the warranty.” Virginia homeowners should ensure essential things, such as HVAC, roof leaks, and plumbing, receive ample coverage.
- Ask about transfer policies: If you plan on moving within the next year or two, choose a home warranty that allows policy transfers to your new home. Most providers transfer your policy free of charge. Some charge a minimal fee.
- Confirm contractors are reputable: We recommend calling a provider and learning more about its claims processing, including its technician network. Chartrand recommends confirming how a company sources its service technicians. Choose a company that uses local service providers you’re familiar with. If you prefer more flexibility, consider a home warranty provider that lets you use your own technician.
- Verify brand reputation: Check customer reviews on third-party review sites to gauge each company’s brand reputation and customer experience. You should ask if your friends, family, or neighbors have experience with home warranty providers.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Virginia?
Our research shows that Virginia’s Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is the general governing body that oversees home warranty regulation. The Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs (OCRP) specifically enforces regulations set by the VDACS and the 2017 Home Protection Act. According to the Act, home warranty companies must obtain a license from the OCRP before conducting business within the state. It also lists multiple requirements a company must meet before it receives a license, such as maintaining a surety bond.
In addition to government oversight, industry organizations also oversee home warranties via self-regulation. For instance, the Service Contract Industry Council is a trade organization responsible for developing laws and regulations alongside state lawmakers. These laws center on providing consumer protection without unfair restrictions placed on companies.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty.
To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- Enter your estimated number of claims
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
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Dehumidifier |
$50–$200 |
$1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave |
$50–$400 |
$60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher |
$50–$500 |
$400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans |
$16–$300 |
$250–$950 |
Electric Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Gas Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Dryer |
$100–$400 |
$450–$2,300 |
Oven |
$100–$430 |
$400–$3,000 |
Washer |
$50–$450 |
$400–$2,300 |
Freezer |
$90–$500 |
$160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator |
$40–$350 |
$200–$5,000 |
Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot
Other Resources for Residents in Virginia
FAQ About Home Warranties in Virginia
When can I get a home warranty in Virginia?
We recommend purchasing a Virginia home warranty to receive system and appliance protection as quickly as possible when you buy your home. A real estate agent sometimes includes a home warranty to sweeten the deal for homebuyers. However, you can sign up for a home warranty anytime during homeownership.
Are home warranty plans worth it in Virginia?
Yes, home warranty plans are worth the investment in Virginia. The value of a home warranty depends on the repairs and replacements you claim. If the cost of repairs or replacements exceeds the amount you pay annually for your warranty, then having a home warranty is ideal.
Is a home warranty required in Virginia?
No, a home warranty is not required in Virginia. However, it does offer additional peace of mind and protection for your home systems and appliances. A home warranty can help offset expensive repair costs and protect your home appliances beyond their manufacturer warranty period.
What's covered under a Virginia home warranty?
Typically, a Virginia home warranty covers major systems and appliances, such as your air conditioner, refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Some home warranty companies include optional coverage for items such as pools, spas, septic systems, well pumps, and roof leaks.
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