Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Columbia gives homeowners some great neighborhoods and the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons. However, temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty in Columbia can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best home warranty companies in Columbia.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Columbia. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our Liberty Home Guard full review.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty in Columbia. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our Choice Home Warranty full review.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Columbia. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 policies that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our Select Home Warranty full review.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty in Columbia. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 policies that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Columbia homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our American Home Shield full review.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Columbia. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The 2 policies that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our First American Home Warranty full review.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Columbia. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services full review.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Columbia. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 policies that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Columbia homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our The Home Service Club full review.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $6,001 |
| Heating | $4,000 |
| Electrical | $600 |
| Toilets | $500 |
| Washer/Dryer | $800 |
| Plumbing | $600 |
| Oven | $1,600 |
| Fridge | $600 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Columbia homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, roof leaks, central vacuums, and septic systems. Columbia homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as pools, well pumps, roof leaks, and spas. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty company's track record gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Favorable reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Columbia and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty providers provide bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Columbia can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Columbia, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and choosing a repair person to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
One major drawback of home warranties is not every home system and appliance you care about may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and select one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Columbia. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Columbia.
A home warranty policy can help homeowners, homebuyers, investors, home sellers, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy can cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans typically provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Columbia is $283,188, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
