Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
As much as you may love owning a home in Hickory, there's always that worry about whether your systems and appliances are going to make it through the next few years. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the right warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Hickory. Read on for our recommendations.
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 is the most trustworthy home warranty in Hickory. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information on this provider, read our full review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 is the best overall home warranty in Hickory. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Hickory. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our full review of Select Home Warranty.
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 is the most customizable home warranty in Hickory. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our full review of American Home Shield.
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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Hickory. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read our full review of First American Home Warranty.
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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Hickory. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our full review of Cinch Home Services.
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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Hickory. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you buy a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our full review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $5,691 |
Heating | $3,794 |
Electrical | $569 |
Toilets | $474 |
Washer/Dryer | $759 |
Plumbing | $569 |
Oven | $1,518 |
Fridge | $569 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps reduce the high costs for Hickory homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include microwaves, washers, dishwashers, dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and locksmiths. Hickory homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for heating, plumbing, electrical, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer protection for other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per service call made. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks improve the chance of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many contractors they have in Hickory. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as smart home device coverage, reduced maintenance fees, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in Hickory can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Hickory, one of the benefits 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 saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching 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. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
There are also some negatives to purchasing a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs 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 in Hickory can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover issues with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Hickory. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, home sellers, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty will cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Hickory is $279,410, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.