Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Altoona can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems need to be updated. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Altoona. Read on for our home warranty 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
In Altoona, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it 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. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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
In Altoona, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it 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. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
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
In Altoona, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it 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. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
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
In Altoona, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it 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. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
In Altoona, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
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
In Altoona, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it 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. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
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
In Altoona, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, 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 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
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 | $5,742 |
Heating | $3,828 |
Electrical | $574 |
Toilets | $478 |
Washer/Dryer | $766 |
Plumbing | $574 |
Oven | $1,531 |
Fridge | $574 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Altoona homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include microwaves, washers, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, locksmiths, septic systems, and even roof leaks. Altoona homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover 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 improper use of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically cover heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Focus on providers with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also do away with deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation gives insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair contractors they have in Altoona and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Altoona can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Altoona, 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.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of vetting technicians yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who handles the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to choose their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty companies allow you to choose a contractor.
Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Altoona. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically cheaper 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. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Altoona.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, home sellers, investors, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Altoona include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Altoona, where the median home value is $134,685, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.