Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Oak Ridge is on the older side. A home warranty policy can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the right protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Oak Ridge. Keep reading for our top provider 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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Oak Ridge. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information, read 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 Oak Ridge. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information, read 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 | $5,714 |
| Heating | $3,809 |
| Electrical | $571 |
| Toilets | $476 |
| Washer/Dryer | $762 |
| Plumbing | $571 |
| Oven | $1,524 |
| Fridge | $571 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Oak Ridge homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly 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 safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include garbage disposals, microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Oak Ridge homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans include protection for plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also include protection for other items such as pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize 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 providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty company's reputation gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair technicians they have in Oak Ridge and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers provide bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Oak Ridge can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Oak Ridge, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who carries out the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans let you choose a contractor.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Oak Ridge. Our high-rated home warranty providers' 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.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover issues with home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Oak Ridge. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty plan can help investors, real estate agents, home sellers, homebuyers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty plan 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 want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Oak Ridge is $284,192, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
