Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Blacksburg is on the older side. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the many options available. If you're overwhelmed by trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the best home warranty providers in Blacksburg.
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 Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
Read more by visiting our full review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting our full review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting our full review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting our full review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our full review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read more by visiting our full review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Blacksburg. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting our full review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $6,286 |
Heating | $4,190 |
Electrical | $629 |
Toilets | $524 |
Washer/Dryer | $838 |
Plumbing | $629 |
Oven | $1,676 |
Fridge | $629 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Blacksburg homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind 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 might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, and more. Included systems are usually electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Blacksburg homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period 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 problems such as cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover plumbing, heating, AC, electrical, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include extra things such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, 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 provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Blacksburg and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as smart home device coverage, reduced maintenance fees, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Blacksburg’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research service technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is while selling your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
One of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not every home system and appliance you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Blacksburg. Our high-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 opting for 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. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, 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 isn't that common in Blacksburg.
A home warranty can help investors, homeowners, home sellers, homebuyers, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty policy can cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may buy 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. Considering that the average home value in Blacksburg is $393,210, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.