Written By: Amy Galloway
Edited by: Andrew Dunn
With expected inhabitants of 648,560 in 2022, Vermont is ranked as the 49th most populous state in the U.S. However, what Vermont lacks in population more than makes up for it in character. From the friendly locals to farm-to-table dining scene to pristine natural parks, there’s a lot to love living in Vermont.
According to Zillow, a typical home value in Vermont is $314,562 which is below average the national median home sales price. As a Vermont homeowner, the last thing you want is to get unexpected repair bills because a home system or major appliance broke down.
Luckily, a home warranty in Vermont can help you avoid expensive bills related to a broken home system or appliance.
In this guide, we will cover…
- What is a home warranty?
- The top 6 best home warranty companies in Vermont
- Factors to consider when choosing a home warranty company in Vermont
- Home warranty tips for Vermont residents
- Resources for Vermont homeowners and homebuyers
- And many more…
Best Home Warranty Companies in Vermont
- All plans have comprehensive coverage. Most other home warranty plans cover either just systems or just appliances.
- Choice’s coverage caps are $3,000 per item, per year for most major systems and appliances beating the industry average.
- Choice Home Warranty doesn't exclude older homes, so you can still get coverage regardless of the age of your property.
- $200 off + 1 Month Free + Free Roof Coverage!
- BBB's Only A+ Accredited Home Warranty Company!
- 60-day workmanship guarantee compared to the average of 30 days.
- More than 20 options, including window washing, swimming pools, and irrigation.
- 24/7 service calls
- With over 52 years of experience and 1.7 million customers AHS has a long history in the industry.
- American Home Shield, lest you choose a service fee that works for your budget.
- Coverage caps for systems are unlimited across all three plans and are either $3000 or $6000 for appliances.
- $150 off + 2 months free
- FREE Roof Leak Coverage
- Good selection of plans
- Must file claims within 3 days
- $75 cancellation fee
- Save up to $150 on a new plan
- Choose your own service fee!
- Lower chance of claim denial
- Higher fee for contract transfer
- Higher cancellation fee
- Best Customer Service 2020
- $100 Instant Online Discount
- Plans from $25/m
- Automatically renewed policy
- First 2 Months Free on all Plans! (exclusions apply)
- Industry-leading 180-day workmanship guarantee
- $500 Homeowner insurance deductible reimbursement
- Thousands of reliable & fast local service providers
- 24/7 customer service
- Low cancellation fee
Disclosure: ReviewHomeWarranties.com has referral agreements with some of the home warranty companies presented on our lists throughout this website, including our the above rankings. Referral income which we generate through these agreements helps us keep the content free of ads and accessible.
Compare Vermont Home Warranty Providers
Provider | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating |
Choice Home Warranty | Best Overall | $45 - $53 | $85 | D+ |
Liberty Home Guard | Best Customer Service | $45 - $54 | $75 | A- |
American Home Shield | Most Customizable | $25 - $75 | $75 - $125 | B |
Select Home Warranty | Most Affordable | $44 - $48 | $60 | B- |
Americas First Choice Home Club | Best For Customization | $46 - $68 | $75 - $125 | B |
Vermont Home Warranty Costs
How much do you expect to pay to receive coverage from the best home warranty company in Vermont? Our Review Home Warranties have done their in-depth research in Vermont, so you don’t have to.
Here’s a breakdown of the overall average home warranty costs and the cost for different types of homes in Vermont.
Type | Average Annual Premium |
Overall | $798.32 |
Single Family Home | $663.24 |
Multi-Family | $1,161.33 |
Townhome | $573.18 |
Condo | $666.36 |
Home Over 5,000 sq ft | $1,294.73 |
Home Under 5,000 sq ft | $722.21 |
Vermont Home Warranty Company Reviews
Choosing the best home warranty companies in Vermont is far from easy. We’ve reviewed more than 50 home warranty companies that operate in Vermont and successfully narrowed it down to six providers. Below are the top six best home warranty companies in Vermont.
1. Choice Home Warranty: Best Overall
Out of all the companies we reviewed, Choice Home Warranty offers a great mix of comprehensive coverage, good payout limits, budget-friendly plans, and top-notch customer service - which is why Choice is our runaway top pick.
One of the best qualities of Choice is their no-nonsense plans: Basic and Total. The Basic Plan has tremendous value because it covers both major home systems and appliances including heating, electrical, water heater, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and more. However, if you want to cover your AC unit, fridge, and washer/dryer, you’ll have to go with the Total Plan.
Choice also boasts quick-responding 24/7 customer service which is always a plus. Overall, Choice Home Warranty is a great provider for comprehensive coverage, affordable plans, and excellent customer support.
Pros | Cons |
Comprehensive coverage | Plans are non-customizable |
No inspection required before coverage | Can’t select your contractor |
Reasonable pricing of plans | |
Quick 24/7 customer service | |
90-day repair guarantee |
Plans and Pricing
To eliminate most confusion related to home warranties, Choice offers two straightforward plans. Basic offers a good bang for your buck since it covers both appliances and systems. However, there’s a glaring lack of popular items that most people want to cover like air conditioning and a refrigerator. For complete coverage, you’ll want to get the Total Plan for a few dollars more. Their service fee is within industry standards and optional add-ons are also available to bolster your plan.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
Basic Plan | $45 | $60-$85 per claim |
Total Plan | $53.33 | $60-$85 per claim |
Coverage
As mentioned, Choice boasts one of the most comprehensive home warranty coverage in Vermont. Some of the popular items for Vermont homeowners are:
- HVAC system
- Electrical
- Water heater
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Cooktop
- Garbage disposal
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
Add-ons are also available including pool/spa equipment, well pump, sump pump, septic system, limited roof leak, etc.
Customer Reviews:
“Josie was my customer service rep and she did a nice and pleasant and understanding job of helping me. My call was answered very quickly and she did what I expected and met my expectations. The process was very easy. I hope the repairs go as smoothly.” (Source)
2. Liberty Home Guard: Best Reviewed
If good reviews are your main criteria when choosing the best home warranty company in Vermont, it’s hard to go wrong with Liberty Home Guard.
Liberty Home Guard is one of our top picks mainly due to their positive critical reception from experts and customers alike. As of this writing, Liberty Home Guard boasts an A rating from the BBB with a 4.63/5 score from customer reviews. They’re the ‘Most Trusted’ home warranty company in the U.S. for good reason or two.
For Vermont residents, Liberty offers low service fees, a 60-day workmanship guarantee, and affordable plans.
Pros | Cons |
Lots of positive customer reviews | Not available in CA, WA, WY, or WI |
Reasonable service fees | Expensive add-ons |
60-day guarantee | |
BBB rating of A | |
Good list of add-ons |
Plans and Pricing
Kudos to Liberty Home Guard for using simple naming conventions for their plans. They have three, self-explanatory plans: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Guard. Depending on your state and area, the cost of their monthly plans can range from $40-$60 - making them one of the most expensive home warranty providers out there.
At $65 per claim, Liberty’s service fee is just right and within industry standards.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
Appliance Guard | $45 | $75 |
Systems Guard | $49.83 | $75 |
Total Home Guard | $54.33 | $75 |
Coverage
Although Liberty’s plans are divided by categories, each plan can be customized and in interesting ways. For example, you can elect to replace some items instead of repairing them. When it comes to Liberty Home Guard’s plans, Total Guard is the best value hands-down. This plan covers both appliances and home systems including but not limited to:
- Washer/dryer
- Kitchen refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Ductwork
- Plumbing
- Water heater
To supplement your Liberty plan, you can choose from a wide range of optional add-ons such as pool and spa, sump pump, well pump, central vacuum, standalone freezer, limited roof leak, pest control, generator, plumbing fixtures, and many more. As far as add-ons go, Liberty boasts the most comprehensive units out there.
Customer Reviews:
“Everything this company does is with promptness, always timely, and friendly staff. They keep me updated on my claims and even gave me my settlement for replacement dryer within 2 days back to my card. Great first experience.” (Source)
3. American Home Shield: Most Customizable
With more than 50 years under their belt, American Home Shield is a veteran home warranty company for Vermont homeowners. American Home Shield is a top pick by our Review Home Warranties team due to its highly customizable plans.
Transparency is one of the biggest strengths of American Home Shield. Everything you need to know about their plans, coverage, exclusions, etc. are all found on their site. On top of that, American Home Shield lets you customize your plans by mix-and-matching coverage options - this ensures that you’re paying for units that you actually want to cover.
American Home Shield also covers a few uncommon things that most companies don’t such as aging appliances, mismatched systems, and improper installation.
Pros | Cons |
Flexible tiered plans | Not available in Alaska |
Plans are customizable | Only offers a 30-day guarantee |
50+ years in the business | |
BBB rating of B | |
Generous payout caps |
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield offers three different plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.
The silver base plan is basically the home systems coverage which includes 14 major systems. The next tier, ShieldGold, is a mid-range combo plan that covers everything in Silver with the addition of 9 major appliances. Lastly, the ShieldPlatinum includes everything in Silver and Gold, plus add-ons like HVAC tuneup and roof leak.
Service fees can be either $75, $100, or $125 - the lower the service fee, the higher your monthly payments are.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
ShieldSilver | $25.82-$45.82 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldGold | $45.82-65.82 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldPlatinum | $75.82-95.82 | $75 - $125 |
Coverage
If you’re a Vermont homeowner who cares more about protecting your home systems, the ShieldSilver plan should be adequate - it protects your heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, water heater, garage door openers, and more.
However, if you want coverage for both systems and appliances, you should either choose Gold or Platinum. Each tier has a significant price difference, so make sure that you choose a plan that best fits your coverage needs. Below are some of the popular coverage options for American Home Shield:
- Heating and cooling
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Refrigerator
- Range/cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Water heater
- Garbage disposal
- Washer/dryer
- Whirlpool tub and components
In addition, American Home Shield also offers a wealth of add-on items including electronics protection, pool and spa, septic pump, well pump, and coverage for guest/rental units.
Customer Reviews:
“I called American Home Shield as I always like to talk to people live. I was surprised that I was able to get American Home Shield on the phone as quickly as I did. Normally, it would be a very long wait. I placed an order for someone to come look at my washer because the inner tub had separated from the outer tub. Whatever held it together came loose. There was rust, glue, and dirt in the tub. It was horrible. I destroyed 12 designer whites and had to throw them in the trash because they got so stained.” (Source)
4. Select Home Warranty: Most Affordable
New Jersey-based Select Home Warranty has been in business for nine years. Aside from being known for its unique offerings, Select Home Warranty is the go-to company for affordable premiums.
The main selling point of Select is their affordable plans that are lower than industry standards. Budget-conscious Vermont homeowners will surely appreciate Select’s lower monthly premiums that don’t cost more than $50, plus their service fees are fairly reasonable. Moreover, signing into a multi-year contract will net you even more discounts.
Overall, Select brings a good mix of affordable cost and good coverage into the table.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable monthly premiums | No fixture coverage without add-ons |
Reasonable service fees | Low payout caps |
90-day repair guarantee | |
Discounts on multi-year contracts | |
Nationwide availability |
Plans and Pricing
Select features three simple plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care - all of which are fairly straightforward. Bronze provides coverage for appliances only while Gold covers critical home systems. The Platinum plan is your combination plan that includes all options from Bronze and Gold.
Since the difference in pricing isn’t all that big, the Platinum package offers the best value because of total coverage for a few dollars more.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
Gold Care | $44.42 | $60 |
Bronze Care | $44.42 | $60 |
Platinum Care | $47.75 | $60 |
Coverage
By categorizing their plans, Select makes it easier for customers to get the coverage they need. For example, if you want to cover major appliances like a dishwasher, fridge, cooktop, or washer/dryer, it makes sense to choose Bronze Care. However, this also limits flexibility since you can’t customize your plans.
But again, if you want to cover both appliances and home systems, there’s no reason not to choose Platinum Care. Some of the most noteworthy items are:
- Heating and cooling
- Water heater
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Stove/oven
- Cooktop
- Washer/dryer
- Garbage disposal
- Ceiling fan
- Ductwork
Optional items are available such as pool/spa, second refrigerator, standalone freezer, well pump, sump pump, plumbing fixtures, and more.
Customer Reviews:
“Great customer service and willingness to give you the best coverage for your home planning. For 3 years for a gold plan is about $920. Has great plans for first time home buyers and military members. Overall has the best rates and coverage after looking at many of the top ten Home Warranties.” (Source)
5. Cinch Home Services: Best Workmanship
Cinch Home Services is an easy top pick, thanks to their solid track record and generous workmanship guarantee.
Like many of the companies on this guide, Cinch grouped its plans to cover either home systems or appliances, with a combo plan that covers both. Cinch home protection plans cover a variety of home appliances and systems. However, what truly makes them popular is their unique offerings like discounts for new appliances, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and rush and corrosion damage protection.
Also, Cinch’s 180-day service guarantee is perhaps one of the best guarantees in the industry.
Pros | Cons |
180-day service guarantee | Expensive service fees |
More than four decades of experience | Limited optional items |
Discounts for new appliances | |
Rust and corrosion protection | |
BBB rating of B |
Plans and Pricing
Cinch has three plans: Appliances, Built-In System, and Complete Home. Again, they’re fairly self-explanatory plans which are convenient for many customers. All three plans have reasonable pricing but both Appliances and Built-In System plans can be rather limited - especially when there are not that many optional add-ons available.
With service fees starting at $100, Cinch is one of the most expensive companies in that regard.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
Appliances Plan | $34.99-$44.99 | $100 - $150 |
Built-In Systems Plan | $39.99-$51.99 | $100 - $150 |
Complete Home Plan | $49.99-$61.99 | $100 - $150 |
Coverage
The Appliances and Built-In Systems plans have both comprehensive coverage with respect to which items they cover. However, if you ever want to cover both appliances and home systems, you have no choice but to get the Complete Home plan. This combo plan includes:
- Washer/dryer
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Range
- Refrigerator
- Air conditioner including ductwork
- Central vacuum
- Electrical
- Heating
- Water heater
- Smoke detector
Cinch’s protection for unknown pre-existing conditions and new appliances discount is a nice touch.
Customer Reviews:
“I put in a claim to Cinch for the ice machine in my indoor refrigerator. I placed the service call and paid with my credit card. The technician fixed the issue right away and gave us some extra service that we didn't have available. The service was fabulous and the ice machine is working perfectly. Everything worked out like I expected it to.” (Source)
6. ServicePlus Home Warranty: Best Emergency Service
With an average temperature of 42.9°F, Vermont is the 7th coldest state in the U.S. When facing cold weather, the last thing you want is a faulty heater. With ServicePlus Home Warranty, you can get swift service with their signature expedited services.
Formerly known as Total Home Protection, ServicePlus Home Warranty separates itself from the pack with its emergency services. However, keep in mind that it’s up to the company whether or not the claim is considered an emergency. Non-emergency claims but you have to pay extra.
On top of that, ServicePlus provides comprehensive coverage across two plans and always-on 24/7 customer service.
Pros | Cons |
24/7 support and claims department | Low payout caps |
90-day parts guarantee | Only available in 45 states |
An extensive network of contractors | |
Expedited services available |
Plans and Pricing
Customers who love simple plan structures will love ServicePlus Home Warranty. They have two plans available: Gold and Platinum. The Gold Plan covers 15 home systems and appliances and the coverage is pretty good for the price. However, if you want to cover popular items like refrigerators, heating systems, and AC units, you’ll have to bump your plan to Platinum.
Plan | Cost Per Month | Service Fee |
Gold | $42 | $75 |
Platinum | $46 | $75 |
Coverage
ServicePlus’ Gold plan covers a good range of both appliances and critical home systems. But as mentioned earlier, the basic plan lacks coverage for popular items like your air conditioner and fridge. To get the most coverage possible under ServicePlus, Platinum is highly recommended as it covers the following:
- Air conditioner
- Heating
- Washer/dryer
- Refrigerator
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Water heater
- Built-in microwave
- Cooktop
- Ductwork
Additional coverages can be added to customize your plan including pool/spa equipment, limited roof leak, central vacuum, septic system, water softener, second refrigerator, and many more.
Customer Reviews:
“The rep was knowledgeable. The prices were good and the amount of things that were covered, at least from what he told me, seemed pretty good too.” (Source)
What You Should Consider Before Buying A Home Warranty in Vermont
Vermont homeowners are encouraged to purchase a home warranty to protect their systems and appliances from an expensive repair or replacement bills. We’ve already trimmed down your options for the best home warranty companies in Vermont.
Now, it’s time for some quick tips about the things you should consider before purchasing a home warranty in Vermont.
Budget
Sign up with a home warranty company that fits your budget. Typically, home warranty providers will charge a flat service fee every time a technician pays a visit.
More often than not, a more expensive monthly premium means a lower service fee and vice versa. Some people like to pay more upfront so they can save on the service fees. Other customers may prefer to pay less for their monthly premiums, and then pay more money for services.
Coverage Needs
Before you contact any home warranty company in Vermont, determine your coverage needs first. List down all of the essential systems and appliances that need coverage. You don’t want to spend money on items that are less likely to break in the upcoming months or years.
Next, go through each of the policies that you may be interested in like a fine-toothed comb. Make sure that everything is covered under the policy. As much as possible, the covered items must be covered under the plan, not as add-ons. Keep a close eye on the included items, exclusions, and payout caps.
Customer Service
When it comes to home warranties, superb customer service is non-negotiable. A faulty plumbing or a malfunctioning refrigerator needs immediate attention. You need a warranty company that can provide quick services, preferably one that has a 24/7 hotline for claims.
Home Warranty Tips for Vermont Residents
First and foremost, a home warranty is NOT your homeowners insurance. Therefore, when malfunctions and breakdowns happen due to natural calamities like hurricanes and earthquakes, a home warranty company can’t do anything for you - that’s a job for your home insurance provider.
Having said that, Vermont is a frequent recipient of extreme cold and thunderstorms. Between 2007 to 2016, Vermont had 18 federally declared disasters. Residents of northeastern Vermont like Bloomfield can dip below zero during colder months.
Such extreme weather can do a number on your home systems and major appliances. A home warranty can reduce the financial burden in case one of your covered items breaks down. For instance, the state’s regular freeze/thaw cycles can take their toll on your home’s plumbing, septic, and roof. Thus, make sure you get coverage for those items.
Meanwhile, the warmest parts of Vermont are Brattleboro to the south and Champlain Valley in the west. Back in May 2021, the city of Burlington, VT was among the warmest places in the United States, reaching a record high of 92 degrees. If you’re living within the warmer parts of Vermont, you should get a company that offers HVAC tune-ups like American Home Shield.
On average, Vermont gets 43 inches of rain per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches, making Vermont one of the rainiest states. Residents who live in the rainiest parts of Vermont like Montpelier in central and Readsboro in the south should consider getting roof leak coverage from companies like Choice and Liberty Home Guard.
Homeowners located in major cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Rutland could certainly use good coverage for critical home systems like plumbing, electrical, and ductwork.
Check out this video further explaining the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty.
Home Warranty Regulations in Vermont
All home warranty companies in Vermont must be registered in the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR). Under the law, service contracts are not defined as insurance and the sellers are not considered insurance agents. Registration means that home warranty companies are responsible for key consumer protections.
Final Thoughts
Maple state Vermont is a beautiful place to live in with its charming towns and cities, and a laid-back culture. However, it’s one of the coldest states and summers can get pretty warm. As a Vermont homeowner, you don’t want to put your creature comforts in jeopardy due to a faulty appliance or system.
Getting a home warranty in Vermont means that you can protect your investment and have peace of mind.
Review Home Warranties Rating Methodology: How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies
At Review Home Warranties, we are committed to providing our readers with comprehensive and unbiased information on each provider that we review. Our methodology is a step-by-step process that ensures we maintain your trust through transparency and data that is backed-up through routine check-ins. When we picked our best home warranty companies, we reviewed and analyzed over 50 different companies. We then narrowed down our findings based on criteria that we find to be the most helpful for a homeowner in choosing a home warranty plan. Here is what our review process looks like:
- We call every home warranty provider, talking to sales agents and company representatives to gather accurate information on:
- Availability
- Pricing
- Coverage
- Fine Print
- Plan Options
- Service Contract Details
- Customer Service
- Trustworthiness
- Ratings and Reviews
- Add-On Options
- Promotions
- Additional Benefits
- We test the customer service, including factors such as wait times, friendliness, and problem-solving ability.
- We analyze the sample contracts and fine print from each brand we review. This allows us to break down the industry jargon, check for hidden stipulations, and see what is and isn’t covered so we can give readers straightforward information.
- We update all of this information on a continuous basis, storing it in a proprietary database that allows us to compare dozens of home warranty companies against each other.
From here we created a comprehensive, 100 point, rating scale based on the following factors:
- Plan options (25): Providers that offer more flexibility in their plans are rated higher.
- Coverage specifics (5): The more items covered in a home warranty plan, the higher the score.
- Pricing (25): We take the monthly fee and service fee into consideration when rating pricing.
- Trustworthiness (25): We comb through hundreds of reviews and check on BBB ratings to determine the trustworthiness of a company.
- State availability (5): Finding coverage in your state can be a challenge if home warranty companies aren’t located there. The more states covered, the higher the score.
- Customer service (10): Is this home warranty company responsive? Do they respond quickly to claims filed? Are they helpful in answering questions? All of these factors are considered when rating customer service.
- Additional benefits (5): Home warranty companies will typically offer special promotions or benefits for signing up for their services. The companies with the most benefit scored higher.
Of the 50 different companies that we’ve reviewed, we've broken down the seven best providers for home warranty coverage. To keep our ratings and data current, we have a full-time researcher who collects (and regularly updates) more than 100 specific data points from each company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, cost, service, and dependability. This list is ever-changing, as companies will update policies and procedures, and we will change our information accordingly.
Resources for Vermont Homeowners and Home Buyers
- Vernon Housing Finance Agency - Established in 1974, the VHFA aims to finance and promote affordable, safe, and decent housing opportunities for low to moderate-income Vermonters.
- USDA Rural Development for Vermont - USDA Rural Development offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help improve the quality of life in Vermont.
- NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont - Offers full affordable housing services like home rehab, loans, grants, and homeowner courses.
- Opportunities Credit Union - Provides local, personalized service to help Vermonters with the process of buying a home in Vermont.