The Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia of 2024
When it comes to protecting their homes, homeowners have several tools at their disposal. From home warranties to home insurance, understanding these tools is an important step in any homeowner’s journey. A home warranty provides coverage on a home’s major systems and appliances, providing financial support in the event that repairs are needed.
But home warranties vary significantly among providers, which can make it challenging for even the most experienced of homeowners to feel confident about choosing a policy. Whether they’re searching for home warranty companies in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Richmond, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about the best home warranty companies in Virginia using this guide.
- BEST OVERALL: AFC Home Club
- RUNNER-UP: Cinch Home Services
- BEST ADD-ON COVERAGE: Liberty Home Guard
- BEST COVERAGE LIMITS: American Home Shield
- ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia
Every home warranty company is unique, and while this means homeowners have a wide range of options to choose from, it also means that the task of finding the best home warranty can seem daunting. Because each provider will be distinct in its costs, coverage, and customer experience, the following factors will be important for homeowners to keep in mind when comparing home warranty companies.
Policies and Plans
To find the best home warranty to fit their needs, homeowners will need to identify home warranty companies offering coverage on the specific systems and appliances they need to protect. Because each company’s home warranty coverage (including standard coverage inclusions and service add-on options) is unique, this process will require homeowners to do some research.
The policies and plans offered by each provider will impact the scope of coverage available to customers, so prospective policyholders will want to pay close attention to which items are covered under each company’s standard coverage, which items can be covered by purchasing service add-ons, and which policy tiers or plans can provide them with the services they need at the best value.
Maximum Coverage Limit
In addition to understanding the types of coverage provided by each home warranty company, homeowners will also need to take the time to understand the extent of that coverage. Most home warranties come with a maximum coverage limit, also called a coverage cap, which refers to the maximum amount the home warranty company is willing to pay for repairs on covered items.
Depending on the company, coverage limits may be applied per item or per term. Some companies may even offer different limits on different items. Because of these inconsistencies, it’s important for homeowners to examine applicable coverage limits when comparing plans and providers.
Average Monthly Rate
Cost considerations are a crucial element in any financial investment. With a home warranty, cost factors can be divided into two main categories: monthly rates and service fees. The monthly rate on a home warranty is the amount the homeowner agrees to pay for their coverage, so exploring each provider’s average monthly rates can help prospective customers approximate the up-front costs of a home warranty.
However, average monthly rates are just that: an average. This means that homeowners could end up paying more or less than the rates they see advertised depending on a few factors. The home’s age, condition, and location will all play a role in determining monthly rates, so home warranty companies in northern Virginia may have different costs than those in southern Virginia, and so on. The specific coverage selections made by the homeowner will also impact the total cost of the policy. For this reason, prospective customers will want to obtain quotes to get a better idea of what a home warranty will cost them.
Discounts
Homeowners will want to note that although obtaining and comparing quotes is the best way to estimate what a home warranty might cost, there is one other factor that can impact the overall cost of their policy: any applicable discount opportunities.
Discounts are common in the home warranty market, with some providers offering promotional deals to attract new customers and others handing out discounts as rewards for homeowners who pay up front for their policies. These discounts can mean significant savings, so prospective customers will want to make note of them alongside other cost factors when selecting a home warranty provider.
Service Fee
Service fees make up the other half of the cost equation. If monthly rates represent the cost customers pay for their home warranty coverage, service fees represent the cost they pay to use that coverage. Homeowners pay service fees when they schedule repairs on their covered systems and appliances.
Much like many of the other factors on this list, service fees vary dramatically among home warranty providers, with some companies offering a flat service fee and others allowing homeowners to choose from a list of service fee options. Either way, homeowners will want to be aware of their service fee to avoid surprise costs when urgent repairs are needed.
Waiting Period
It’s common for home warranties to begin with a waiting period: a brief time between when the policy begins and when the policyholder can first submit a repair request. Waiting periods typically last around 30 days, but homeowners looking to avoid gaps in their home warranty coverage may be able to skip the waiting period entirely by choosing the right provider.
This is because some home warranty companies are willing to waive the waiting period under certain circumstances. But once again, each company’s waiting period, and the potential paths for avoiding it, may be different. While some companies may waive the waiting period for new customers switching from another provider, others may waive it for customers who agree to a home inspection. To navigate or avoid their waiting period with ease, homeowners will want to understand these options.
Claims Process
Coverage and cost are important factors for homeowners to consider when choosing a home warranty, but there’s another element worth considering as well: the customer experience provided by each company. Online reviews of home warranty companies can shed some light on the customer experience, but without knowing what to look for, homeowners can find themselves wishing they had done more research.
To avoid unsavory surprises down the road, homeowners will want to pay close attention to the claims process when evaluating potential providers. After all, understanding the claims process, including how claims are submitted, how long they take to process, and how repairmen are selected, can make it faster and easier for homeowners to navigate the process when the time comes for repairs.
Workmanship Guarantee
Last but not least, homeowners will also want to take heed of each home warranty company’s workmanship guarantee. The workmanship guarantee protects the homeowner in the event that initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue—allowing them to schedule additional repairs at no extra cost.
However, the length of the workmanship guarantee can vary from as little as 30 days to up to several years depending on the company and the plan, so homeowners will want to make note of this detail to avoid paying extra service fees.
Our Top Picks
To find the best home warranty companies in Virginia, we considered each provider’s base coverage and add-on service options alongside cost factors such as average monthly rates, service fees, and potential discount opportunities. This helped us discover which companies provide the best value for their services.
Photo: afchomeclub.com
Why It Made the Cut: Homeowners with policies through AFC Home Club will benefit from locked-in monthly rates, a lengthy workmanship guarantee, and some unique membership perks.
AFC Home Club’s Virginia rates may vary depending on the age, condition, and location of the home, but what won’t vary is the fact that each customer’s starting rates will be locked in for a period of 5 years. This means that even if the company’s prices increase, AFC customers will be grandfathered in at their original rate, saving them money on their home warranty over time. New customers with a valid home inspection report can also avoid gaps in their home warranty coverage by going with AFC, as the company vows to waive its standard 30-day waiting period when this criteria is met.
AFC Home Club also gives its customers the flexible option to choose their own licensed technician for repairs. Homeowners who have a trusted repairman in the area may prefer this option over choosing a contractor from within the company’s network. But whether they have a contractor in mind or they ask the company to provide one, homeowners with policies through AFC will be able to rest easy knowing their repair work is covered for the entire length of their plan thanks to AFC’s lengthy workmanship guarantee. And with plans ranging from 1 to 3 years, even customers choosing the shortest term available will receive a workmanship guarantee that rivals or exceeds what they will likely find with other providers. This comes alongside a plethora of other membership benefits, including unique perks such as free credit monitoring services and identity theft alerts.
Potential policyholders will want to note that AFC will require them to submit an annual maintenance record from a licensed technician before approving any repairs on their HVAC system. This demand may create extra work for customers or potentially result in claims being denied if homeowners are unable to present the necessary documentation. However, consistent maintenance on home systems can often prevent more costly issues from arising down the road, so this requirement may encourage good homeowner habits.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $43
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years
Pros
- Customer-selected technician option
- Extremely long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
- 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
- Waiting period waived with home inspection
- Free credit monitoring and identity protection services
Cons
- Annual HVAC maintenance required
Photo: cinchhomeservices.com
Why It Made the Cut: Affordable monthly rates, a quick claims-response time, and included coverage for certain unknown pre-existing conditions are just a few of the perks homeowners will find with Cinch Home Services.
Cinch Home Services offers relatively low, competitive rates on its home warranty policies with an average monthly rate of $41. Although the exact rates homeowners encounter will depend on several factors, including the size of the house, the coverage terms selected, and any applicable discounts, these average rates imply that Virginia residents may be able to get a good deal on a home warranty with Cinch.
The company also bakes some extra coverage into each of its policies. Specifically, Cinch’s standard coverage includes protection on certain unknown pre-existing conditions—as long as those conditions cannot be detected via visual inspection or a simple mechanical test. This type of coverage is uncommon and may provide homeowners with more opportunities to take advantage of their home warranty, increasing the overall value of the policy. The company also offers protection on damage due to rust, corrosion, or sediment, which is often only available in the form of a service add-on, at an additional cost, with other providers. Therefore, homeowners seeking this type of coverage may be happy to learn they can get it with Cinch at no extra cost.
When repairs are needed and service requests submitted, homeowners with protection through Cinch Home Services will benefit from the company’s quick claims-response time. Cinch aims to connect its customers with a qualified contractor within 2 hours of receiving their claim, assuming it was submitted during normal business hours. However, it’s important to note that this speed may come at a cost, as the company’s service fees range from $100 to $150, which is fairly high for this type of coverage. Still, some homeowners may be comfortable paying a higher service fee if it means choosing a provider who won’t keep them waiting when urgent repairs are needed.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $41
- Service fee: $100 to $150
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 180 days
Pros
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
- Relatively low $41 average monthly rate
- Quick response within 2 hours of service request possible
Cons
- Relatively high $100 to $150 service fee
Photo: libertyhomeguard.com
Why It Made the Cut: With flexible payment plans and a wide range of coverage options, Liberty Home Guard has everything homeowners need to build a policy that fits their needs.
Homeowners seeking a range of coverage options they can use to mold their home warranty policy may find their ideal match with Liberty Home Guard, with the company offering a portfolio of more than 40 service add-ons. The most popular add-on options among Virginia residents include sump pump, well pump, septic system, in-fridge ice maker, and limited roof-leak coverage. With so many options to consider, Liberty customers can more easily expand the scope of their coverage to fit their needs. Liberty policies come with a maximum coverage limit of $2,000, which may appear low at first glance. However, it’s important to note that this coverage cap is applied per item, not per term, meaning homeowners won’t need to worry about cumulative repair costs exceeding this limit.
Liberty Home Guard offers its customers multiple payment options, from affordable monthly installments to the option to pay for 5 years of coverage up front. Homeowners interested in multiyear policies who cannot afford to pay in full can instead take advantage of the company’s interest-free payment plans. Having these different options can make it easier for homeowners to fit a home warranty into their budget. Those who choose to pay up front for a full year’s worth of coverage will be rewarded with 2 extra months of coverage free of charge. In essence, these homeowners will receive 14 months of coverage for the price of 12, giving them more bang for their buck. In addition to choosing their payment schedule, Liberty customers have the opportunity to choose from a handful of service fee options, including options as low as $60, which is relatively low for a home warranty. Customers who take advantage of this lower service fee may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses when scheduling repairs.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $2,000
- Average monthly rate: $55
- Service fee: $60 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Wide variety of service add-ons
- Flexible payment plans
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Low $60 minimum service fee
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item
Photo: ahs.com
Why It Made the Cut: American Home Shield’s most unique features include high coverage limits and standard coverage that extends well beyond a typical policy.
American Home Shield’s average quotes indicate that for some Virginia homeowners, rates may be somewhat high. However, this will not always be the case, with exact costs depending on the coverage terms selected and any applicable discounts. Still, those homeowners who do encounter higher rates with AHS may be willing to pay them when they learn about everything that is included with their policy.
Warranties through American Home Shield include coverage for rust, corrosion, and sediment damage, which isn’t often the case with a home warranty. The company also covers unknown pre-existing conditions on home systems and appliances—underlying issues that are not detectable through a visual inspection. These unique coverage offerings add more value to an AHS policy—and because they are included within the company’s standard coverage, homeowners can take advantage of them at no extra cost. Across all of its plans, American Home Shield also sets a relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs, which could come in handy if customers find themselves in need of expensive repairs on this crucial home system.
Customers considering AHS will want to be aware that the company’s workmanship guarantee only lasts 30 days, which is a relatively short period of time. This smaller window gives customers less time to flag any issues with covered repairs, which may result in having to pay an additional service fee. Still, American Home Shield may be a good option for homeowners who prioritize high coverage limits over a lengthy workmanship guarantee.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $5,000
- Average monthly rate: $83
- Service fee: $100 or $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
Cons
- Relatively high $83 average monthly rate
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Photo: selecthomewarranty.com
Why It Made the Cut: With promotional deals and discount rewards, Select Home Warranty could be a good option for Virginia homeowners seeking an affordable home warranty.
Every Select Home Warranty policy comes with some limited roof-leak coverage as a part of its standard terms. This type of coverage is typically only available as an add-on service at an extra cost, so getting it for free could be appealing to Virginia homeowners who are interested in having roof-leak protection. For customers who pay up front for their annual coverage, the company provides 2 extra months of coverage at no extra cost. This incentive encourages homeowners to pay in full rather than in monthly installments, extending the length of their home warranty without increasing their out-of-pocket costs. But for those who cannot afford to pay up front, other incentives may be available to help them save on their policy. Select frequently runs promotional deals, providing potential customers with generous discounts that can significantly lower the cost of their coverage. Although the exact terms of these promotions may vary, new customers can typically find them on the company’s website.
Select customers can choose to submit a repair request via email or through their online account. However, the company does not accept claims over the phone, which may be inconvenient for homeowners who prefer to speak to a representative to explain the issue they are experiencing. Still, some homeowners may be more than comfortable with this digital approach to claims, especially if it helps them avoid sitting on hold. Once the claim has been submitted, homeowners may need to wait for up to 4 days before a response. However, it’s important to recognize that this 4-day expectation is in reference to claims submitted over the weekend or on holidays, so repair requests received during normal business hours will likely be processed much faster.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Claims process: Online, email
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Free limited roof coverage with every policy
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Frequent promotional discounts
Cons
- No phone option for submitting claims
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to AFC Home Club because of its lengthy workmanship guarantee, locked-in monthly rates, and option for homeowners to choose their own contractor, among other factors. The Runner-Up award goes to Cinch Home Services because of its low average rates; quick claims-response time; and standard coverage for rust, corrosion, sediment, and other unknown pre-existing conditions.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia
To build this list of home warranty companies worth considering in Virginia, we considered each company’s coverage options, including base coverage inclusions and service add-ons that customers can use to expand the scope of their policy. Coverage limits were also a factor, as they can strongly impact the amount of repair work homeowners can schedule without increasing their out-of-pocket costs, so we paid close attention to any applicable coverage caps.
Cost considerations were also important, so we weighed each provider’s average monthly rates as well as any factors that might influence the total cost of a home warranty, including service fees and discount opportunities. To round out the search, elements that may impact customer experience, from the claims process to the workmanship guarantee, were also examined.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia
Many homeowners wonder, is a home warranty worth it? And considering the fact that home warranties present an additional monthly cost, this is an understandable question all homeowners will need to answer for themselves. There are several reasons a homeowner might consider investing in a home warranty. Many homeowners are drawn to the protection this type of coverage provides on the systems that keep their homes running. For homeowners looking to protect an aging appliance, home warranty companies may be equally appealing.
But before choosing a home warranty plan, prospective policyholders will need to consider their home and their situation to determine their home warranty needs. For example, the best home warranties for sellers who are about to transfer ownership of their property may be very different from the best home warranties for first-time home buyers. Homeowners will want to consider these factors alongside more straightforward elements, like their home’s overall age and condition, to identify the best home warranty for their needs.
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia
Home warranty costs can be broken down into two categories: average rates and service fees. A company’s rates will vary among homeowners depending on a home’s age, condition, and location, as well as the specific coverage options selected by the homeowner. Some companies may offer service fees at a flat rate across all policies, while others give customers a list of service fees to choose from. However, when homeowners are presented with multiple service fee options, it’s important to understand how these fees impact monthly rates. In general, choosing to pay a lower service fee will mean paying higher monthly rates, and vice versa.
Nationally, the typical cost of a home warranty is between $264 and $1,425 per year, with an average cost of $600. However, because the exact cost of a homeowner’s policy will depend on all the factors listed above, prospective policyholders will want to take the time to obtain quotes from multiple providers before committing to a plan.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Virginia
In their day-to-day lives, homeowners rely on many home systems and appliances to keep things running smoothly. When these systems and appliances break down, it can quickly disrupt their daily flow, so it’s understandable that homeowners want to resolve these issues as quickly and affordably as possible. That’s why for many homeowners, the true appeal of a home warranty lies in the peace of mind this type of coverage can provide. But the truth is that the best home warranties come with several advantages, including:
- Cheaper home repairs due to financial backing from the home warranty company;
- Easier financial planning due to predictable monthly rates and service fees, as opposed to paying emergency repair costs out of pocket; and
- Easier access to trusted, reliable service professionals to schedule repairs through the company’s preferred network.
FAQs
With so many factors to consider, it can be easy for homeowners to become overwhelmed during their home warranty search. To minimize stress and eliminate uncertainty, homeowners in Virginia can familiarize themselves with the answers to the following questions.
Q. What’s covered under a home warranty in Virginia?
Typically, home warranties in Virginia cover a home’s major systems, like the heating, plumbing, and electrical, as well as major appliances.
Q. Is a home warranty required in Virginia?
Home warranties are not legally required in Virginia, though homeowners in this state may still be drawn to the peace of mind this type of coverage can provide.
Q. How much does a home warranty cost in Virginia?
Based on average rates from the best home warranty companies, monthly home warranty costs average around $57 in Virginia, although rates may be higher or lower through other providers.
Q. How does a home warranty work in Virginia?
Virginia homeowners who opt for a home warranty will be able to submit repair requests on their covered home systems and appliances following a short waiting period.
Q. Are home warranties worth it for Virginia homeowners?
Because every situation is unique, the question of whether a home warranty is worth it will depend on the age and condition of the home as well as the homeowner’s personal preference. Some homeowners may decide they do need a home warranty to avoid excessive repair costs, while others may have enough emergency savings to be able to cover these costs and skip the additional expense of a home warranty.
Q. Which home warranty company has the longest warranty term?
Among the companies listed here, Liberty Home Guard offers the longest policy term at 5 years, although companies not included in this roundup could offer even longer terms.
Q. What should I look for when purchasing a home warranty?
To find the best home warranty for their needs, homeowners will want to consider average monthly rates, service fees, and coverage options, among other factors.
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