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A home warranty can serve as an added layer of security for homeowners in the event a major home system or appliance needs repairs or even replacement. With a home warranty, homeowners can rest easy knowing they will only be on the hook to pay a predetermined service fee for these repairs thanks to the coverage provided by their home warranty company.
But much like the needs of every home are different, every home warranty is also different, with providers offering varying levels of coverage across several price points. Because of this, choosing a home warranty can prove difficult for homeowners who are less familiar with this type of coverage. This guide covers everything homeowners in Pennsylvania need to know about the best home warranty companies in Pennsylvania.
- BEST OVERALL: AFC Home Club
- RUNNER-UP: Liberty Home Guard
- BEST COVERAGE LIMITS: American Home Shield
- BEST DISCOUNTS: Select Home Warranty
- ALSO CONSIDER: Choice Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
When a homeowner chooses to invest in a home warranty plan, they want to feel confident that the plan’s coverage is worth the cost they’re paying. So when comparing home warranty companies, Pennsylvania residents will need to consider several factors to find the company and plan that best aligns with their needs.
Policies and Plans
Comparing home warranty providers will mean comparing their individual policies and plans. Each company is different, with different definitions of what constitutes standard coverage, different offerings for add-on coverage, different tiers of home warranty plans, and so on.
When reviewing the various plans and policies offered by each company, homeowners will need to have already identified the specific systems and appliances that need coverage in their home. Understanding these priorities ahead of time will not only help the homeowner choose the right provider and plan for their needs, but it will also be helpful in determining how much they are willing to pay for their home warranty coverage.
Average Monthly Rate
One of the most common questions about home warranties is whether they are worth the cost. Home warranty costs can be broken down into two categories: rates and service fees. The average monthly rate for a home warranty is the amount of money the homeowner can expect to pay each month in return for coverage on their home’s covered systems and appliances.
Home warranty rates can vary widely among providers, so while comparing the types of coverage offered by an appliance warranty company, it’s important for homeowners to also consider the cost associated with that coverage. If a policy costs more money but offers more expansive coverage, the higher cost may be worth it for some homeowners.
Discounts
Just as the plans and policies vary among home warranty companies, so do the potential discount opportunities. Many companies offer limited-time and ongoing discount promotions to provide more ways for homeowners to save on their coverage. For example, although monthly home warranty payments are common, some companies offer significant discounts to customers who choose to pay for annual or multiyear coverage up front.
These types of discounts can mean significant savings for customers who have the funds to make a single, one-time payment—and because discounts can dramatically reduce the overall cost of coverage, prospective policyholders will want to consider them alongside other factors when choosing a home warranty company.
Service Fee
The service fee is the out-of-pocket cost paid when a homeowner schedules a repair on a covered home system or appliance. Much like monthly rates, service fees vary among providers, so potential customers will want to compare service rate offerings before selecting a provider.
When considering service fees, it’s important for a homeowner to understand their relationship with monthly rates. Some companies will offer several service fee options: higher service fees usually come with lower monthly rates, and lower service fees come with higher monthly rates. Simply put, customers will need to decide if they prefer to pay less up front and more at the time of service, or pay a higher monthly rate in exchange for a more affordable service fee.
Waiting Period
Most home warranty policies begin with a waiting period, which is the chunk of time between when the policy begins and when the homeowner can first submit a claim. The length of the waiting period may differ among companies, so homeowners will want to note this factor when weighing their options.
On average, waiting periods tend to last around 30 days; however, some companies will waive the waiting period altogether in certain cases, such as if a new customer switches from a different provider. Homeowners with existing policies will want to take the time to understand these offerings as it may help them avoid gaps in their home warranty coverage.
Claims Process
The methods for submitting claims, the time it takes to process claims, and the ease with which home repairs are scheduled all depend on the home warranty company. Understanding the claims process is a crucial step in choosing a home warranty provider, especially because homeowners will want to avoid any surprises when the time comes to submit a repair request.
Most home warranty companies accept claims online or over the phone, though the time between when the claim is submitted and when the repairs are completed can vary dramatically depending on the company. Some companies will process claims and schedule repairs in as little as a few hours, while others may take several days to start the process, so it’s important for homeowners to consider this aspect of the policy. Home warranty company reviews for Pennsylvania can shed additional light on the claims process.
Workmanship Guarantee
When a homeowner schedules a repair on a covered home system or appliance, they are required to pay a service fee. In a perfect scenario, the service professional would complete repairs and that would be the end of it, but in reality, sometimes the first round of repairs does not fully resolve the root of the issue. In this case, homeowners could potentially face a second service fee for additional repairs—unless they are protected by a workmanship guarantee.
Within the workmanship guarantee time frame, homeowners won’t need to worry about paying a second service fee if the initial repairs failed to resolve their issue. However, the length of the workmanship guarantee may be as little as 30 days or up to several years depending on the company, so homeowners who want to avoid paying numerous fees will want to pay attention to the workmanship guarantee offered by each provider they are considering.
Our Top Picks
To identify the best home warranty companies in Pennsylvania, we looked for providers that offer affordable rates, potential discount opportunities, and multiple plans and service add-ons homeowners can utilize to customize the scope of their coverage.
Best Overall
AFC Home Club
- Average monthly rate: $41
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Waiting period: 30 days
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 1 to 3 years (depending on plan)
Pros
- Relatively low $41 average monthly rate
- Customer-selected technician option
- Long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
- 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
- Waiting period waived with home inspection
Cons
- Annual HVAC maintenance required
Why It Made the Cut: Waived waiting periods, lengthy workmanship guarantees, and affordable rates locked in for 5 years are just a few of the benefits awaiting AFC Home Club home warranty customers. With an average rate of $41, AFC Home Club offers is one of the more affordable options for Pennsylvania homeowners to consider. As a bonus, new customers can expect their rates to be locked in for a period of 5 years. That means if the company’s rates increase during this time, customers renewing their policy will be able to keep their original lower rate, which can help save money on their coverage over time. New customers who agree to schedule a home inspection for their covered systems and appliances can also avoid the standard 30-day waiting period—meaning there will be no gaps in coverage before their policy kicks in. Customers considering multiyear policies through AFC Home Club will want to note that annual HVAC maintenance will be required, which may be an unexpected out-of-pocket expense for some. However, because this type of maintenance can be crucial in preventing bigger issues down the road, this requirement may actually save homeowners money in the long run. Warranties from AFC Home Club come with the option for customers to select their own technician when the time comes for repairs. This is a relatively unique offering that may appeal to homeowners who have a preferred contractor in the area, especially if they have used them in the past. For customers without preferred contractors, AFC Home Club has a network of qualified technicians to choose from. Additionally, homeowners with home warranties through this provider won’t need to worry about having to pay a second service fee if they need follow-up work, as AFC offers a lengthy workmanship warranty of 1 to 3 years.
Runner-Up
Liberty Home Guard
- Average monthly rate: $55
- Service fee: $60 to $125
- Waiting period: 30 days
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Wide variety of service add-ons
- Low $60 service fee option
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Flexible payment options
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item
Why It Made the Cut: Alongside discount opportunities and flexible payment options, Liberty Home Guard’s long list of service add-ons may be appealing to residents of the Keystone State. Liberty Home Guard offers an impressive 42 add-on options for customers to purchase to expand their home warranty coverage. Among Pennsylvanian customers, the sump pump, well pump, septic system pumping, stand-alone freezer, and limited roof-leak coverage options may be particularly popular. These types of service add-ons allow homeowners to build out their home warranty so it can help pay for more types of repairs and services, which ultimately provides more overall value. This value is even greater when the potential discount opportunities are factored in. Potential policyholders will want to note that the maximum coverage limit on a Liberty Home Guard policy is $2,000, which at a glance could be considered low compared with coverage provided by other providers. However, this coverage limit is applied per covered item per year, not in full, meaning customers won’t need to worry about having multiple claims that exceed $2,000 in total as long as they’re aware that coverage for individual items will be capped at $2,000. Liberty policyholders who opt to make a full annual payment as opposed to paying monthly will receive a significant discount on their policy, which is equal to receiving 2 months of the 12-month plan for free. This can dramatically reduce the overall cost of coverage. But if paying for a full year up front isn’t in the cards, homeowners can still get the coverage they need with Liberty’s flexible payment options. Liberty customers can choose month-to-month payment plans or purchase multiyear plans that span 1 to 5 years. Customers who choose not to pay up front for multiyear coverage may also be eligible for interest-free payment plans. These flexible payment options can help a wider range of homeowners fit a home warranty into their budgets. And when the time comes to use the home warranty coverage, the company offers its customers multiple service fee options, including fees as low as $60, making Liberty Home Guard one of the more affordable home warranty companies servicing Pennsylvania.
Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield
- Average monthly rate: $64
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Waiting period: 30 days
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Unlimited home system repair work
- Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups
- Additional on-demand home services available via AHS ProConnect
Cons
- Relatively high $64 average monthly rate
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Why It Made the Cut: American Home Shield offers unlimited repairs on covered home systems, free or discounted HVAC tune-ups, and additional home services on demand through its unique ProConnect platform. Unlike most home warranty companies, American Home Shield does not set a limit on the cost of covered home system repairs. This means a customer’s request for repairs on a covered system (such as HVAC) won’t be denied service solely based on the expected cost of the repair. This could make it easier for homeowners to budget for repairs, knowing they will only ever have to pay the service fee and won’t need to pay out of pocket for repairs if they exceed a repair cost limit. However, customers will want to note that they could end up paying multiple service fees in some situations because of the company’s relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee. AHS’s average monthly rate is around $64, which may be a little higher than average in the Pennsylvania market. However, the specific cost of coverage will depend on the coverage terms and extra add-ons selected, so depending on the scope of coverage, more affordable rates may be available. Plus, the company offers its customers other perks that increase the overall value of the home warranty. American Home Shield offers free or discounted HVAC tune-ups to customers with certain home warranty plans. Customers purchasing the highest-level plan will receive a free HVAC tune-up each year, while customers with other plans can schedule tune-ups at a discounted rate. In either case, this offer can help homeowners keep their HVAC systems running well and prevent costly and disruptive problems from occurring down the road, making AHS one of the best home warranties for HVAC coverage. Customers choosing this provider can also take advantage of its ProConnect platform, which connects homeowners to a network of home service providers in their area. These types of services, which might include carpet cleaning, aren’t covered by a home warranty, but the ProConnect platform can make it easier for homeowners to find providers and schedule services around their home.
Best Discounts
Select Home Warranty
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Waiting period: 30 days
- 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
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
- Somewhat high $75 plan cancellation fee
Why It Made the Cut: Added coverage and frequent discount opportunities, including 2 months of free coverage for customers making an annual payment, add even more value to home warranties through Select Home Warranty. With each home warranty plan, Select Home Warranty’s standard coverage includes some limited roof-leak coverage. This is typically only available as an extra add-on at an additional cost with other home warranty companies, so although the coverage is limited to certain repairs for roof leaks, it still adds extra value to the warranty and could be a money saver for homeowners in need of such coverage. Customers considering Select Home Warranty will need to be sure they’ve chosen the right plan and provider for their needs before committing to coverage—otherwise they may end up paying the company’s $75 cancellation fee if they cancel their policy more than 30 days after it takes effect. Prospective policyholders will also want to note that any claims submitted over the weekend or on a holiday may not get a response for up to 4 days, which is a lengthy time frame if time-sensitive home repairs are needed. However, Select looks out for its customers in different ways. Select Home Warranty customers who pay up front for annual coverage will receive a discount equivalent to 2 months of free coverage, which can greatly reduce the overall cost of their home warranty. Select also routinely runs promotional offers for new customers that provide other ways to shave a significant amount from the total cost of the warranty and make it more affordable for homeowners.
Also Consider
Choice Home Warranty
- Average monthly rate: $51
- Service fee: $85
- Waiting period: 30 days
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor, 90 days parts
Pros
- Quick claim response within 4 hours of service request
- Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty
Cons
- Limited policy options
- No service fee flexibility
Why It Made the Cut: Choice Home Warranty stands out because of its offer to waive the waiting period for new customers and promise to quickly respond to service claims. New customers switching from a different home warranty provider will be able to avoid gaps in coverage with Choice Home Warranty because the company offers to waive its standard 30-day waiting period. The company only offers two types of policies and a handful of somewhat limited service add-ons, so customizing coverage may prove difficult. However, homeowners seeking standard coverage may prefer this approach over companies that offer a complicated combination of several plans, services, and add-ons. Choice Home Warranty sets a standard $85 service fee on all policies. Therefore, homeowners may be disappointed by Choice’s lack of service fee options, particularly if they prefer to have the flexibility to choose a higher service fee in exchange for a lower monthly or annual rate—or select a lower service fee to save on out-of-pocket expenses when submitting a claim. However, customers seeking quick and easy claims processes will be pleased to learn that Choice Home Warranty promises to begin contacting technicians within 4 hours of receiving a claim to schedule the necessary repairs. This is a relatively fast turnaround time for home warranty claims that may appeal to homeowners who want to have their repair work completed as soon as possible—and the timeliness may be worth the higher service fee for some homeowners.
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to AFC Home Club because of its relatively low monthly rates, long workmanship guarantee, and the flexibility for policyholders to select their own technician for repairs. The Runner-Up award goes to Liberty Home Guard because of its wide range of add-on coverage options, low service fees, and various payment options for customers in different financial situations.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
To determine the top home warranty companies in Pennsylvania, we considered each provider’s coverage options, including the different plans and service add-ons that can be purchased to customize the scope of coverage. In doing this, we paid particular attention to coverage options that directly relate to the needs of Pennsylvania residents, such as sump pump and well pump coverage.
Cost considerations were another important factor, so we compared price points across home warranty companies, from the average monthly rate to the service fee options and any discount offerings that could potentially lower the overall cost of service. We also considered the claims process of each company, including average response times, how contractors are selected and scheduled, and the length of the workmanship guarantee on covered repairs.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
Many homeowners wonder, “Is a home warranty worth it?” The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In order to select the best home warranty plan and provider for their needs, homeowners will first need to consider which systems and appliances they want to have covered.
While taking inventory of their home’s age, condition, and assets like the home systems and appliances, homeowners will want to consider whether they are capable and willing to DIY or pay a professional for repairs as they’re needed. If not, there is likely a case for having a home warranty. This process can help homeowners decide if a home warranty is needed for additional protection.
Once the question of whether they need a home warranty is answered, homeowners choosing to pursue this type of coverage will need to take the time to compare coverage options, average rates, and service fees among providers to choose a policy that fits both their budget and their coverage needs.
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
The overall cost of a home warranty can be broken down into two factors: the average rate paid to obtain the coverage and the service fee paid to use the coverage. Home warranty companies offering lower average rates often charge heftier service fees and vice versa, so to get a true understanding of what a home warranty policy will cost them, homeowners will need to make multiple cost considerations.
Annually, the national average cost of a home warranty policy is between $300 and $600. However, several factors can impact this cost, including the home’s age and location as well as any service add-ons chosen by the policyholder. Because of this, prospective customers will want to obtain quotes specific to their coverage needs when comparing home warranties among providers.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
A home warranty can provide an added layer of protection for homeowners in the event a crucial home system or appliance breaks down. This metaphorical safety net is the obvious appeal of having a home warranty, but homeowners who opt for one will also reap several other benefits. Those who are still on the fence about whether they should dish out the cash for a home warranty will want to remember that this type of coverage comes with a few distinct advantages, including:
- Peace of mind that the home’s systems and appliances are covered in the event they break down;
- Simpler financial planning with predictable monthly rates and service fees as opposed to unknown out-of-pocket repair costs; and
- Easier access to service professionals to quickly schedule urgent home repairs.
FAQs
So what is the best home warranty company? The answer to this question will depend on the individual homeowner and the coverage they need—but the following frequently asked questions may help in the selection process.
Q. When can I purchase a home warranty?
A home warranty can be purchased at any time, although most commonly, homeowners consider this type of coverage during the sale or purchase of a home.
Q. When can I start using my home warranty?
Most home warranties begin with a 30-day waiting period before customers can submit claims, but some companies will waive the waiting period for customers switching from another home warranty provider.
Q. Do I need a home warranty when my home systems and appliances are new?
Although having a home warranty might be less urgent in newly built or updated homes, modern systems and appliances can be expensive to fix when they have issues, so this type of coverage can still be incredibly helpful.
Q. Is a home warranty worth it in Pennsylvania?
Whether a home warranty is worth the cost depends on the individual homeowner as well as the age and condition of their home systems and appliances, among other factors.
Q. What does a home warranty cover in Pennsylvania?
Home warranty coverage varies among providers, though many offer optional service add-ons that homeowners can purchase to customize their coverage to fit their needs.
Q. Which home warranty company has the lowest service fee?
Among those on our list, Liberty Home Guard offers the lowest service fee, though homeowners will want to note that selecting a lower service fee option typically means paying a higher monthly or annual rate.