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Home warranties can provide invaluable peace of mind to first-time home buyers and experienced homeowners alike. In the event that a covered home system or appliance experiences issues and needs repairs, a home warranty can protect the homeowner from surprise out-of-pocket costs, covering repairs up to a predetermined limit. Homeowners in Louisiana, where flooding and humidity can easily impact home systems, may feel particularly drawn to this type of protection.
But from identifying home warranty scams to comparing company quotes, it can be difficult for even the most knowledgeable homeowners to understand which home warranty options are right for them. To help, this guide covers everything homeowners need to know to find the best home warranty in Louisiana.
- 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 Louisiana
When searching for home warranty companies, Louisiana residents will likely have a long list of factors to consider, including the cost and coverage options provided by each company. But every homeowner is unique, and where some may be looking for the cheapest coverage available, others may be willing to pay extra to secure the specific coverage they need. This means there is no one-size-fits-all solution for home warranties, so homeowners will need to weigh each of the following factors to choose the plan and provider that best aligns with their needs.
Policies and Plans
Once homeowners understand whether they need a home warranty, it’s time for them to begin comparing providers. This will require homeowners to look at the individual policies and plans offered by each company on their prospect list, as each will be unique in what it offers, including standard coverage, extra add-ons, and other miscellaneous perks.
When reviewing each of these offerings, homeowners will want to have an idea of the types of coverage they need, which can help guide them through their search. For example, if a homeowner knows they need coverage for a saltwater pool but few companies offer it, that will significantly shorten the list of companies worth considering.
Coverage Limit
It’s typical for companies to set a limit on their home warranty coverage. This limit represents the maximum total amount the company is willing to pay on home system and appliance repairs during each policy term.
This is an important factor to consider as it could potentially impact the costs the homeowner is required to pay when repairs are needed. If a company has a low coverage limit, there’s a greater chance that homeowners will need to pay out of pocket to cover expensive repair costs. Then again, some companies may offer lower coverage limits alongside lower monthly rates, which could be a good option for homeowners looking for basic coverage at an affordable price. Either way, these coverage limits vary significantly among providers, so homeowners will want to make note of them.
Average Monthly Rate
Homeownership is expensive, so with home warranties representing just one expense alongside many others within the household budget, it’s understandable that affordability becomes a major priority for most homeowners. To understand the costs associated with a home warranty plan, homeowners will need to make note of two major factors: the premium and the service fee.
A premium is the amount of money the homeowner pays up front in exchange for home warranty coverage. Depending on the company, the homeowner may be able to pay monthly or annually. But like many of the other factors on this list, average premium rates vary widely among home warranty providers, so homeowners will want to consider how these costs would potentially factor into their budget.
Discounts
Although average rates and service fees can provide a rough estimate of what a home warranty might cost, discounts have the potential to significantly impact the total cost of the policy. It’s common for home warranty companies to provide discount opportunities, but the specific discounts offered, and their applicable terms, will differ among providers.
While some companies may provide a loyalty discount for returning customers, others may be willing to lower the cost of coverage for new customers switching from another provider. Home warranty companies are also known for providing discounted coverage to homeowners who choose to pay for an annual or multiyear policy up front. Because these offers have the potential to make home warranties more affordable, homeowners will want to keep their eyes open for any discount opportunities that may be available to them.
Service Fee
Average rates represent the price homeowners pay for their home warranty coverage, but what about the price they pay to use that coverage? When a claim is submitted and repairs are scheduled, homeowners will be required to pay a service fee to the home warranty company. Much like premiums, these fees vary greatly among providers, with some companies even allowing customers to choose from a list of service fee options.
Although choosing a company with a low service fee option may seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to understand how these fees impact monthly rates and vice versa. In general, choosing to pay less at the time of service will require homeowners to pay more up front in the form of their monthly or annual premium. Alternatively, choosing a lower premium will often mean paying a heftier service fee. This ultimately means that homeowners will need to decide where they want to spend their money based on their comfort level. For instance, homeowners with little to no emergency fund may be less comfortable with the idea of sudden, expensive service fees—and may be willing to pay a higher monthly premium to avoid them.
Waiting Period
The waiting period on a home warranty refers to the amount of time between when the policy begins and when the homeowner can begin submitting repair requests. Most home warranty companies enforce a waiting period, although the exact length will vary. Some companies may even be willing to waive their waiting period in certain circumstances, such as when new customers switch from another provider. On average, waiting periods last around 30 days, but homeowners will want to note each company’s terms before committing to a policy.
Claims Process
When the time comes to submit a claim, the last thing homeowners want to do is navigate a slow, complicated, or confusing process. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to take the time to understand each company’s claims process, including how claims are submitted, how long they take to process, and how technicians are selected, before choosing a home warranty provider.
While some companies accept home warranty claims over the phone, others may have switched to an entirely digital approach—and where some may process repair requests within a few hours, others may take several days. Certain companies may even allow customers to choose their own technician for repairs, while others will provide one through the company’s preferred network. But each of these elements will impact the overall customer experience, so homeowners will want to include the claims process on their list of factors to consider.
Workmanship Guarantee
A workmanship guarantee on a home warranty protects the homeowner in the event that initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue with their covered system or appliance. Without a workmanship guarantee, homeowners in this situation may be required to pay an additional service fee for the second round of repair work, but with a workmanship guarantee, additional repairs can be scheduled at no extra cost.
However, this is only the case for a specific period of time, and the exact length of the workmanship guarantee will depend on the company, ranging from as little as 1 month to up to several years. For this reason, homeowners will want to pay attention to the workmanship guarantee offered by each company, as this could potentially impact their out-of-pocket costs down the road.
Our Top Picks
To determine the best home warranties in Louisiana, we looked for companies offering reliable standard coverage alongside a collection of service add-ons, paying extra attention to any coverage options that may appeal to Louisiana homeowners. Coverage costs, including monthly rates and service fees, and customer experience factors were also considered.
Best Overall
AFC Home Club
Why It Made the Cut:
Benefits of a home warranty through AFC Home Club include affordable average rates, high coverage limits, and a workmanship guarantee that lasts as long as the customer’s policy term.
AFC Home Club offers relatively low rates for home warranties on Louisiana properties. Although rates may depend on a few factors, including the specific coverage terms selected and any applicable discounts, these standard rates indicate that Louisiana homeowners may be able to get a good deal on their home warranty by choosing AFC. And as a bonus, the company locks in new-customer prices for a period of 5 years, meaning this good deal will last for customers who renew their policy even if AFC’s base rates have risen, saving customers money on their coverage in the long run. The company also waives its standard 30-day waiting period for new customers when they agree to an in-home inspection of their covered systems and appliances, which can help customers avoid any unwanted gaps in their home warranty coverage.
Homeowners considering AFC Home Club will want to note that before an HVAC service request can be approved, customers will be required to provide an annual maintenance record from a licensed technician, which could present an added out-of-pocket cost. But in general, the company is flexible in allowing customers to choose their own technicians for repairs, and once the repairs are completed, homeowners with policies through AFC will be able to rest easy, as the company’s workmanship guarantee runs the entire length of the customer’s home warranty term, which lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 years.
Specs
- 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
- Low $43 average monthly rate
- Waiting period waived with home inspection
- Extremely long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
- 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
Cons
- Annual HVAC maintenance required
Runner-Up
Liberty Home Guard
Why It Made the Cut:
Liberty Home Guard’s portfolio of more than 40 service add-ons allows homeowners to customize their home warranty coverage with ease.
In addition to its standard coverage, Liberty Home Guard offers an impressive number of extra service add-ons, which customers can use to customize and expand the scope of their home warranty coverage. The most popular options among Louisiana customers include pool and spa, septic system pumping, stand-alone freezer, ice maker, and limited roof-leak coverage. Liberty customers can even purchase coverage for saltwater pools, which often require specialized skills and parts to repair and therefore are rarely covered under a home warranty policy. These add-on options provide more opportunities for homeowners to tailor their policy to their needs.
Liberty Home Guard sets a coverage limit of $2,000 on its home warranties, which is somewhat low for this type of coverage. This is an important factor to consider because expensive repairs could exceed this cap, in which case homeowners will be on the hook to pay the difference in cost. But Liberty saves customers money in other ways. Homeowners seeking flexible payment arrangements will be happy to hear that Liberty customers can choose to make monthly payments on their policy or pay in full up front. Customers interested in annual or multiyear policies who can’t afford to pay up front can instead take advantage of the company’s interest-free payment plans. They can also choose from a range of service fees, including a relatively low $60 option. By choosing this option, customers can reduce the out-of-pocket costs they will need to pay when scheduling repairs.
Specs
- 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
- Saltwater pool option available
- Flexible payment plans
- Low $60 service fee option
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit
Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield
Why It Made the Cut:
A home warranty through American Home Shield comes with a few unique perks, from coverage for issues related to rust, corrosion, and sediment to free or discounted HVAC tune-ups.
American Home Shield policies provide coverage for issues related to rust, corrosion, and sediment, which isn’t always the case with home warranties. This coverage may be of particular interest to Louisiana homeowners who live in areas that have experienced flooding in the past or are likely to experience flooding and water backups in the future.
Prospective policyholders will want to note that the company’s workmanship guarantee only lasts 30 days, which is on the short end for a home warranty. This could potentially lead to homeowners having to pay a second service fee if additional repairs are needed more than a month after the initial repair work is completed. However, this potential cost may be offset by the company’s high coverage limits. Across all of its policies, AHS sets a coverage limit of $5,000 on HVAC system repairs, which is relatively high. Customers who purchase the highest policy tier will also receive $4,000 worth of coverage for appliance repairs. With higher coverage limits, AHS customers can relax knowing they won’t be as likely to exceed their coverage caps.
The highest tier plan, ShieldPlatinum, also comes with unlimited HVAC tune-ups per policy term, while all other plans allow customers to schedule tune-ups at a discounted rate. This free or discounted maintenance can keep more expensive issues from developing down the road, ultimately saving homeowners money. AHS customers can also take advantage of free or discounted AC refrigerant refills, depending on their plan. For Louisiana homeowners who rely on their AC systems to keep them cool in the summer months, this extra perk may be particularly appealing. Based on average quotes, American Home Shield’s home warranty rates may be somewhat high for Louisiana properties. However, this won’t always be the case, and with the company’s high coverage limits and other perks in mind, the value of this policy may be well worth the price for some homeowners.
Specs
- Coverage limit: $5,000
- Average monthly rate: $73
- Service fee: $100 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Relatively high coverage limit of $5,000 for HVAC system repairs
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
- Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups
- Unlimited or discounted AC refrigerant refills
Cons
- Relatively high $73 average monthly rate
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Best Discounts
Select Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
Louisiana customers looking for the best deal on their home warranty coverage may be drawn to Select Home Warranty, where promotional discount opportunities abound.
With Select Home Warranty, customers who purchase a full year’s worth of coverage up front will receive an additional 2 months of coverage for free. This means customers who choose to pay in full rather than making monthly payments will be rewarded with 14 months of coverage for the price of 12, adding value to the home warranty. Select’s policies also include roof-leak coverage, which can help pay for roof patching—something that is typically only available as an add-on with other companies. Louisiana homeowners seeking this type of protection may be intrigued by the fact that with Select, they can get roof-leak coverage at no extra cost. Customers who visit Select’s website to get a quote or purchase a policy are also likely to encounter limited-time promotions offering steep discounts on the company’s home warranty plans, as it frequently runs promotional deals that can help homeowners save on their coverage.
When the time comes to submit a claim, prospective customers will want to be aware that Select Home Warranty only accepts repair requests via email or through the company website. Although this may not be ideal for homeowners who prefer the option to speak directly with a representative about their issue, other homeowners may be perfectly comfortable with this digital approach. The company’s contract terms also state that claims submitted over the weekend or on holidays may take as long as 4 days to process, which is a long time to wait when urgent repairs are needed. However, claims submitted during regular business hours will likely be processed much faster.
Specs
- Coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Claims process: Online, email
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Free limited roof coverage with every policy
- Frequent promotional discounts
Cons
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
- No phone option for submitting claims
Also Consider
Choice Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
Customers may be able to find prompt, efficient service with Choice Home Warranty due to the company’s rapid claims response time and willingness to waive its standard waiting period.
Homeowners who put priority on efficient service may be drawn to Choice Home Warranty. The company promises to begin contacting technicians within 4 hours of receiving a repair request, which is an impressively quick turnaround time for home warranty claims. Choice Home Warranty also promises to waive its standard 30-day waiting period for customers switching from another provider. This option could be valuable to homeowners looking to avoid gaps in their home warranty coverage—all they have to do is show proof of their existing policy before switching to Choice.
Choice Home Warranty offers its customers two different types of policies, which may seem somewhat limiting when compared with providers that offer several tiers of plans. Both of these policies provide a combination of home system and appliance coverage, meaning homeowners looking to protect either their home systems or appliances, but not both, will not find what they’re looking for with Choice. The company also sets a standard service fee across all policies, which may feel restrictive for homeowners who prefer to choose from a list of service- fee options. However, choosing lower service fees typically results in paying higher average rates, so this lack of options isn’t necessarily a bad thing—and with Choice’s standard service fee sitting reasonably at $85, it isn’t an expensive thing either.
Specs
- Coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $51
- Service fee: $85
- 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
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to AFC Home Club because of its lengthy workmanship guarantee and low Louisiana rates, which can be locked in for 5 years, among other benefits. The Runner-Up award goes to Liberty Home Guard due to its wide range of service add-ons and flexible payment options.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Louisiana
To build this list of the best real estate home warranty options in Louisiana, we analyzed each company’s coverage options, including standard coverage inclusions and extra service add-ons, and looked for options that may particularly appeal to Louisiana residents, like coverage for issues caused by rust, corrosion, and sediment, which are common products of flooding and water backups.
To understand which companies provided the best value for their services, cost considerations were another important factor, so we weighed each provider’s average monthly rates, service fees, and discount opportunities. Last but not least, our rankings were impacted by customer experience factors, from claims response times to workmanship guarantees and the added value of any other miscellaneous perks and benefits.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Louisiana
So is a home warranty worth it? This is a question many homeowners find themselves asking, and the answer may depend on the individual homeowner’s needs and preferences. While homeowners fixated on storm damage may prioritize getting the best homeowners insurance in Louisiana, a homeowner who wishes to protect their home’s aging systems and appliances may choose to add the coverage of an extensive home warranty plan too. But both of these priorities have merit, which means that although each homeowner’s needs are unique, the most comprehensive form of home protection is a combination of these two coverage types.
To determine the scope of coverage needed with a home warranty, homeowners will need to take stock of their home’s systems and appliances, noting their age and condition. Another important consideration is the extent of repair work, if any, the homeowner is capable and willing to handle themselves. Once a coverage priority list has been created, homeowners will want to take the time to obtain quotes and review costs and coverage options before choosing a policy.
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Louisiana
To factor a home warranty into their budget, homeowners will need to understand the types of costs they can expect, including the average monthly rate and service fee options associated with their policy. Discount opportunities can also be considered and capitalized on, as they can significantly impact the overall home warranty cost.
Although the specific rates homeowners encounter will depend on the age and condition of the property, among other factors, home warranty costs in Louisiana average around $50 to $60 per month. Nationally, home warranties cost around $600 annually, though costs can range from as little as $264 to up to $1,425 per year depending on the specific home and coverage options selected by the policyholder.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Louisiana
There’s no question that buying and owning a home is expensive, so if homeowners are choosing to opt for an additional monthly cost, it’s likely for a good reason. In fact, there are many reasons homeowners might need a home warranty policy.
Whether homeowners are securing coverage to protect a particularly old home system or they’re drawn to the overall peace of mind this type of coverage can provide, home warranties fulfill several needs and therefore provide multiple benefits, including:
- The sense of safety that comes with knowing the home’s crucial systems and appliances are protected;
- Easier budgeting in the form of predictable monthly rates and service fees, especially when compared with sudden out-of-pocket repair expenses; and
- Other potential perks, such as discounted HVAC tune-ups or access to exclusive home service networks, depending on the company.
FAQs
In Louisiana, homeowners have many tools at their disposal to ensure their homes are protected, including homeowners insurance and home warranty coverage. Understandably, homeowners may have additional questions about home warranty coverage, such as those listed below.
Q. Is a home warranty necessary in Louisiana?
Although Louisiana homeowners are not required to have a home warranty, those purchasing a newly constructed home will automatically receive one as a result of the New Home Warranty Act (described below).
Q. What does a home warranty protect against?
A home warranty provides financial protection in the event that crucial home systems or appliances break down due to normal wear and tear or age.
Q. How do I choose a good home warranty?
To choose a good home warranty, homeowners will want to consider the types of coverage they require and look for the companies offering that coverage at a price point that fits their budget.
Q. Is there a difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty?
In the question of home warranties versus homeowners insurance, insurance protects the home from covered perils, such as storm damage, fire, and vandalism, while a home warranty protects the home’s covered systems and appliances from issues due to wear and tear or age.
Q. What happens if my home warranty is not honored?
If a home warranty claim is denied, it could be because the type of damage isn’t covered or the expected repair costs exceed the coverage cap, or it could be because a homeowner hasn’t maintained their appliances and systems, especially in the case of HVAC systems, which may be subject to annual tune-ups. Though homeowners will likely have to pay for these repairs out of pocket, in some cases, they may be able to file an appeal for reimbursement.
Q. How much does a home warranty cost in Louisiana?
Based on average quotes across several companies, a Louisiana home warranty costs an average of $50 to $60 per month.
Q. What is Louisiana’s New Home Warranty Act?
The New Home Warranty Act in Louisiana requires builders to provide warranties for a specified period of time, from 1 to 5 years, for those who purchase a newly built home.
Q. Do home warranties cover termite damage?
Although some companies may offer pest control as an extra add-on, termite damage is unlikely to be covered with a home warranty, so homeowners worried about this type of damage will want to look into companies that offer termite warranties in Louisiana.