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6 Best Home Warranties for Condos of 2023
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
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- Covers Major Home Systems, HVAC & Appliances
- Free Roof Coverage, No Inspection Needed
24/7 support whenever your appliances fail
- Large network of independent prescreened contractors and qualified technicians
- In business for over 30 years
- Good coverage on home systems
- Does not cover pre-existing issues
- They will replace items that fail if they can't be fixed regardless of age, make or model
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- Industry leader since 1971
- More than $2 Billion in claims paid in last 5 years
- More than 2 Million customers served
- No inspection or maintenance records required
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
A home warranty covers a variety of home appliances and systems within a home. Condo home warranties provide protection for appliances and systems not covered by the homeowners’ insurance policy.
Home warranty plans are designed to provide peace of mind to homeowners, giving them the assurance that if anything goes wrong with their appliances or systems, the company will step in and cover the costs of home repairs or replacements. In this article, we will be discussing the seven best home warranty companies for condos in 2023, providing an overview of their coverage options, costs and exclusions.
Our Top Picks for Best Home Warranties for Condos
- Best overall: Liberty Home Guard
- Best coverage for appliances: American Home Shield
- Best for customer service: Select Home Warranty
- Best for long workmanship guarantee: Cinch Home Services
- Best for additional coverage: Home Warranty of America
- Best for low-cost appliance plan: America’s First Choice Home Club
Best home warranties for condos reviews
Best Overall: Liberty Home Guard
- Customize your plan with a very wide range of add-on coverages
- Offers systems-only, appliances-only and combination plans
- Some customers have reported slow response times for service requests
- More than 500 complaints made to the Better Business Bureau
With three plans to choose from, Liberty Home Guard has options to fit your needs and budget. The Appliance Guard Plan covers nine essential household appliances for just $49.99 per month, including garbage disposals, ceiling and exhaust fans, and garage door openers. The Systems Guard Plan, at $54.99 per month, offers protection for heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, hot water heaters and ductwork. The Total Home Guard Plan includes all the coverage from the other two plans and is available for $59.99 per month.
Liberty Home Guard also offers over thirty optional coverages for additional protection, including popular options like second refrigerators, well pumps, septic pumping, pro-series appliances, electronic devices and even maintenance services such as carpet cleaning and exterior power washing. This comprehensive range of options makes Liberty Home Guard the perfect choice for those in new homeownership looking for a comprehensive home warranty plan. All plans come with a service call fee of $125, but you can choose a lower fee starting at $65 to best fit your needs.
Best Coverage for Appliances: American Home Shield
- Unlimited coverage for covered system repairs
- Covers items with no maintenance records
- Covers breakdowns of appliances that haven't been properly maintained
- Free removal of items that need replacement
- More expensive than other plans
American Home Shield is a leading name in the home warranty industry, with a solid reputation built over 50 years of experience and ownership by the trusted Service Master company. As a condo owner, you can have confidence in their expertise and reliability.
One of the standout features of American Home Shield is their comprehensive appliance coverage, which provides more flexibility and fewer restrictions compared to other home warranty companies. This includes coverage for even neglected appliances, which can result in significant cost savings, especially if you need to replace your heating system.
For those seeking specific appliance coverage, American Home Shield offers three convenient plans to choose from. The ShieldSilver plan covers your major home systems, including heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing. The ShieldGold plan extends coverage to your kitchen and laundry room appliances. And the ShieldPlatinum plan provides the ultimate in comprehensive coverage, including roof leak protection, unlimited refilling of A/C refrigerant, HVAC tune-ups, and even repairs required by code violations, which are often excluded by other home warranty plans.
Best for Customer Service: Select Home Warranties
- Offers the option of using your own contractor or one from Select's network
- Every plan includes a 90-day repair guarantee
- Includes the option of paying monthly or annually
- Some caps on repair and replacement costs for certain items
- Does not cover damage caused by neglect from human error
- Low coverage caps for some home services
Select Home Warranty makes it easy to file claims, with options to do so online or via email. The company offers three plans to fit your needs: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. These plans cover appliances and major home systems, with the Platinum Care plan providing the most comprehensive coverage. Each plan includes a 90-day repair guarantee and the flexibility to pay monthly or annually. You can also add extra coverage for central vacuum, lawn sprinkler system, pool, and more.
You can choose to use either your own contractors or those from Select Home Warranty’s network. However, it’s important to note that there are limitations on coverage, including damages caused by acts of nature and foundation/structural issues. Before choosing Select Home Warranty, review the contract terms carefully and reach out to a representative if you have any questions about what is excluded from coverage. There are caps on repair costs and replacement costs for certain items, so it’s important to be aware of these restrictions.
Best for Long Workmanship Guarantee: Cinch Home Services
- Exceptional 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Three competitively priced plans to choose from
- Choice of service fees
- Service fees are on the high side
Cinch Home Services has condo owners covered with their comprehensive home protection plan that focuses on appliances. Choose from three different plans, including one that is solely for your appliances. This plan covers a wide range of common household appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and more.
Cinch’s home warranty has a long workmanship guarantee of 180 days, which is much longer than the industry standard of 30 days. This means that you won’t have to pay multiple service fees for the same repair, giving you peace of mind. The service fee starts at $100, but you have the flexibility to adjust your deductible to meet your specific needs.
In addition to the standard appliance coverage, Cinch also offers limited options for additional coverage, such as pool and spa protection, septic tank coverage, well pump protection, and code violation repairs. And, as a unique feature, Cinch will reimburse up to $500 of your homeowner’s insurance deductible for related home system damage when making a claim through your appliance insurance policy. Keep your condo and its appliances protected with Cinch Home Services.
Best for Additional Coverage: Home Warranty of America
- Includes coverage for items not covered typically by other companies
- Provides optional coverage for secondary appliances
- GreenPlus plan can save customers on water and electricity costs
- Annual premiums higher than national average
- Cancellation fee of 10%
Home Warranty of America (HWA) is a trusted provider with over 20 years of experience in the industry. They offer two comprehensive home warranty plans, Premier and Premier Plus, which include coverage for over 30 items, including those that are often not covered by basic home warranty plans. Additionally, HWA offers optional coverage for secondary appliances, saltwater equipment, and primary and secondary pools or spas.
One of the standout features of HWA’s service is the GreenPlus plan, which allows you to replace your covered systems or appliances with Energy Star-qualified products, potentially saving you on water and electricity costs. Although HWA’s annual premiums, starting at $580, are higher than some competitors, they still provide competitive pricing.
HWA’s plans are flexible and allow you to cancel within the first 30 days of coverage, with a 10% cancellation fee deducted. With 24/7 claims processing and comprehensive coverage, HWA is an excellent choice for condo owners looking for a reliable and discerning home warranty provider.
Best for Low-Cost Appliance Plan: America's First Choice Home Warranty
- Cost-effective home warranty policies starting at $395 per year
- Choose your own contractor or one from AFC's network
- Competitive service fees starting at $75
- 30-day waiting period
- Limited payout of $150 before waiting period ends
Condo owners looking for a budget-friendly home warranty solution should consider AFC Home Club. With annual premiums starting at just $395 and coverage limits ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 per item, this company offers a range of services from its own contractors or those in its network.
AFC Home Club stands out for its competitive service fees, starting at just $75, and its 30-day waiting period, with a limited payout of $150 for claims filed within that time. Additionally, HVAC tune-ups are exempt from coverage caps, which is a unique and valuable benefit for condo owners.
With a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, where it has been accredited since 2009, and membership in the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA), AFC Home Club has a proven track record of quality service. The company’s website also offers a free quote calculator, sample contract, and detailed coverage information to help home buyers make informed decisions about their home warranty coverage.
Guide to the Best Home Warranties for Condos
What does a home warranty company for condos cover?
Home warranty companies for condos typically have appliances and systems plans that cover items such as the heating and air conditioning systems, the water heater, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and more. Some companies also offer additional coverage options for an additional cost. In the specific case of condos, it’s also important to know the difference between a home warranty and home insurance and what each covers.
An example of what major appliances and major systems a single-family home warranty might cover under a basic plan option or an optional add-on include:
- Air conditioners
- Built-in microwaves
- Washers
- Ceiling fans
- Cooktops
- Doorbells
- Ice makers
How much does a home warranty for condos cost?
The cost of a home warranty for condos can vary depending on the company and the level of coverage selected. On average, a basic home warranty plan can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per year. Additional coverage options and add-ons can also increase the cost of the plan.
What are the exclusions for home warranties for condos?
Every home warranty company has its own set of exclusions, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each plan. Common exclusions include normal wear and tear, pre-existing conditions, and certain appliances or systems.
How does a home warranty work?
When a covered item in your condo requires repair or replacement, you will need to contact the home warranty company and file a home warranty claim. The home warranty company will then dispatch a service provider to assess the issue and either repair or replace the item if it is covered under the plan. The service call fee and any deductible will need to be paid by the homeowner, but the remainder of the cost will be covered by the home warranty company.
Home Warranty for Condos FAQs
Are home warranties for condos worth it?
How long are home warranty terms for condos?
How can I cancel a home warranty?
How much is the service fee for a home warranty for condos?
How We Chose the Best Home Warranties for Condos
When choosing the best home warranties for condos, we took into consideration several key factors, including coverage options, cost, and exclusions. We also looked at the reputation of each home warranty company, as well as their customer service and response times.
Another important factor was the range of covered items. We wanted to ensure that each home warranty provider offered comprehensive coverage for a variety of appliances and systems that condo owners typically need. We also took into account the flexibility of each home warranty, including the availability of add-ons and the option to customize coverage to meet specific needs.
Finally, we evaluated the financial stability and reliability of each home warranty company, and looked at customer reviews and ratings from reputable sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to ensure that we were recommending only the best home warranty providers.
Condominium ownership can bring peace of mind and a sense of security, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining and repairing appliances and systems within your real estate. A home warranty can provide that extra layer of protection and peace of mind, covering items like your HVAC system, appliances, and plumbing system.
When choosing a home warranty for your condo, consider the coverage options, cost, and exclusions offered by each provider. Make sure to evaluate the financial stability and reputation of the company, and look at customer reviews and ratings to ensure you are making the best choice for your needs.
