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Best 7 Home Warranty Companies in Columbus, OH
- Fact Checked
- Updated 2024-06-22 00:00:00
From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling Appalachians hills, Ohio has climate and weather extremes that can stress your household systems and appliances. A home warranty offers peace of mind, protecting you from the high cost of unexpected repairs and replacements. In this article, we'll review the best home warranty providers in Columbus, Ohio, and explain how they can protect your home and budget.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
- Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
- Provides an easy claims process
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers generous coverage caps
- Allows customers to build their own plans
- Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay
- Features broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
- Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
- Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Columbus
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
American Home Shield
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Offers generous coverage caps
- Allows customers to build their own plans
- Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay
- Features broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Cons
- Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
- Offers limited add-on options
52 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
Liberty Home Guard
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
- Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
- Provides an easy claims process
Cons
- Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
- Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions
6 Years in Business
BBB Rating:A+
Select Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
- Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
- Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
Cons
- Has a $75 cancellation fee
- Low coverage caps
11 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B-
AFC Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee
- Offers generous appliance coverage limits
- Allows you to choose your own contractor
Cons
- Limits coverage limits for older items based on depreciated value
- Requires you to file a claim immediately after discovering an issue
14 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
First American Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Allows you to choose your service call fee
- Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
- Accepts 24/7 service calls
- Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Cons
- Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
- Charges higher for coverage compared to other providers
39 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
Cinch Home Services
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Offers home insurance deductible of $500
- Extends a long 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Provides generous $10,000 aggregate coverage limit
Cons
- Charges high service fees of $75-$150
- Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
- Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska
45 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
- Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
- Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements
Cons
- Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
- Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans
39 Years in Business
BBB Rating:A-
BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023. Cost figures are based on information available on provider websites and are accurate as of August 2023. Request a quote from each company to see prices in your area.
Facts about Columbus
- Average Max Temperature:60°F
- Average Min Temperature:44°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:21.6”
- Homeownership Rate:69.3%
- Median Home Size:1,657 sqft
- Median Home Price:$240,278
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Columbus Residents?
Yes, home warranties are advantageous for Columbus residents. Columbus summers can get hot, which makes it important to have a reliable air conditioner. However, this system can malfunction over time due to breakdowns from regular wear and tear.
Columbus has relatively mild winters, but there are still days you'll need your heating. The cost of an HVAC system replacement can range anywhere from $2,500–$8,000. A home warranty plan is comparatively cheaper, only $644–$737 a year, based on 120 quotes we requested from home warranty companies across the nation.
The regular rain in Columbus can damage your roof. The financial burden of this will be lessened if your home warranty has roof-leak protection.
Finally, home warranties connect you with reliable technicians. When work and other priorities keep you busy, you want to know a trustworthy service provider is handling your repairs. Reputable home warranty companies vet all their service providers.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
These key factors can help you choose the right home warranty plan for your needs.
Cost
After getting 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home, we determined that home warranties cost an average of $53–$62 monthly. You'll also pay a service call fee every time you file a claim. These fees can range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranty plans generally cost less than comprehensive ones. Appliance plans usually cost less than home systems coverage plans. Add-on coverage options raise the monthly cost, so consider your particular needs before purchasing a plan.
Coverage
You can often find home warranty plans that cover specific appliances and systems. Decide whether you want coverage for major systems (such as air conditioning), specific appliances, or both. Then ask your provider what its options are for customized coverage. Here is a list of common systems coverage:
- Air conditioner
- Central vacuum
- Ductwork
- Electrical
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Water heater
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Garbage disposals
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Stovetops
Exclusions
Typically, home warranties don't cover improper installation or preexisting conditions. Most policies only cover normal wear and tear. Most also exclude appliance components or cosmetic issues, defects, routine maintenance, or theft. Providers outline their limitations and exclusions in their service contracts. Thoroughly read your contract to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your plan.
Provider Reputation
Consider a provider's reputation before making a commitment. You can also read real customer reviews on sites such as Best Company, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Looking at reviews can show you how companies handle claims and customer service. Check with the Ohio Consumer Protection Section to verify a provider's state license.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. Any provider you choose should use licensed and registered contractors to fulfill service requests; make sure to ask your company how and where it sources technicians. Choose a provider that mentions the names of familiar service contractors. Those who live in rural areas should consider a home warranty policy that lets them choose their technician. In-network service providers may not be available in your area, so you want the option to source your own.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranty in Columbus
No, home warranties are not required in Columbus. However, home warranties are beneficial because they help you maintain a budget to cover expensive appliance and system breakdowns. Home warranty providers also save you time by sourcing reputable technicians themselves.
Preexisting conditions are breakdowns or issues experienced by a home system or appliance before warranty coverage starts. Providers normally won't cover preexisting conditions. You should purchase a home warranty policy while all your appliances and systems are still in working order to ensure full protection.
Columbus' best home warranty provider depends on what you're looking for. American Home Shield is a solid choice for comprehensive coverage limits. You might also consider Liberty Home Guard if you need unique coverage.
Yes, home warranties cover many types of home items aside from common appliances and systems. For example, home warranties cover sump pumps, pools and spas, stand-alone freezers, septic systems, well pumps, and more. Providers normally cover these items as add-ons. Check with your provider to see what add-ons are available.
Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. This is to ensure any appliance and system breakdowns are the result of normal wear and tear rather than preexisting conditions. Home warranty providers won't cover an already broken item.
A home warranty only covers household systems and appliances that need repairing and replacing due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, protects your home in case of damage from disasters like fires, accidents, and personal losses.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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