Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
Our review found that the average home warranty policyholder can expect to pay about $52 per month or $624 a year for a policy in Pennsylvania.
Top 4 Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
Here are our top options for home warranty providers for Pennsylvania homeowners:
- Liberty Home Guard: Most customer-friendly
- American Home Shield: Most experienced
- Select Home Warranty: Budget-friendly
- Elite Home Warranty: Most unique add-ons
Note: All cost data used in this article is based on a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Pittsburgh.
Liberty Home Guard
Most Customer-Friendly
American Home Shield
Most Experienced
Select Home Warranty
Most Budget-Friendly
Elite Home Warranty
Most unique add-ons
- First American Home Warranty: Another top choice for appliance coverage, First American Home Warranty offers up to $7,000 per item. It also has unlimited coverage for some items, including ductwork and heating systems.
- Cinch Home Services: If you’re a Pennsylvania resident who owns property, you might benefit from coverage with Cinch Home Services. The company pays up to $500 toward your homeowners insurance deductible.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Pennsylvania?
To help you get the most accurate pricing information, our team used a series of sample Pennsylvania addresses to collect quotes from home warranty companies operating in the state. After manually requesting quotes from each provider, we compared policy options head-to-head to help you find coverage that fits your budget. The table below summarizes pricing for our top four recommended home warranty providers in the state.
| Provider | Basic Coverage Cost | Mid-Tier Coverage Cost | Highest Coverage Cost | Service Fee |
| Liberty Home Guard | $50 | $55 | $60 | $65–$125 |
| American Home Shield | $40–$50 | $70–$80 | $100–$110 | $100–$125 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $45 | $50 | $60 | $100 |
| Select Home Warranty | $44 | $44 | $48 | $75–$100 |
Calculate Your Annual Home Warranty Cost in Pennsylvania
The MarketWatch Guides team developed a calculator to analyze anticipated yearly expenses associated with owning a home warranty in Pennsylvania. To project your annual cost, put in your monthly premium, service call fee and estimated number of claims. While you can use our calculator for an estimate, we recommend getting quotes from our top providers directly since prices vary by plan, location and home size.
What Is a Pennsylvania Home Warranty and Do You Need One?
A home warranty is a type of coverage you can purchase to protect your home systems and appliances in the event of an unexpected breakdown. If you have the savings to repair things on your own, you may not need a home warranty at all.
When you sign up for a home warranty, you’ll review a service contract that outlines the systems and appliances included in your coverage, plus the coverage limits, service fee structure and monthly premium total.
If a system or appliance breaks down in your home, you will contact your home warranty company for a repair or replacement. Your home warranty provider will send over a technician on your behalf. As long as the item is covered by your policy and within your coverage limits, you only pay your agreed-upon service fee.
While homeowners insurance covers damage to your home’s structure after a major event, like a hurricane or a break-in, your home warranty only covers breakdowns due to everyday use. Homeowners insurance also covers the physical dwelling you live in, while a home warranty only covers specific systems and appliances. Some homeowners buy both coverages to have complete home protection, but a home warranty is not required to purchase a house.
How To Choose a Pennsylvania Home Warranty Company
If you are ready to compare Pennsylvania home warranties, here are a few key features to consider when evaluating coverage options.
Get a Custom Quote
As you compare quotes from home warranty companies, collect a quote from at least three more providers. In addition to pricing, obtain a sample contract from each company to learn more about coverage inclusions and limitations. Keep copies of your quotes for reference to help you determine the best option.
Read Local Branch Reviews
While most home warranty companies operate nationally, providers often work with local repair companies to offer faster service in each area. Using third-party websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews, read what locals say about the nearest branch of your home warranty service company. Look for themes across reviews, either positive or negative, and factor those insights into your decision.
Consider Local Homeowner Needs
The breakdowns you are most likely to deal with will depend on where you live and the age of your property. As a homeowner in Pennsylvania, consider how the state’s weather patterns can affect your home systems and appliances. This can influence what to look for as you compare warranty providers.
For example, Erie and Pittsburgh are known for harsh winter weather. Erie regularly receives more than 50 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than the rest of the state. If you live in either area, your roof might see more damage from sitting snow, and you will heavily rely on your heating system in the winter. You may want to consider a home warranty with higher limits on heating elements or a provider offering limited roof leak coverage as a standard inclusion.
Pennsylvania Home Warranty Coverage
As you shop for a home warranty, think about coverage needs specific to Pennsylvania. The state experiences four seasons and snow storms can be particularly bad in areas close to Lake Erie. For example, Erie residents receive an average of 51 inches of snow a year, meaning your heating system may run consistently if you live near the lake. If you experience heavy snowfall annually, look for a policy with higher coverage limits on water heaters and your heating system.
Summers in some areas of Pennsylvania are equally as harsh as winters, with regularly occurring 80-degree temperatures. If you live along the New Jersey coast, you might feel disproportionate effects of heat and humidity in your home. In these areas, be sure to prioritize coverage for your home’s air conditioning and cooling system.
The following chart outlines coverage limitations for important home components in Pennsylvania with each of our recommended providers.
| Heating System | Water Heater | Air Conditioning | |
| Liberty Home Guard | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| American Home Shield | $5,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $5,000 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $3,000–$4,000* | $3,000** | $3,000 |
| Select Home Warranty | $3,000 | $500 | $3,000 |
*Elite Home Warranty extends coverage limits to $4,000 if your heating is part of an HVAC system.
**Elite Home Warranty will void heating system and water heater coverage if the homeowner does not professionally maintain and service both items annually.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has fewer state protections for home warranty policyholders than many other states. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department removed home warranties from its regulations because coverage does not meet the definition of insurance. This means home warranty companies do not have the same financial reporting and documentation requirements that insurance companies do.
Although the state does not hold companies to strict insurance requirements, home warranty customers receive protection through Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. If you believe your home warranty provider is offering non-legitimate policies or violating the law, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Best Home Warranty Companies by State
Are you not looking for a home warranty in Pennsylvania? Select your state below to find the best home warranty.
Our Conclusion: Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Pennsylvania?
Choosing a home warranty that fits your needs isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but with careful research, insights from the right experts and a thoughtful understanding of the plan terms, you can set yourself up for success. We recommend requesting a quote from at least three providers on this list, comparing the monthly pricing and asking questions before making your final decision.
American Home Shield remains our top choice due to its comprehensive coverage that includes preexisting conditions, a rarity in the home warranty industry. Liberty Home Guard is a standout contender for homeowners with more additional coverage needs than the typical home warranty company provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
A home warranty is a contract between you and a service provider that shields you from expensive repairs due to wear and tear. Typically, there are plans to protect your appliances, such as your kitchen and laundry appliances, and your systems, such as your HVAC and electrical systems. In addition, home warranty companies often offer optional coverage to cover anything else in and around your home, such as your pool or septic system. Each company is different, and we recommend getting several quotes from different providers before deciding on coverage.
Filing a claim is easy with all our top home warranty providers. Usually, the provider has an online form or telephone number available for submitting claims 24/7. Your home warranty company will then reach out to an in-network technician, and you’ll pay a service fee before repairs are made.
Each provider has a slightly different list of exclusions, so it’s worth getting a free quote and sample contract for a complete list. Usually, items that do not contribute to an item’s or system’s general use are excluded. For example, the knobs on your laundry machines, the baskets in your dishwasher and the clock on your oven are typically not included.
How We Ranked the Best Home Warranty Companies in Pennsylvania
To provide you with the most recent and accurate pricing information, our team collected custom quotes from more than 15 home warranty providers offering policies in Pennsylvania. We used real Pennsylvania addresses throughout the state for accurate, up-to-date pricing information for each area.
After getting a quote, our team carefully reviewed sample contracts from each company, with a focus on items like coverage limits, exclusions and stipulations that could void the contract. Companies offering policies with higher coverage limits received more points than those with multiple exclusions or a lack of protection for the appliances and systems Pennsylvania homeowners care about most. We also prioritized companies based on reputation, years of industry experience and for offering coverage customization options.
To learn more about our editorial process, you can read our editorial guidelines. You can also review our methodology to learn more about how companies make our list of the best home warranty providers.
Additional Home Warranty Resources
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
