Best 7 Home Warranty Companies in Columbus, GA
- Fact Checked
- Updated 2024-06-22 00:00:00
For Georgia homeowners, reliable heating and cooling are essential to keeping your home comfortable year-round. But when there's a problem, system repairs can be costly. Luckily, a home warranty can help cover repair or replacement costs.
We've compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Columbus, Georgia, to help you make an informed decision.
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:74°F
- Average Min Temperature:57°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:0.3”
- Homeownership Rate:48%
- Median Home Size:3,560 sqft
- Median Home Price:$152,397
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Columbus Residents?
Yes, home warranties are beneficial for Columbus residents. Summers in Columbus are very hot, which makes it extremely important that your air conditioner works well. However, this system can malfunction over time from heavy use.
Columbus has fairly mild winters, but it's still important to make sure your heating works when needed. The cost of replacing your HVAC system can range anywhere from $2,500–$8,000. Home warranties are comparatively cheaper at only $644–$737 a year, based on 120 quotes we received from home warranty companies across the nation.
Columbus' heavy rain can cause damage to your roof. Some home warranty companies offer limited roof-leak protection, which can mitigate the cost of roof repair.
Lastly, a home warranty connects you with trustworthy service providers. A reputable home warranty is a good investment because companies vet their technicians. When life keeps you busy, your home warranty provider can give you peace of mind that someone reliable will handle your problem.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Consider these key factors when selecting the right home warranty plan for your needs.
Cost
We received 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home and found that home warranties cost an average of $53–$62 per month. You also have to pay service call fees whenever you file a claim. These fees range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranty plans tend to be more affordable than comprehensive ones. Appliance plans are typically less costly than home systems coverage plans. Most plans give you the option of getting add-on coverage options for an additional monthly fee. Consider your specific needs before purchasing a plan.
Coverage
Determine the appliances and systems you use most often. Most home warranty plans offer custom coverage tailored to your needs. If you only want coverage for select systems, such as your air conditioner, most companies offer systems-only plans. The same is true if you only want coverage for certain appliances. The following 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
Most home warranties only cover normal wear and tear, which excludes preexisting conditions and improper installation. Most policies also exclude appliance components or cosmetic issues, theft, defects, or routine maintenance. Providers will outline limitations and exclusions in their service contracts. Read your contract thoroughly to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your plan.
Provider Reputation
Look into a provider's reputation before selecting a plan. Check its Better Business Bureau rating. Also read customer reviews on sites such as Best Company, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Reading these reviews gives you an idea of how companies handle customer service and claims. Check with the Georgia Consumer Protection Division to verify that a provider holds a license with the state.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. Companies should always use licensed and registered contractors to fulfill service requests. Make sure you ask how and where a company sources its technicians. We recommend picking a provider that mentions the names of familiar service contractors. Those who live in rural areas should consider a home warranty that allows you to choose your technician. You may not have any in-network service providers in your area, so you'll need the option to source your own.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranty in Columbus
No, you don't need a home warranty in Columbus. However, we still recommend purchasing one because it helps you maintain a budget to cover expensive system and appliance breakdowns. You'll also save time you'd otherwise spend searching for a reputable service technician.
A preexisting condition is a breakdown or issue a home system or appliance experienced before your coverage began. Most providers don't cover preexisting conditions. You should purchase a home warranty policy when all your appliances and systems still work for complete protection.
The best home warranty in Columbus depends on your specific needs. Liberty Home Guard is an excellent choice if you require unique coverage. Consider American Home Shield if you're looking for comprehensive coverage limits.
Yes, you can get a home warranty that covers household items beyond common systems and appliances. For instance, some policies may cover stand-alone freezers, septic systems, pools and spas, well pumps, or sump pumps. These are normally considered add-ons. Check with a company representative to determine what add-ons it has available.
Home warranty policies usually don't cover already broken items. Therefore, most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before the start of coverage to ensure appliance and system breakdowns are from normal wear and tear, not preexisting conditions.
A home warranty only covers home systems and appliances that need repairing and replacing due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, protects homes for damage from disasters like fires, accidents, and personal losses.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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