Best 7 Home Warranty Companies in Durham, NC
- Fact Checked
- Updated 2024-06-22 00:00:00
Every homeowner in North Carolina needs reliable home appliances and systems. When a system like your air conditioning fails, it can make your home uncomfortable—not to mention the unexpected repair costs that can strain your budget.
This is where home warranties come in. With a good home warranty, you can protect yourself from expensive repairs and replacements. Below is our list of the best home warranty companies in Durham, North Carolina.
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 Durham
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 Durham
- Average Max Temperature:69°F
- Average Min Temperature:51°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:3.6”
- Homeownership Rate:60.3%
- Median Home Size:2,451 sqft
- Median Home Price:$396,801
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Durham Residents?
Yes, home warranties are beneficial for Durham residents. Durham summers are very hot, which makes it very important to have a reliable air conditioner. However, over time this system can malfunction from heavy use.
Winters in Durham are fairly mild, but you still want a reliable heating system. HVAC system replacement can cost between $2,500 and $8,000, compared to a home warranty costing roughly $644–$737 annually based on 120 quotes we received from home warranty companies across the nation.
The regular rain in Durham can damage your roof. Some home warranty providers offer limited roof-leak coverage, which can mitigate the cost of roof repair.
Finally, your home warranty will connect you with service providers you can trust. Investing in a reputable home warranty company is worth it because companies vet their technicians. If you don't have time to do the research yourself, your home warranty provider can ensure that someone reliable will handle your problem.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Think about these key factors when choosing the best home warranty plan for you.
Cost
We requested 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home and found that home warranties cost an average of $53–$62 per month. There are also service call fees each time 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 more affordable than home systems coverage plans. Many plans have add-on coverage options, but this will increase your monthly cost, so make sure you know your specific needs before selecting a plan.
Coverage
Most home warranty companies can tailor a plan to your needs. Think about which systems and appliances you use often and would like coverage for. If you only want coverage for select systems or appliances (such as your air conditioning), you can often find plans to fit. 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
Generally, home warranties only cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear. They don't cover preexisting conditions or improper installation. Generally, cosmetic issues or appliance components, defects, routine maintenance, or theft aren't covered either. Providers will outline limitations and exclusions in their service contracts. Read your contract thoroughly to make sure you understand your plan's terms and conditions.
Provider Reputation
Carefully consider a provider's reputation before choosing a plan. Check its Better Business Bureau rating. Also read customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Best Company, and Trustpilot. Reading these reviews gives you an idea of how companies handle customer service and claims. Check with the North Carolina Attorney General to verify the status of a provider's state license.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. Your provider should always use licensed and registered contractors to handle service requests. Make sure you ask how and where a company sources its technicians. Select a provider that mentions service contractors you're familiar with. Homeowners in rural areas may consider choosing a home warranty provider that lets customers pick their technicians. You'll want the option to source your own providers if there are no in-network ones available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranty in Durham
No, you don't need a home warranty in Durham. However, we still recommend purchasing one, as 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.
Preexisting conditions are breakdowns or issues that a home system or appliance experienced before coverage began. Most providers don't cover preexisting conditions. You should purchase a home warranty policy while all your appliances and systems still work for complete protection.
Durham's best home warranty provider depends on your specific needs. Liberty Home Guard is a good choice if you require unique coverage. Consider American Home Shield if you're looking for comprehensive coverage limits.
Yes, home warranties cover many types of home items besides common systems and appliances. For example, home warranties cover septic systems, pools and spas, well pumps, sump pumps, stand-alone freezers, and more. Providers usually cover these items as add-ons. Check with a company representative to see what add-ons are available.
Home warranty policies usually don't cover items that are already broken. Therefore, most home warranty providers have a 30-day waiting period before the start of coverage to ensure system and appliance breakdowns are from normal wear and tear rather than preexisting conditions.
Most home warranty policies are good for a year, but some are slightly longer. You can also renew at the end of your contract.
To get the most value from your Durham home warranty, read the terms and conditions thoroughly, so you know how coverage works. In addition, keep up with regular maintenance for your home systems and appliance. This helps ensure they're covered if one breaks down.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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