Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

A Florida home warranty can help offset expensive repair and replacement costs for major home items that have broken down due to normal wear and tear.

To make your warranty search simple, we’ve done the research for you. If you’re looking for a home warranty in Miami, or another city in Florida, keep reading to learn why investing in a home warranty is so important and how to find the best appliance insurance for your home.

Florida’s best home warranty companies

Why a Florida home warranty is so important

Florida is located in the southeastern part of the U.S and is bordered by Georgia and Alabama. The peninsula is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Given Florida’s location on the southeastern coast, heat and humidity can affect the condition of outdoor air conditioning units, garage doors, and pools.

Take the following chart into consideration. If something happened to your air conditioning and the system completely broke down, you would need to buy a replacement which could cost anywhere between $4,249 and $5,413. This could put a big dent in your wallet, especially if you don’t have an emergency budget for repairs.

Not to mention, without this form of protection, you’d be tasked with finding a local service technician to come out and perform the service. This could take days, even weeks, and going without air conditioning in the Florida heat for that long can be extremely frustrating and uncomfortable.

If you had a home warranty and your AC went out, all you’d have to do is file a claim online or over the phone and a representative will put you in contact with a contractor within 48 hours. Some companies, like Cinch Home Services, have 24/7/365 customer service lines, and others, like American Home Shield, will even guarantee a contractor within 24 hours, which is pretty impressive in our opinion.

The table below compares average home repair and replacement costs to average home warranty coverage caps. Use it to determine how much you could save with home appliance insurance.

Note: The above repair and replacement costs are based on national averages. We calculated the average amount that customers can save by compiling sample contracts from the top providers we reviewed.

Florida home warranty plans and coverage

Home warranty coverage varies by state and depends on the company and coverage level you choose. In general, most companies offer at least two plans—a basic plan and a combo plan, or an appliance plan and system plan—and will cover the following systems and appliances:

Here are some items that typically aren’t covered under a standard plan but may be added on to your coverage:

• Outdoor sprinklers
• Faucet repairs
• Ice makers
• Garage door openers
• Spa or pools
• Septic system
• Well pump

Note: Most companies cover regular wear and tear on home systems and appliances. In most cases, improperly maintained items or items that were installed correctly won’t be covered. Read your contract before signing to determine if there are limits and exclusions on coverage.

How much does a Florida home warranty cost?

The average cost of a Florida home warranty is around $320 per year, which is much lower than the industry average of $37. Extended coverage is an additional $100 to $500 per year and will depend on the number and types of items you add to your plan. Deductibles, or service fees, average between $75 to $100. 

How does a home warranty work?

If one of your covered systems or appliances breaks down and you need to file a claim, here’s what the process would look like:

1. After submitting a claim, a customer service representative will contact one of their approved technicians or allow you to select your own contractor.
2. The contractor would then call you to set up an appointment.
3. In your home, the provider will assess the damage and determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.
4. You would pay the contractor a service fee and your home warranty company would pay for the repair or replacement up to the set coverage limit.

Is a home warranty necessary?

If you’re still not sure if a home warranty is right for you, see if you fall into one or more of the following categories:

• You’re a homeowner who isn’t handy or doesn’t want to deal with finding a contractor.
• You’re a new homeowner who lacks an emergency fund for major repairs.
• You’re a real estate agent trying to help a client sell a home.
• You’re selling your home and want to protect against expensive, unforseen repair bills.

What to consider before buying a home warranty in Florida

Here are some factors to take into consideration before you purchase a home warranty:

• Age of your appliances—New appliances may not need an additional warranty because they’re usually covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for 12 months. Once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, purchasing new appliance coverage makes sense. 
• Climate and location—When choosing a warranty provider in Florida, consider the climate of the region (this will affect the normal wear and tear of your home systems and appliances).
• Laws and permits—All home warranty companies in Florida are regulated by the Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR). There may be specific regulations and permits required by your city or county, so do your research on any local laws before committing to a coverage plan.

Florida home warranty reviews

One of the best ways to choose a home warranty is by reading about consumer experiences. Here are some reviews from current customers:

Sandra Bronick on Choice Home Warranty:

“Everyone I spoke to was knowledgeable and courteous. They listened to my questions and concerns and answered them to my satisfaction. In the end, they were able to offer me a warranty that met my needs and budget! I wasn’t happy with the repair people my other warranty service sent out, so we’ll see how well yours do. Thanks!”

Arshad Chaudhry on First American Home Warranty:

“Prompt and professional courteous service provided by the contractor.”

Sjoelle Tutson on Total Home Protection:

“I am 100% pleased with my service from Total. I called customer service late at night to put in a service request because my garbage disposal was leaking. Someone was out the very next morning and provided very efficient and reliable work. I haven’t had any problems with my disposal since. I think Total Home Protection is the perfect company to go with for anyone who is looking to protect their home.”

Which Florida home warranty company is the best?

If you’re ready to purchase a home warranty in Florida, these are the top three home warranty companies you should consider:

1. First American Home Warranty

This company is a veteran in the home warranty industry and was nominated for multiple home warranty insurance awards. They offer two main plans: Basic and Premier. The Basic plan covers major appliances while the Premier plan adds in coverage for home systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating. Not to mention, First American provides add-on coverage for specific items, like your pool or spa equipment, well pumps, and central air conditioning.

READ: In-depth First American Home Warranty review

2. Select Home Warranty

Select offers three levels of coverage and provides optional add-ons to allow homeowners to fully customize their warranties. The company covers all makes and models of appliances and systems. If you’re still on the fence with Select, you can find a sample contract on their website that clearly states coverage, limitations, and terms and conditions.

READ: Coverage offered by Select Home Warranty

3. Choice Home Warranty

This home warranty offers some of the most comprehensive coverage in the industry, excellent service technicians, and fast and simple solutions for its customers. CHW has two coverage packages: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. The Basic Plan includes home appliances, such as a water heater, a garage door opener, and a built-in dishwasher, while the Total Plan covers all of the appliances in the Basic Plan, as well as other major appliances and systems, such as air conditioning and a refrigerator.

READ: Choice Home Warranty Review

Final thoughts

Adding a home warranty is the best way to protect your entire home and give you peace of mind. Consider the age of the house, which home systems and appliances you want covered, and Florida’s warm and humid climate before you purchase a plan.

Florida has several reputable companies to choose from such as Select Home Warranty, Choice Home Warranty, and First American Home Warranty. Their flexibility in coverage, excellent customer service, and professional network service providers are all great selling points for customers.